Biathlon combines high-intensity cross-country skiing with precision rifle shooting, demanding endurance, coordination, balance, breath control, and sustained cognitive focus. This paper presents the design and evaluation of an immersive VR biathlon simulator developed in Unity for a standalone Meta Quest headset. The system integrates impact-based ski-pole locomotion, physics-driven shooting mechanics, markerless motion capture for NPC animation, and real-time performance feedback within a fully immersive winter environment. Designed for both sport engineering and inclusive rehabilitation, the simulator supports motor coordination training, technical rehearsal, and cognitive-motor enhancement. A propulsion model based on pole-ground impact detection replicates skiing dynamics through upper-limb motion, while the shooting module trains stability and aiming precision via ballistic simulation. The system was tested with 60 users with disabilities. Standardized assessments (SUS, Cybersickness Questionnaire) and observational analysis indicated high usability, low discomfort, and strong immersion. Repeated use showed improvements in upper-limb coordination, postural control, attention, and task-switching abilities. These results demonstrate the feasibility and therapeutic potential of an immersive, physics-based VR biathlon platform as a scalable solution for adaptive sport training and cognitive-motor rehabilitation, aligned with inclusive winter sport initiatives and the Milano-Cortina 2026 legacy framework.
AI-Driven Immersive VR Biathlon for Dual-Task Cognitive-Motor Enhancement in Individuals with Disabilities
Rebecca Papa;Mario Covarrubias;Sara Arlati
2026-01-01
Abstract
Biathlon combines high-intensity cross-country skiing with precision rifle shooting, demanding endurance, coordination, balance, breath control, and sustained cognitive focus. This paper presents the design and evaluation of an immersive VR biathlon simulator developed in Unity for a standalone Meta Quest headset. The system integrates impact-based ski-pole locomotion, physics-driven shooting mechanics, markerless motion capture for NPC animation, and real-time performance feedback within a fully immersive winter environment. Designed for both sport engineering and inclusive rehabilitation, the simulator supports motor coordination training, technical rehearsal, and cognitive-motor enhancement. A propulsion model based on pole-ground impact detection replicates skiing dynamics through upper-limb motion, while the shooting module trains stability and aiming precision via ballistic simulation. The system was tested with 60 users with disabilities. Standardized assessments (SUS, Cybersickness Questionnaire) and observational analysis indicated high usability, low discomfort, and strong immersion. Repeated use showed improvements in upper-limb coordination, postural control, attention, and task-switching abilities. These results demonstrate the feasibility and therapeutic potential of an immersive, physics-based VR biathlon platform as a scalable solution for adaptive sport training and cognitive-motor rehabilitation, aligned with inclusive winter sport initiatives and the Milano-Cortina 2026 legacy framework.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
