Virtual reality (VR) provides the potential for immersive and engaging training solutions for improving sport performance. However, if VR training is to be adopted and used in an effective and evidence-based fashion, a more rigorous assessment of the validity of the simulation is required. Construct validity is the degree to which the simulation provides an accurate representation of core features of the task. In the context of sport, if the training drills in the VR environment are a true representation of the skills needed in the real world, then those that excel at the sport in the real world should also excel in the virtual one. In this experiment, we examined the construct validity of a soccer-specific VR simulator by recruiting professional, academy, and novice players. Seventeen participants in each group completed four VR soccer drills, and the VR software provided scores relating to performance and process (e.g., passing accuracy, composure, reaction time, and adaptability). Based on these scores, an algorithm gave a diagnostic score relating to the predicted ability of the player. Results showed that this VR platform successfully differentiated between participants of differing skill levels. These results provide some support for the construct validity of this VR simulator and suggest at least partial overlap between the perceptual-cognitive and motor skills needed to perform well across ‘real’ and virtual environments. Further work is needed to explore the validity and fidelity of the simulation before its adoption as a training device can be fully endorsed.

虚拟现实（VR）为沉浸式和引人入胜的训练解决方案提供了潜力，以改善运动表现。但是，如果要以有效和基于证据的方式采用和使用VR培训，则需要对仿真的有效性进行更严格的评估。构造效度是模拟为任务的核心特征提供准确表示的程度。在体育方面，如果VR环境中的训练是真实世界中所需技能的真实表示，那么在现实世界中擅长这项运动的人也应该在虚拟环境中胜出。在本实验中，我们通过招募专业人士，学术界和新手球员来检查足球专用VR模拟器的构造效度。每组17名参与者完成了4次VR足球训练，VR软件提供与性能和过程有关的分数（例如，通过准确性，镇定性，反应时间和适应性）。基于这些得分，算法给出与玩家的预测能力有关的诊断得分。结果表明，该VR平台成功地区分了不同技能水平的参与者。这些结果为该VR模拟器的构造有效性提供了一定的支持，并暗示在“真实”和虚拟环境中表现出色所需的感知-认知和运动技能之间至少存在部分重叠。需要进一步的工作来探索模拟的有效性和逼真度，然后才能完全认可其为训练设备。和适应性）。基于这些分数，算法给出与玩家的预测能力有关的诊断分数。结果表明，该VR平台成功地区分了不同技能水平的参与者。这些结果为该VR模拟器的构造有效性提供了一定的支持，并表明在“真实”和虚拟环境中表现出色所需的感知-认知和运动技能之间至少存在部分重叠。需要进一步的工作来探索模拟的有效性和逼真度，然后才能完全认可其为训练设备。和适应性）。基于这些得分，算法给出与玩家的预测能力有关的诊断得分。结果表明，该VR平台成功地区分了不同技能水平的参与者。这些结果为该VR模拟器的构造有效性提供了一定的支持，并暗示在“真实”和虚拟环境中表现出色所需的感知-认知和运动技能之间至少存在部分重叠。需要进一步的工作来探索模拟的有效性和逼真度，然后才能完全认可其为训练设备。这些结果为该VR模拟器的构造有效性提供了一定的支持，并暗示在“真实”和虚拟环境中表现出色所需的感知-认知和运动技能之间至少存在部分重叠。需要进一步的工作来探索模拟的有效性和逼真度，然后才能完全认可其为训练设备。这些结果为该VR模拟器的构造有效性提供了一定的支持，并暗示在“真实”和虚拟环境中表现出色所需的感知-认知和运动技能之间至少存在部分重叠。需要进一步的工作来探索模拟的有效性和逼真度，然后才能完全认可其为训练设备。