University of Twente Student Theses

Login

Multimodal virtual rowing coach

Bergsma, Sascha (2020) Multimodal virtual rowing coach.

[img] PDF
5MB
Abstract:Rowing can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. However, because its entry level is so low many rowers lack proper technique, making injuries very common in the sport. Furthermore, rowing coaches often coach large groups where each rower is given a fraction of their time, and can have difficulties coaching a group with varying skill levels. Therefore, a system was created using an indoor rowing machine and virtual reality technology which can provide augmented multimodal (visual, auditory, and haptic) feedback on a beginner’s rowing technique. A motion tracking setup capable of estimating a rower’s body position was realised in a narrow home environment using three motion tracking devices and the head-mounted display which also functions as a motion tracker. Then, to increase enjoyment of training, an accurate single scull rowing simulation was created accompanied by a virtual character. The rowing skills hand trajectory and velocity, and back angle were chosen to address after interviews with four expert rowing coaches and a literature review. Subsequently, in all modalities, varieties of feedback on these rowing skills were designed based on related work. Through five qualitative tests on four beginning rowers all feedback varieties and several combinations of feedback were evaluated. While the visual feedback was always observed to be most intuitive and effective, the also effective auditory and haptic feedback seem to have good potential to decrease the dependency on feedback, and avoid having to look in a direction while rowing. Additionally, when either auditory or haptic feedback is added to visual feedback it can point attention to details and allow the user to switch their focus between the two. Furthermore, preference for either a multimodal combination or a unimodal visual combination of feedback addressing different skills seems to heavily depend on the user. The set up platform shows great potential for technique correction of beginning rowers using virtual reality. Now, it can be expanded using the results of this research, and by conducting quantitative research more conclusive results can be drawn.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:EEMCS: Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
Subject:50 technical science in general
Programme:Creative Technology BSc (50447)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/85060
Export this item as:BibTeX
EndNote
HTML Citation
Reference Manager

 

Repository Staff Only: item control page