Enhancing Adaptive Sports Training through Bespoke Virtual Reality Games: the Case of Adaptive Hockey and Soccer

Abstract

The growing accessibility of virtual reality (VR) technology presents new possibilities for individuals with physical disabilities to engage in adaptive sports training. This paper reports on a qualitative study exploring the perceptions, experiences, and feedback of athletes with physical disabilities after interacting with bespoke VR games for two adaptive sports, namely Volt Hockey and Power Soccer. Results indicated that participants view VR as a valuable tool for overcoming physical and logistical barriers to practice, enhancing skill development, and promoting sustained engagement with their sport. At the same time, participants identified key challenges related to equipment accessibility, physical comfort, input responsiveness, and the need for multiplayer functionality. This study highlights the potential of bespoke VR games to complement traditional adaptive sports training and underscores the importance of user-centered design practices in designing and developing accessible and meaningful VR experiences for people with disabilities. Our findings offer practical insights for developers, designers, and researchers aiming to support equal access to adaptive sports training through VR technology. © 2025 Copyright held by the owner/author(s).