Introduction: Recent advances in sensor technology demonstrate the potential to enhance training regimes with sensor-based augmented visual feedback training systems for complex movement tasks in sports. Sensorimotor learning requires feedback that guides the learning process towards an optimal solution for the task to be learned, while considering relevant aspects of the individual control system-a process that can be summarized as learning or improving coordination. Sensorimotor learning can be fostered significantly by coaches or therapists providing additional external feedback, which can be incorporated very effectively into the sensorimotor learning process when chosen carefully and administered well. Sensor technology can complement existing measures and therefore improve the feedback provided by the coach or therapist. Ultimately, this sensor technology constitutes a means for autonomous training by giving augmented feedback based on physiological, kinetic, or kinematic data, both in real-time and after training. This requires that the key aspects of feedback administration that prevent excessive guidance can also be successfully automated and incorporated into such electronic devices.
Methods: After setting the stage from a computational perspective on motor control and learning, we provided a scoping review of the findings on sensor-based augmented visual feedback in complex sensorimotor tasks occurring in sports-related settings. To increase homogeneity and comparability of the results, we excluded studies focusing on modalities other than visual feedback and employed strict inclusion criteria regarding movement task complexity and health status of participants.
Results: We reviewed 26 studies that investigated visual feedback in training regimes involving healthy adults aged 18-65. We extracted relevant data regarding the chosen feedback and intervention designs, measured outcomes, and summarized recommendations from the literature.
Discussion: Based on these findings and the theoretical background on motor learning, we compiled a set of considerations and recommendations for the development and evaluation of future sensor-based augmented feedback systems in the interim. However, high heterogeneity and high risk of bias prevent a meaningful statistical synthesis for an evidence-based feedback design guidance. Stronger study design and reporting guidelines are necessary for future research in the context of complex skill acquisition.
Keywords: augmented feedback; autonomous training; coordination training; design guideline; motor learning; sensor-based; visual feedback.
© 2023 Hegi, Heitz and Kredel.