Author(s): HOLLAUS, B., KEINER, J., GALLINAT, M., KRANHOLDT, S., MIKULIC, D., VOLMER, J., Institution: MCI INNSBRUCK, Country: AUSTRIA, Abstract-ID: 1877

INTRODUCTION:
Luge is a low-cost and accessible recreational activity, which is popular in alpine regions. However, the risk of injury is high, especially for beginners or tourists according to ÖKAS [1]. Therefore, promoting luge safety is important to minimized the amount of accidents and deaths in luge. In most cases the reason behind an accident is the lack of skill in steering the luge [2]. Hence, it would be ideal, to have the skill to steer already before luging on a slope. How can the skill be learned in a safe way without luging on a slope? In cooperation with the luge federation of Austria (Rodel Austria), the project VRodel was realized, that answers this question.
METHODS:
In a first step of the VRodel project, a requirement analysis was realized. It was important to answer the question, what users would expect and want from a luge safety experience. The outcome showed, that a virtual and immersive game is of interest, that appears as real as possible. Additionally, it should train the steering and other skills in luge which can be transferred to a real luge experience. In a second step, the luge slope of Kühtai was virtualized by means of photogrammetry. The three-dimensional model was then cleaned, polished and set into the virtual Stubai vally. In a third step, a game was developed in the virtual world, to create a virtual training. The focus was on the correct physical behavior of the luge in the virtual world. Based on measurements, physical properties like friction coefficients & the effect of body movement on steering have been adjusted. The safety training uses gamification aspects to be as immersive as possible. As a fourth step, the game was tested by experts of Rodel Austria and some beta-testers.
RESULTS:
The project resulted in a virtual reality safety training for the sport of luge, that excels the current luge simulation games in terms of appearance, realness and transferability of skills into the real sport. This was underlined by the feedback of the experts of Rodel Austria and some beta-testers.
CONCLUSION:
Le Noury et al. mention the potential of extended reality for training a skill in sports in their review. They also outlined that this field showed low efficacy on improving motor skills in the past and more research is needed [3]. This project is addressing the needs from society for safer luging and at the same time used an approach that needs more research according to Le Noury.
Reference:
[1] ÖKAS, Österreichisches Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit. (2021, April). Der Zwischenbericht Winter. https://alpinesicherheit.at/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/PA-2022-Winter-2021_22_12042022.pdf
[2] Regina Sterr, Österreichisches Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit. (2019, January 29th). Rodeln in Zahlen. https://www.alpinmesse.info/de/Rodeln-in-Zahlen/
[3] Le Noury, P., Polman, R., Maloney, M. et al. A Narrative Review of the Current State of Extended Reality Technology and How it can be Utilised in Sport. Sports Med 52, 1473–1489 (2022). doi: 10.1007/s40279-022-01669-0