Virtual Reality Against Doping: The Case of Project VIRAL

Abstract

Doping is considered a major threat of modern sport. Since the establishment of the anti-doping system emphasis was placed on the detection and punishment approach in the fight against doping. Recently a shift to education as a preventive tool against doping has been made. In this effort several antidoping educational interventions have been developed. These interventions have been found modestly effective in educating athletes against doping. To move education, forward a virtual reality game is proposed. Virtual reality has been found effective in changing attitudes, intention and behavior. Therefore, virtual reality can be suitable in addressing the appearance and performance related reasoning underlying the decision making towards the use of performance and appearance enhancing substances. The present paper describes the conceptual basis of VIRAL project that aims to develop the first virtual reality game for doping prevention in competitive and recreational sports. The VIRAL project will a) utilize cutting-edge behavioural science research about the risk and protective factors against doping use to inform the development of an antidoping virtual reality program, b) use an "open innovation" framework to codesign the anti-doping virtual reality program and c) apply and evaluate the effectiveness of the doping prevention VR program in changing young people's learning, motivation, beliefs and behaviour towards doping. Overall, the VIRAL project is expected to develop anti-doping educational material that will address the needs of young athletes and will be able to educate against doping through innovative learning pedagogies.

Empowering Young Athletes: Elevating Anti-Doping Education with Virtual Reality

“…Importantly, the skills acquired through VR-based exposure therapy extend beyond the virtual realm, finding practical applicability in real-life competitive settings [1]. The transferability of these skills enhances the value of anti-doping education, equipping athletes to make informed and ethical decisions when facing doping-related challenges in their sporting careers.…”

“…The main objective of this research, building upon prior work [1], is to propose the creation of an advanced virtual reality application, meticulously tailored for both competitive and recreational athletes, to elevate the efficacy of anti-doping education. This initiative aims to inculcate a heightened comprehension of doping's perils and consequences while fostering a more robust commitment to equitable play and ethical competition.…”

16th European Network of Sport Education Forum

“…Konstantinos Chatznikolaou from Thessaloniki took the floor again to present the concept and footage from the virtual reality game developed as part of project ViRAL. This unique project seeks to tap into the immersive and interactive opportunities offered by virtual reality (VR) to provide anti-doping education for young athletes [11]. Elsewhere, Francesca Lenzi from 'Foro Italico' presented a unique mobile app meant to raise awareness and participation in physical and social activity in urban environments, while Francesco Cassese and Anna Maria Mariani of the Unicusano University offered insights from the SportinForma training programme to support the healthy development of youth.…”