An Integrated Virtual Reality and Wearable Eye-Tracking Framework for Objective Characterization of Visual Behavior in Competitive Archers

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Abstract
Objective and reproducible characterization of visual behavior under ecologically valid conditions remains a methodological challenge in precision sports. This pilot feasibility study presents a multimodal engineering framework that integrates progressive virtual reality (VR) visual training, standardized clinical assessment, wearable binocular eye tracking, inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensing, and fully automated Quiet Eye (QE) extraction. Eight competitive archers were recruited; six completed the full protocol (final analytical sample n = 6). Participants underwent a progressive three-session VR training program targeting smooth pursuit, fusional vergence, and eye–hand coordination, delivered with the Eyesoft EMAA Pro 2 platform. Clinical visual function was assessed before and after the intervention. Following training, gaze behavior during standardized blank-bale shooting was recorded with the Pupil Labs Neon head-mounted binocular eye tracker synchronized with its onboard 9-DoF IMU. An automated analysis pipeline combined fixation detection, IMU-based release detection, and acoustic verification of bowstring release to extract QE duration with minimal observer intervention. The short intervention was associated with a significant increase in the number of successful visuomotor responses (TSM; p = 0.026, r = 0.91). An increase in the slowest reaction time (LSM; p = 0.028, r = 0.90) was also observed and is interpreted as greater response variability rather than an improvement. Accommodative, binocular, and dynamic visual acuity measures showed no statistically significant changes. Automated analysis revealed substantial inter-individual variability in QE duration (median range 155–4975 ms) together with relatively homogeneous fixation, saccade, and pupil metrics. The principal contribution of this work is a complete, largely automated workflow that enables objective and reproducible assessment of gaze behavior during archery performance under ecologically valid conditions. Given the small sample size, short training period, and absence of a control group, all findings must be regarded as preliminary. The framework provides a technical platform for future longitudinal studies, individualized visual training systems, and potential real-time biofeedback applications in precision sports, contingent upon larger controlled trials and formal validation of the automated pipeline.

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