LEAP VR

Research prototype

Long-jump imagery in virtual reality

LEAP-VR is a configurable research prototype for Meta Quest. Athletes prepare for a long jump, observe a reference movement, and mentally rehearse it from the athlete’s viewpoint without physical running or jumping.

A PETTLEP-grounded virtual reality application for imagery training management in athletics

Developed at UEK in KrakówIn collaboration with athletes and physiotherapists.
Explore the prototype
LEAP VR logo

Prototype views

Observe. Then take the athlete’s viewpoint.

The stadium and long-jump task stay consistent as the viewpoint changes.

Stadium view from behind the LEAP-VR athlete avatar
Third-person observationWatch the reference long-jump movement from outside the athlete’s body.
First-person stadium view with the athlete avatar's hands and legs visible
First-person rehearsalObserve the sequence from within the avatar and mentally rehearse it.

Video

LEAP-VR video demonstration

A short presentation of the prototype and the long-jump imagery experience.

Session flow

Eight stages, from setup to session log

The sequence connects preparation, observation, imagery, and session logging.

PETTLEP-grounded imagery training

Setup & preparation

  1. Configuration

    Select the avatar, scene, scenario, and preferences. Adjust the visual style and session settings.

  2. Calibration

    Calibrate height and position to align the avatar for correct embodiment.

  3. Breathing preparation

    Use guided breathing to focus attention and regulate arousal.

  4. Activation

    Complete a short activation sequence to prepare the body and mind for movement.

Observation, imagery & logging

  1. Third-person observation

    Observe a technically correct long-jump model from a third-person perspective.

  2. First-person rehearsal

    Mentally rehearse the movement from the athlete’s first-person perspective.

  3. Perspective switching

    Switch between first-person and third-person views to compare and integrate perspectives.

  4. Log export

    Export the session summary and log data in CSV or JSON format.

LEAP VR family

Distinct identities for the project’s experiences

Separate visual identities distinguish the conference demo, guided breathing, and activation.

LEAP VR ISMAR logo in violet and magenta

ISMAR

Long-jump observation and imagery demo.

LEAP VR BREATH logo in turquoise and green

BREATH

Guided breathing for preparation and attention.

LEAP VR ACTIV logo in orange

ACTIV

A short activation exercise before motor imagery.

Research focus

A controlled setting for motor imagery research

LEAP-VR applies the PETTLEP framework to a long-jump scenario. Researchers can vary perspective and preparation conditions while keeping the task setting consistent.

Evaluation is planned to examine feasibility, presence, embodiment, and usability. The prototype does not yet establish an improvement in athletic performance.

Conference presentation

LEAP-VR at IEEE ISMAR 2026

The LEAP-VR team presents this demo at this year’s IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality.

Bari, Italy5–9 October 2026

Open for collaboration

Let’s advance
LEAP-VR together.

We are open to collaborations that help evaluate, extend, and apply LEAP-VR in research.

Athlete Research

Studies with sports clubs, coaches, physiotherapists, and athlete populations.

Joint Research Projects

Joint publications and grant proposals, adapting LEAP-VR to different sports, and integrating motion capture.