Augmented Reality-Based Trajectory Feedback Does Not Improve Aiming in Dart-Throwing

In this study, augmented reality (AR)-based training did not improve aiming during dart-throwing. Several studies have suggested that motor skill learning is influenced by the learner’s attentional focus. An external focus of attention (e.g., dart motion) is more important for dart-throwing training than an internal focus of attention (e.g., physical motion). In computational neuroscience, motor learning theory posits that explicit error feedback is essential for acquiring novel motor skills. Thus, we hypothesized that dart-throwing performance can be improved by feedback based on the dart trajectory in a previous trial using an AR head-mounted display (HMD). To test our hypothesis, we tested an AR training system in 20 participants who threw darts under several conditions, with or without being presented with the trajectory and with or without wearing the AR HMD. However, we did not observe any significant effects of the AR-based trajectory feedback on aiming accuracy during dart throwing. Thus, trajectory feedback does not improve the dart-throwing performance. Our results will provide a basis for further research on AR applications.