Development and psychometric validation of a knowledge–attitudes–practices questionnaire for virtual reality training in tennis: a cross-sectional study among Chinese university students with tennis training experience

BACKGROUND: At present, there is no validated instrument to assess athletes' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning virtual reality (VR) in sports training. This study developed and psychometrically validated a VR Tennis KAP questionnaire for Chinese university students with tennis training experience. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey involving 480 collegiate tennis players was executed. The 30-item scale, developed through expert consultation and pilot testing, was subjected to reliability and validity evaluation utilising exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA/CFA). RESULTS: EFA revealed a three-factor structure accounting for 47.4% of variance. CFA verified exceptional model fit ($\chi^2/df = 1.08$; $CFI = 0.994$; $RMSEA = 0.013$). Internal consistency was excellent across all subscales (total α = 0.918). Participants with prior VR experience demonstrated significantly higher scores ($d = 0.72, p < .001$) than those without prior VR experience. CONCLUSIONS: The questionnaire demonstrates strong psychometric properties, serving as a valid tool for assessing perceptions of VR technology in sports research and interventions.