3D Sa’i Virtual Reality for Monitoring Hajj Pilgrims’ Cardiorespiratory Performance

Abstract

Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a significant religious obligation for Muslims who are financially and physically capable of performing it. However, the physical demands of the pilgrimage can be daunting for many, especially in terms of cardiorespiratory fitness, which plays a critical role in successfully completing the Hajj and Umrah. The strenuous and rigorous activities involved in the pilgrimage, such as Sai, Tawaf, throwing stones at the three Jamrat in high-temperature environments, overcrowding, and other vigorous activities, can often leave pilgrims feeling fatigued and exhausted, leading to potential unconsciousness. To address this issue, this research aims to improve the fitness levels of pilgrims, focusing mainly on the Sai activity, which is one of the most physically demanding aspects of the Hajj pilgrimage. The researchers developed a 3D virtual environment application called Qaadirun ‘ala adaari assa’ie, also known as "Fit 4 Sa’i," which simulates the real environment of Sai. A true experimental design and pretest-posttest control group design were employed to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. During the study, the participants underwent a 2.4-kilometer fitness test and completed eight training sessions over a four-week period to determine if the program was successful in improving their cardiovascular fitness. The study outcomes were analyzed, and it was discovered that the training provided by the program was beneficial in helping individuals reach the required fitness levels needed to complete the Hajj pilgrimage successfully.