Virtual Reality Exergaming on Heart Rate, Perceived Exertion, and Technology Acceptance in Healthy Individuals

NCT06411119 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 11014
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 9
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This pilot cohort study aimed to investigate the immediate impact of Virtual Reality (VR) exergaming on heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and technology acceptance using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) in healthy adults. Participants engaged in a 20-minute session of VR exergaming using the Meta Oculus Quest 2™ headset. HR and RPE were measured at baseline, during, and after the intervention, while technology acceptance was assessed pre- and post-intervention using the UTAUT questionnaire. The results showed that VR exergaming increased HR while maintaining perceived exertion at low to moderate levels. Technology acceptance also improved significantly across all domains measured by UTAUT, with particularly notable increases in Performance Expectancy and Effort Expectancy. The findings suggest that VR exergaming is an effective method to enhance physical activity, motivation, and engagement, providing promising support for its use as a rehabilitation tool for individuals struggling with adherence and motivation.

Conditions

Healthy; Physical Activity; Virtual Reality; Exergame; Inactivity, Physical

Keywords

Exergaming; Virtual Reality; Meta Oculus Quest; Heart rate; Rate of perceived exertion; Technology acceptance; Bayesian Inferences; Pilot; cohort study; Healthy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

  RPE was assessed using the CR-10 Borg Scale, which measures perceived exertion on a standardised 1-10 scale. This metric was used to determine participants' perceived physical exertion levels, where higher scores are an indication of greater exertion.

  Baseline (before the VR exergaming session), during each song in the 20-minute intervention, and immediately post-intervention.

• Heart Rate (HR)

  HR was measured with the Polar RS400 monitor to evaluate cardiovascular response. HR was recorded at baseline, throughout the 20-minute Virtual Reality exergaming session, and immediately post-intervention.

  Baseline (before the VR exergaming session), continuously during the 20-minute session, and immediately post-intervention.

• Technology Acceptance

  Technology acceptance was measured using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) questionnaire. The UTAUT questionnaire contains 22 items and evaluates six constructs: Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Facilitating Conditions, Self-Efficacy, and Behavioural Intention. Each question is measured using a 7-point Likert scale, from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Higher scores indicate a better outcome, reflecting greater acceptance and intention to use the technology.

  Before the VR exergaming session and immediately post-intervention.

Study Arms (1)

Virtual Reality Exergaming Intervention

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants engaged in a 20-minute session of the Beat Saber game using the Meta Oculus Quest 2™ Virtual Reality headset, which required them to perform various physical movements like lateral steps, squats, and upper limb motions. The gameplay was adjusted to a moderate difficulty level in 'no-fail' mode to maintain consistent activity and ensure an engaging experience. Physiological and psychological outcomes, including heart rate, perceived exertion, and technology acceptance, were assessed before and after the intervention.

Device: Meta Oculus Quest 2™ Virtual Reality Exergaming

Interventions

Meta Oculus Quest 2™ Virtual Reality Exergaming DEVICE

Participants utilised the Meta Oculus Quest 2™ Virtual Reality headset to play the Beat Saber game, which involves striking blocks in time to music using hand controllers. Gameplay was configured at a moderate difficulty level in 'no-fail' mode to encourage continuous activity across pre-selected songs, requiring participants to perform movements such as lateral steps, squats, and arm motions. Each session lasted for 20 minutes, including 30-second rest intervals between songs, to maximise physical activity and monitor heart rate, perceived exertion, and technology acceptance.

Virtual Reality Exergaming Intervention

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• male or female participants
• University student or staff
• age 18-65
• able to read and comprehend written and spoken English

You may not qualify if:

• any musculoskeletal injury within the last six months
• recent operation,
• long term health conditions that affect ability to engage in exercise
• claustrophobia
• vertigo and motion sickness
• experiencing covid-19 symptoms

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Teesside University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Teesside University

Middlesbrough, United Kingdom

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Motor Activity; Sedentary Behavior

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior

Study Officials

• Jonathan Robinson, PhD

  Teesside University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Masking Details: The researcher who completed the data analysis (JR) was blinded to the participants and specifics of the intervention.
• Purpose: BASIC SCIENCE
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Senior Lecturer in Research Methods

Model Details: This study employed a pre- and post-cohort model, where participants' heart rate, perceived exertion, and technology acceptance were assessed before and after a 20-minute session of Virtual Reality exergaming.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 7, 2024
• First Posted: May 13, 2024
• Study Start: January 1, 2023
• Primary Completion: January 31, 2023
• Study Completion: January 31, 2023
• Last Updated: May 16, 2024

Record last verified: 2024-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

GB (1)