Physiological and Psychological Effects of Virtual Reality vs Traditional Exercise

NCT06420414 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 10853
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 10
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aimed to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of immersive Virtual Reality (VR) as an alternative to traditional High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) by comparing physiological and psychological outcomes in physically active university students. The pilot randomised controlled trial utilised a parallel design involving two groups: one group performed HIIT using the Facebook Oculus Quest 2 VR headset with the "FitXR" fitness game, while the other undertook traditional HIIT training that mirrored the movements and actions of the VR game. The study's findings suggest that fully immersive VR provides a unique and potentially more enjoyable alternative to traditional HIIT, particularly because it may enhance motivation while still achieving health benefits. This pilot research study highlights VR's potential to reach high-flow states in exercise, where individuals become deeply absorbed and derive satisfaction from the activity. It also lays the groundwork for future studies involving larger sample sizes and clinical populations to further investigate the psychological and physiological impacts of VR-based exercise. In summary, this pilot randomised controlled trial found that immersive VR could be a feasible and effective alternative to traditional HIIT training, offering similar physiological benefits while enhancing exercise motivation and enjoyment. Further research is necessary to validate these preliminary results and extend them to diverse populations.

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; RCT; Healthy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Heart Rate (HR)

  Average percentage of maximum heart rate (%HRmax) and heart rate reserve (%HRR), measured using the Polar HR monitor RS400. The intensity levels were classified according to American Heart Association guidelines: ≥50% HRmax or ≥45% HRR as moderate intensity and ≥70% HRmax or ≥60% HRR as vigorous intensity.

  During each 15-minute HIIT session for both VR and traditional groups.

• Perceived Exertion (RPE)

  Average score on the CR-10 BORG's scale, where 0 represents "rest" and 10 represents "maximal" effort. Perceived exertion scores were obtained every 5 minutes, and an average score was calculated. Higher scores are an indication of greater exertion.

  Every 5 minutes throughout the 15-minute HIIT session for both groups.

• Flow Experience

  The Flow State Scale (FSS) questionnaire measured the extent to which participants experienced flow states during their respective HIIT sessions. There is a total of 36 items with 9 subscales measuring challenge-skill balance, action awareness merging, clear goals, unambiguous feedback, concentration on the task at hand, paradox (or sense) of control, loss of self-consciousness, time transformation, and autotelic experience. Each question is measured using a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Higher scores indicate a better outcome, reflecting a higher degree of flow experience.

  Immediately after each 15-minute HIIT session.

Study Arms (2)

Virtual Reality (VR) HIIT

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this arm underwent a single session of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) via the Facebook Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality headset and "FitXR" fitness game. This immersive VR environment engaged participants in a 15-minute HIIT session, involving squats, lunges, and punches to virtual targets. The intensity was comparable to traditional HIIT, with a 10-second rest between intervals.

Other: Virtual Reality

Traditional HIIT

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this arm underwent a single session of traditional High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), mirroring the movements and duration of the "FitXR" VR game. Exercises like squats, lunges, and punching targets were replicated, ensuring the same 15-minute workout duration and 10-second rest intervals, as in the VR arm.

Other: Traditional HIIT

Interventions

Virtual Reality OTHER

Participants engaged in a 15-minute HIIT session using the Facebook Oculus Quest 2 VR headset with the "FitXR" fitness game. The advanced level workout (High Speed) was chosen, where participants performed functional movements like squats, lunges, and trunk rotations while punching virtual targets. The VR environment provided a 10-second rest period between intervals and featured a virtual trainer's guidance.

Also known as: Facebook Oculus Quest 2

Virtual Reality (VR) HIIT

Traditional HIIT OTHER

Participants followed a non-VR 15-minute HIIT programme designed to replicate the exercises and patterns seen in the "FitXR" game. The traditional exercises included squats, lunges, and punches, matching the VR programme's intensity and interval structure. Participants watched a pre-recorded video on a laptop, which guided them through the workout. The 10-second rest periods were also maintained for consistency.

Traditional HIIT

Eligibility Criteria

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

You may qualify if:

• Teesside University physiotherapy student.
• Participants willing and able to give informed consent.
• Have an active lifestyle (performing either 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic exercise).
• No prior experience with exercise using the VR headset.

You may not qualify if:

• Have a known medical condition that would prevent them from exercising.
• Are not able to provide informed consent.

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: RANDOMIZED
• 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: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Senior Lecturer in Research Methods

Model Details: This parallel-design pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) had two arms, each representing a different intervention: one group used a virtual reality (VR) exergaming system ("FitXR" on the Facebook Oculus Quest 2) and the other performed traditional High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), mirroring the same movements and durations as in the VR game. Participants were allocated to the two arms via block randomisation, stratified by gender. Both groups underwent a 15-minute HIIT session with 10-second intervals, aimed at comparing physiological and psychological effects between VR and non-VR interventions.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 14, 2024
• First Posted: May 20, 2024
• Study Start: January 1, 2023
• Primary Completion: January 31, 2023
• Study Completion: January 31, 2023
• Last Updated: May 20, 2024

Record last verified: 2024-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

GB (1)