Effects of VR and MR Exergaming on Mood and Executive Function During Workplace Microbreaks

NCT06889597 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 06032025-05-118
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 28
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effects of virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) exergaming interventions during workplace microbreaks on mood and executive functions. A crossover experimental design will be implemented with desk-based administrative employees. Participants will be randomly assigned to three conditions: VR exergaming, MR exergaming, and passive rest. Executive functions will be assessed using the PEBL Victoria Stroop Test, and mood state will be evaluated with the Positive Affect Subscale of PANAS (PA-PANAS). Secondary measures include heart rate, perceived exertion, and exercise adherence intention.The study will address the following research questions: How do VR and MR exergames influence executive functions compared to passive rest? How do VR and MR exergames affect mood states in workers compared to passive rest? How do VR and MR exergames compare in terms of heart rate response and perceived exertion during workplace microbreaks? How do VR and MR exergames impact exercise enjoyment and the intention to continue exergaming?

Conditions

Exergame; Active Video Games (AVG); Mood State; Executive Function (Cognition)

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Executive Functions

  Executive functions will be assessed using the PEBL Victoria Stroop Test. This test evaluates cognitive control, reaction time, and error rates in different experimental conditions. To eliminate learning effects, each participant will complete two practice trials before the experimental session. The test consists of three phases (1. Neutral words (words without color conflict), 2. Congruent words (words where the meaning matches the text color), 3.Incongruent words (words where the meaning differs from the text color). Participants will be instructed to identify the color of the word as quickly and accurately as possible. Reaction times (in milliseconds) and error rates will be recorded.

  Baseline and immediately post-intervention (within 5 minutes after the session

• Mood State

  Participants' mood states will be assessed using the Positive Affect subscale of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). PANAS is a widely used self-report instrument designed to measure two distinct dimensions of affective states: Positive Affect (PA) and Negative Affect (NA). However, in this study, only the PA subscale will be utilized. This decision is based on the study's focus on the short-term affective benefits of VR and MR exercise, as physical activity is predominantly linked to improvements in positive emotions rather than significant reductions in negative affect. Additionally, since negative emotions may not exhibit substantial changes in a single-session exercise context, analyzing only positive affect provides a clearer understanding of the intervention's psychological benefits.

  Baseline and immediately post-intervention (within 5 minutes after the session)

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Heart Rate

  Baseline and during intervention

• Perceived Exertion

  Baseline and immediately post-intervention (within 5 minutes after the session)

• Intention to Continue

  Immediately post-intervention (within 5 minutes after the session)

Study Arms (3)

VR EXERGAME

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will engage in a Virtual Reality (VR)-based exergame session using the PowerBeatsVR application. The session will include rhythm-based exercises, such as punching targets and dodging obstacles, aimed at promoting physical activity during a short break in the workplace.

Other: Experimental

MR EXERGAME

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will engage in a Mixed Reality (MR)-based exergame session using the PowerBeatsVR application in MR mode. This condition allows participants to interact with virtual elements while maintaining awareness of their physical surroundings.

Other: Experimental

REST

NO INTERVENTION

Participants will remain seated in a quiet room for the same duration as the VR and MR sessions. During this time, they will be asked to rest without engaging in any physical activity. Talking, using mobile devices, or interacting with others will not be allowed to ensure a consistent resting condition across participants.

Interventions

Experimental OTHER

Virtual Reality Exergame (VR) Participants will engage in a 5-minute fully immersive Virtual Reality (VR) exergame session using the PowerBeatsVR application. This intervention takes place in a virtual environment where participants perform rhythm-based physical activities such as punching targets and dodging obstacles. The VR session isolates participants from their real-world surroundings, offering a highly immersive experience designed to promote physical activity and assess its physiological and psychological effects.

Also known as: VR EXERGAME

MR EXERGAME

Eligibility Criteria

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

You may qualify if:

• Aged 18 years and older
• No regular physical exercise in the last three months (less than three days per week, less than 30 minutes per session)
• No prior experience with VR/MR technologies
• No history of neurological or cardiovascular disorders
• No epilepsy, vertigo, or inner ear conditions
• No use of medications affecting the central nervous system
• Low or moderate physical activity levels, as assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)
• Cleared for physical activity based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)

You may not qualify if:

• High physical activity levels as indicated by the IPAQ
• Not meeting the safety criteria for physical activity according to the PAR-Q
• Individuals experiencing dizziness, nausea, or discomfort while using VR/MR
• Vision impairments that prevent the use of VR/MR headsets
• Pregnant individuals

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Akdeniz University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Akdeniz University

Konyaalti, Antalya, 07070, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Research Assistant

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 17, 2025
• First Posted: March 21, 2025
• Study Start: March 10, 2025
• Primary Completion: June 11, 2025
• Study Completion: June 11, 2025
• Last Updated: September 17, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)