Physiological and Psychological Effects of Virtual Reality vs Traditional Exercise

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

Interventions

OTHER

Virtual Reality

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.

OTHER

Traditional HIIT

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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Teesside University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Jonathan Robinson, PhD · Teesside University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-01-01

Primary Completion

2023-01-31

Completion

2023-01-31

Countries

• United Kingdom

Study Locations