Handheld Weights as an Effective and Comfortable Way To Increase Exercise Intensity of Physical Activity in Virtual Reality: Empirical Study

Abstract

Background In recent years, there has been a growing interest in active virtual reality games (AVRGs) that provide entertainment and encourage more physical activity (PA). Since playing AVRGs involves primarily arm movements, the intensity of this form of PA may not be sufficient for health benefits. Therefore, it is worth looking for virtual entertainment solutions that are comfortable for users and at the same time increase physical exercise. Objective The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of external loading of the arms in the form of handheld weights (HHWs) on exercise intensity in users playing a popular AVRG. The results obtained in the study were compared with the PA recommendations for health. The study also assessed the perceptions of the users about the attractiveness and usefulness of this type of exercise and discomfort caused by additional load on the arms. Methods The study covered 17 young adults aged 18 to 25 years playing an AVRG (Beat Saber) with no arm load and with HHWs (0.5 kg). A PlayStation 4 PRO console (Sony) with accessories including a head-mounted display and controllers was used in the study. PA intensity was evaluated using a heart rate monitor based on the percentage of maximal heart rate (% HRmax). The usability, attractiveness, and comfort perceived during exercise by users were evaluated using a survey questionnaire. Results The measurements showed that the mean % HRmax in participants playing Beat Saber without HHWs was significantly lower (P<.001; Cohen d=1.07) than that observed when playing with HHWs. It should be emphasized that with no additional load, the intensity of PA was low (mean 63.7% HRmax, SD 9.3% HRmax), while with the upper limb load, it increased to a moderate level (mean 67.1% HRmax, SD 10.3% HRmax), which is recommended for health benefits. The survey conducted in the study showed that HHWs (0.5 kg) attached to the wrists did not disturb Beat Saber players. Conclusions Since PA in most of the modern AVRGs primarily involves upper limb movements, the use of HHW seems to be a simple and effective way to increase exercise intensity, especially because, as reported by the study participants, such a procedure does not cause discomfort while using the application.

Application of immersive virtual reality in the training of wheelchair boxers: evaluation of exercise intensity and users experience additional load– a pilot exploratory study

“…This may result from the cognitive distraction mentioned earlier. Similar conclusions in this respect have also been presented in previous studies [ 3 ]. The results of the evaluation of satisfaction with PA in VR of wheelchair paraboxers encourage further research explorations related to the experiences and perceptions of people with physical disabilities when exercising in a virtual environment to identify factors influencing the attractiveness of this form of exercise.…”

“…Also interesting is the high correlation between PA intensity scores estimated from %HRmax and Borg’s RPE (6–20) scale for PA in VR with HHWs (r S =0.64), with a statistically insignificant correlation of scores for exercise without HHWs. It is worth mentioning that similar correlations were also observed in our previous studies, in which we found that without the application of additional load, the results of subjective and objective measurements of exercise intensity in VR did not correlate with each other, whereas after the application of additional resistance, the correlation was observed [ 3 ]. This fact is difficult to explain unequivocally, although it can be supposed that the additional small load applied during PA in VR makes the fatigue experienced by users more relevant to the actual fatigue than when physical exercise in VR is performed without load.…”

“…The analysis of the wheelchair boxers’ satisfaction with PA in VR based on the PACES survey reveals that this form of training suits disabled athletes, as evidenced by the high rating given to it by the study participants. The attractiveness of PA in VR has also been assessed in previous studies, yielding similar results [ 3 , 4 , 8 – 12 ]. However, these studies concerned physically healthy people.…”

“…Interestingly, no significant effect of HHWs on the exercise intensity of paraboxers was found during boxing training in VR, especially as other studies show that the application of a small additional load on the upper limbs significantly increases the intensity of PA during exercise in VR [ 3 ]. The research was carried out using a popular AVRG (Beat Saber).…”

“…Over the past few years, there has been a dynamic development of VR and growing interest in workout apps and active virtual reality video games (AVRGs), which provide entertainment and enable users to undertake various forms of physical activity (PA). There have been studies on the intensity of PA in VR [ 2 – 5 ], analysis of body movements in an immersive virtual environment [ 6 , 7 ], the evaluation of the enjoyment of this type of physical exercise [ 3 , 4 , 8 – 12 ], and the possibility of diagnosing and shaping motor and cognitive abilities in a virtual world [ 13 – 16 ].…”