How Exergaming with Virtual Reality Enhances Specific Cognitive and Visuo‐Motor Abilities: An Explorative Study

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) is the computer simulation of a three‐dimensional environment that a person can interact with using special electronic equipment, such as a headset with an integrated display. Often coupled with VR, exergames are video games that involve physical exercise. Little is known regarding the chronic effects of exergaming through VR chon cognitive functions. Eleven young participants were enrolled in this crossover exploratory study. They had to follow two trainings of 5 consecutive days, 15 min per day, interspaced by a 1‐month washout period. Trainings were performed in a random order: (1) a video training using shadow boxing fitness videos (SBV) and (2) a VR training using a three‐dimensional game where the aim is to cut moving cubes with a sword in each hand. Before and after each training period, a battery of cognitive tests was performed to assess executive functions, such as attention (change blindness), reaction time, response inhibition (go/no‐go, Stroop task), or flexibility (trail making test). Fine motor skills were also evaluated through a Fitt's task. No effect of the SBV training was observed on any of the cognitive functions tested. On the contrary, a significant increased performance in selective attention and observation tests was found after VR training, as well as in inhibitory processes (Stroop and go/no‐go). Other performances were unaffected by either VR or SBV training. The present study argues that VR exergaming is a promising tool to promote cognitive enhancement but targets specific functions according to the type of interface/game that is used.

Predicting VR cybersickness and its impact on visuomotor performance using head rotations and field (in)dependence

“…Given that in most virtual spatial environments, head rotations are both necessary for visual exploration (tracked head rotations being the means of spatial exploration) and a potential source of cybersickness, it seems important to explore the question of their relationship, particularly with regard to visuomotor tasks. Indeed, hand-eye coordination is central to many processes in VR: beyond being the main game-play mechanism of many commercial successes, such as Beatsaber, Half-Life Alyx or The Lab, the use of VR for the evaluation and rehabilitation of visuomotor performance could well prove to be a new tool for cognitive and movement sciences (Carrieri et al, 2016;Choi et al, 2018;Pratviel et al, 2021;David et al, 2022;Grosprêtre et al, 2023), but also for health research and applications, for instance in the case of Parkinson's disease (Eng et al, 2007;Seitz, 2014;Chen et al, 2020;Köster et al, 2021;Lahude et al, 2022). For example, the study of Pratviel & al.…”