The Efficacy of an Immersive Virtual Reality Exergame Incorporating an Adaptive Cable Resistance System on Fitness and Cardiometabolic Measures: A 12-Week Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Exergaming, combining elements of video game into the realm of exercise, has recently incorporated immersive virtual reality (IVR) with resistance training. Thirty-two participants (14 females, mean age = 24.3) were randomized to IVR or self-directed control group (SELF) and worked out thrice weekly for 12 weeks (for 36 sessions). The IVR group spent 14 fewer minutes per session (p < 0.001) while reporting the sessions “enjoyable’. Compared to SELF, the IVR group had significantly greater improvement in changes from baseline to post-training in upper-and-lower muscular strength (1-RM) and muscular endurance (85% 1-RM) (14.3 kg vs. 10.0 kg for 1-RM upper, 28.6 kg vs. 22.5 kg for 1-RM lower, 2.6 reps vs. 1.9 reps for 85% 1-RM of upper, 2.7 vs. 2.0 reps for 85% 1-RM of lower, all p < 0.001), peak leg power (1424 vs. 865 W, p < 0.001), body fat% (−3.7% vs. −1.9%, p < 0.001), heart rate variability (4.3 vs. 1.8 ms, p < 0.001), rVO2max (3.28 vs. 0.89 mL/min/kg, p < 0.001) with decreased systolic BP (−0.4 vs. −2.3 mmHg, p < 0.001), and level of perceived exertion during workouts (RPE 14 vs. 16, p < 0.001). With its high-paced and action-filled gaming coupled with superior fitness and cardiometabolic outcomes, this IVR exergaming platform should be considered as another exercise modality for performance and health-related training.

Field-based fitness measures improve via an immersive virtual reality exergaming platform: a randomized controlled trial

“…A benefit of virtual reality within the realm of exercise is that a heightened enjoyment may attenuate perceived exertion, which ultimately pushes individuals to work closer to fatigue (Giakoni-Ramírez et al, 2023). In the past, our laboratory has observed high rates of workout satisfaction in conjunction with significant differences in rates of perceived exertion when comparing IVR exergaming to traditional, cablebased strength training (Hu et al, 2021;Mologne et al, 2022). We believe this to be an integral reason why the IVR group had a heightened response to training, as participants were "distracted" by the gamification and immersion into virtual reality, hence tolerating a higher intensity and pushing themselves closer to full muscle fatigue than the control group.…”

“…While the effects of this study's IVR exergaming platform have been studied within the realm of laboratory-based fitness and performance measures, the effects on field-based fitness measures are lacking (Hu et al, 2021;Viana et al, 2021;Gomez et al, 2022;Mologne et al, 2022). The few prior studies that have been conducted show improvements in agility, balance, and speed as a result of exergaming interventions in populations such as the elderly, those with cognitive disabilities, and those with cancer diagnoses (Smits-Engelsman et al, 2017;de Oliveira et al, 2020;Peng et al, 2020).…”

“…Exergames, especially in conjunction with immersive virtual reality (IVR), aim to attenuate perceived exertion while maximizing exercise enjoyment, all while increasing motivation during the workout (Bonetti et al, 2010;Bronner et al, 2016;McClure and Schofield, 2020). Prior studies within this laboratory have shown the efficacy of IVR exergaming within both the commercial and home fitness sectors in young, apparently healthy populations (18-35 years) (Hu et al, 2021;Gomez et al, 2022;Mologne et al, 2022). Hu et al showed that even a 30-min workout with the IVR exergame platform provided a highly intense workout, with mean average heart rate of 176 bpm, a mean max heart rate of 188 bpm, and a mean of 12.9 METs per session, without high levels of perceived exertion (Hu et al, 2021).…”

“…A subsequent study revealed that the IVR exergame platform elicited myoelectric activity on par with traditional cable resistance training (Gomez et al, 2022). Most recently, during a 12-week randomized control training trial using the IVR exergaming platform against a volume-matched traditional resistance training control group, favorable adaptations in body composition, cardiometabolic measures, and muscular strength and endurance were heightened in the IVR group (Mologne et al, 2022).…”

“…A more recent development in research regarding field-based fitness measures is the use of novel adaptive resistance mechanisms that alter a user's resistance to maximize tension within a set. This has been shown to improve peak power and jump height in collegiate basketball players, and is a unique component of various exergaming platforms (Mologne et al, 2022;Yamamoto et al, 2023).…”