JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In recent years many studies have associated the long time spent sedentary in front of screens with health problems in infants, children, and adolescents. Yet options for exergaming – playing video games that require rigorous physical exercise – seem to fail short of the physical activity levels recommended by the WHO.

Objective:

Here we test a full immersive VR-based training system designed to improve its users’ cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness while providing an enjoyable workout.

Methods:

A cross-sectional experiment design was used to analyze muscle activity (sEMG), heart rate, perceived rate of exhaustion (RPE) as well as cybersickness symptoms (SSQ), perceived workload, and physical activity enjoyment (PACES) from 33 participants performing a 5-min VR-simulated flight on a new training device.

Results:

The participants’ attempt to hold the planking position required to play the game resulted in moderate aerobic intensity (108 bpm ± 18.69). Due to the mainly isometric contraction of the dorsal muscle chain (with a mean activation between 20.6% (± 10.57) and 26.7% MVC (± 17.39)) they described the exercise as a moderate to vigorous activity (RPE 14.6 ± 1.82). The majority of the participants reported that they enjoyed the exercise (PACES 3.74 ± 0.16). However, six participants had to drop out because of cybersickness symptoms.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that fully immersive VR training systems can contribute to muscle-strengthening activities for healthy users. However, the drop-out rate highlights the need for technological improvements in both software and hardware. In prevention and therapy, movement quality is a fundamental element in providing effective resistance training that benefits health. Exergaming on a regular basis has the potential to develop strong muscles and a healthy back. It is essential that future VR-based training systems take into account the recommendations of sport and exercise science.