Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Serious Games
Date Submitted: May 28, 2022
Date Accepted: Oct 12, 2022
Hand-held weights as an effective and comfortable way to increase exercise intensity of physical activity in virtual reality: a preliminary study
ABSTRACT
Background:
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in active virtual reality games (AVRGs) that provide entertainment and encourage additional physical activity (PA). Because AVRGs rely primarily on arm movements, the intensity of this form of PA may not be sufficient for health benefits. Therefore, it is worth looking for solutions that are comfortable for users and increase physical exercise during virtual entertainment.
Objective:
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of external loading of the arms in the form of hand-held weights (HHW) on exercise intensity in users practicing a popular AVRG. The results obtained are presented as compared to the PA recommendations for health. The study also assessed the attractiveness and usefulness of this type of exercise as perceived by the users and whether the additional load on the arms causes discomfort.
Methods:
The study covered seventeen young adults aged 18 to 25 years playing an AVRG game (Beat Saber) with no arm load and with HHW (0.5 kg) were studied. A PlayStation 4 PRO console and its accessories such as a head-mounted display (HMD) and controllers were used in the study. PA intensity was estimated with a heart rate monitor based on the percentage of maximal heart rate (%HRmax). The usability, attractiveness, and comfort during exercise as perceived by users were evaluated using a survey questionnaire.
Results:
The measurements showed that the average %HRmax in participants playing Beat Saber without HHW was significantly lower (p<0.001; Cohen's d=1.07) than that observed when playing with HHW. It should be emphasized that in the conditions of no additional load, the intensity of physical activity was at a low level (mean 63.7±9.3% HRmax), while with the upper limb load, it increased to a moderate level (mean 67.1±10.3% HRmax), which is recommended for health benefits. According to the survey, HHW (0.5 kg) attached to the wrists did not disturb Beat Saber players.
Conclusions:
As PA in most of the modern AVRGs is mainly based on upper limb movements, the use of HHW seems to be a simple and effective way to increase exercise intensity, especially because according to users, such a procedure does not cause discomfort while using the application.
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