Comparing Physiological and Psychological Effects of Virtual Reality Vs. Traditional HIIT In Healthy Individuals: Results From A Preliminary Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 入组人数
- 10
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Heart Rate (HR)
研究概览
简要总结
This study aimed to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of immersive Virtual Reality (VR) as an alternative to traditional High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) by comparing physiological and psychological outcomes in physically active university students. The pilot randomised controlled trial utilised a parallel design involving two groups: one group performed HIIT using the Facebook Oculus Quest 2 VR headset with the "FitXR" fitness game, while the other undertook traditional HIIT training that mirrored the movements and actions of the VR game.
The study's findings suggest that fully immersive VR provides a unique and potentially more enjoyable alternative to traditional HIIT, particularly because it may enhance motivation while still achieving health benefits. This pilot research study highlights VR's potential to reach high-flow states in exercise, where individuals become deeply absorbed and derive satisfaction from the activity. It also lays the groundwork for future studies involving larger sample sizes and clinical populations to further investigate the psychological and physiological impacts of VR-based exercise.
In summary, this pilot randomised controlled trial found that immersive VR could be a feasible and effective alternative to traditional HIIT training, offering similar physiological benefits while enhancing exercise motivation and enjoyment. Further research is necessary to validate these preliminary results and extend them to diverse populations.
详细描述
Study Objectives and Design This study was designed as a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the feasibility, efficacy, and effects of immersive VR compared to traditional HIIT on physiological and psychological outcomes in physically active university students. The parallel-design trial was conducted in accordance with the CONSORT guidelines and approved by the Teesside University Health Research Ethics Sub-Committee. The VR intervention used the Facebook Oculus Quest 2 VR headset with the fitness game "FitXR," while the non-VR group completed traditional HIIT that replicated the same movements as in the VR game.
Participants and Recruitment A purposive sampling method was used to recruit ten healthy physiotherapy students from Teesside University. Participants had to lead an active lifestyle, defined as performing either 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, and have no prior experience with VR-based exercise. Those with medical conditions preventing them from exercising or those unable to give informed consent were excluded. Participants were recruited via email through a gatekeeper, indicating their willingness to participate by contacting the research physiotherapist directly. The allocation to either the VR or non-VR group was stratified by gender and block-randomised in blocks of five using a computer-generated software (Research Randomizer).
Interventions
Exergaming via VR:
Participants in the VR group used the Facebook Oculus Quest 2 and "FitXR," a fitness game in high-speed HIIT class mode. The 15-minute session included functional movements such as squats, lunges, and trunk rotations while trying to hit virtual targets by punching. The training session had a 10-second rest between each interval, and participants followed instructions from a virtual trainer.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Basic Science
- 盲法
- None
盲法说明
The researcher who completed the data analysis (JR) was blinded to the participants and specifics of the intervention.
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 18 Years 至 65 Years（Adult, Older Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 是
入选标准
- •Teesside University physiotherapy student.
- •Participants willing and able to give informed consent.
- •Have an active lifestyle (performing either 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic exercise).
- •No prior experience with exercise using the VR headset.
排除标准
- •Have a known medical condition that would prevent them from exercising.
- •Are not able to provide informed consent.
结局指标
主要结局
Heart Rate (HR)
时间窗: During each 15-minute HIIT session for both VR and traditional groups.
Average percentage of maximum heart rate (%HRmax) and heart rate reserve (%HRR), measured using the Polar HR monitor RS400. The intensity levels were classified according to American Heart Association guidelines: ≥50% HRmax or ≥45% HRR as moderate intensity and ≥70% HRmax or ≥60% HRR as vigorous intensity.
Perceived Exertion (RPE)
时间窗: Every 5 minutes throughout the 15-minute HIIT session for both groups.
Average score on the CR-10 BORG's scale, where 0 represents "rest" and 10 represents "maximal" effort. Perceived exertion scores were obtained every 5 minutes, and an average score was calculated. Higher scores are an indication of greater exertion.
Flow Experience
时间窗: Immediately after each 15-minute HIIT session.
The Flow State Scale (FSS) questionnaire measured the extent to which participants experienced flow states during their respective HIIT sessions. There is a total of 36 items with 9 subscales measuring challenge-skill balance, action awareness merging, clear goals, unambiguous feedback, concentration on the task at hand, paradox (or sense) of control, loss of self-consciousness, time transformation, and autotelic experience. Each question is measured using a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Higher scores indicate a better outcome, reflecting a higher degree of flow experience.
次要结局
未报告次要终点
研究者
Jonathan Robinson, Ph.D
Senior Lecturer in Research Methods
Teesside University