The Effect of Exergames on Sleep Quality in Nursing Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

University students are at risk of developing insufficient sleep and poor lifestyle behaviors. Sleep-related problems are frequently seen in nursing students. Regular exercise has a positive effect on sleep quality. In recent years, developing technological opportunities have led educators to seek different solutions in education, guidance, and counseling services aimed at protecting and improving the health of individuals. As the popularity of VR technology increases, it has a high potential to increase physical activity and improve sleep quality in university students. In the current literature, studies examining the level of physical activity and sleep quality of nursing students using VR virtual glasses are limited. This study aims to examine the effect of virtual reality exercise applications on nursing students' sleep quality and physical activity. This study was planned as a pre-test and post-test control group study. The study population comprises 60 students from the Department of Nursing and the Faculty of Health Sciences. Since the study population is accessible, no sample calculation will be made, and all students who volunteer to participate in the study and meet the inclusion criteria will be included. Randomization will divide students who meet the inclusion criteria into experimental and control groups. The aim of the study and the application will be explained to the students in the experimental group at the first meeting. They will be asked to sign written informed consent, and they will fill out data collection forms. Three sessions are planned for each student in the experimental group. Each session is planned to be held with an average interval of 96-120 hours (every 4-5 days). Data collection forms will be repeated for the students in the experimental group at the end of the third session. The aim of the study will be explained to the students in the control group at the first meeting. They will be asked to sign written informed consent, and they will fill out data collection forms. At the end of 14 days, actigraphs will be received from the control group, and post-tests will be applied. Descriptive statistics of the study data will be reported by giving numbers, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Student t-tests, ANOVA or Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal Wallis tests will be used to compare groups regarding the normal distribution of the data. Pearson chi-square test and Fisher exact chi-square test will be used to compare nominal or ordinal data groups.