LumaPath: An Immersive Virtual Reality Game for Encouraging Physical Activity for Senior Arthritis Patients

2019 ◽  
pp. 384-397
Author(s):  
Xin Tong ◽  
Diane Gromala ◽  
Federico Machuca
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality

scholarly journals Can Physical Activity in Immersive Virtual Reality Be Attractive and Have Sufficient Intensity to Meet Health Recommendations for Obese Children? A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (21) ◽  
pp. 8051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacek Polechoński ◽  
Katarzyna Nierwińska ◽  
Barbara Kalita ◽  
Piotr Wodarski
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Video Games ◽  
Physical World ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Obese Children ◽  
Limited Space ◽  
Active Video ◽  
Sufficient Intensity ◽  
Intensity Of Exercise

Immersive virtual reality (IVR) is a technology that blurs the line between the physical world and a digital environment. Using appropriate pointing devices, it is possible to engage in physical activity (PA). The main aim of the study was to assess the attractiveness and intensity of physical exercise while playing active video games (AVGs) in IVR on an omnidirectional treadmill by obese children and to present the results compared to health recommendations (PA). It was also assessed whether the AVGs storyline can effectively motivate the participants to undertake locomotor activity by increasing the intensity of their effort (moving in a limited space vs. having to follow a set route). Eleven children aged 8 to 12 years with diagnosed obesity participated in the experiment. The attractiveness of PA was assessed with a questionnaire, while the intensity of exercise was estimated on the basis of heart rate. The answers show that AVGs are attractive and more enjoyable for the respondents than conventional video games. All participants declared their willingness to practice this form of PA. The intensity of PA of obese children during two games was high but during the game where the player was supposed to follow a set route, it was significantly higher (83.3 ± 9.2% HRmax) than during the game whose storyline assumed moving in a limited space (77.4 ± 9.8% HRmax). Due to the high intensity of PA while playing the AVGs studied, it can be assumed that obese children can benefit for their health if the games are used on a regular basis. However, further research is needed to verify this thesis.

Physiological Demand, Metabolic Requirements, and User-Perceived Exertion of Immersive Virtual Reality Exergaming Incorporating an Adaptive Cable Resistance System: An Exploratory Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Hu ◽  
Jonathan D Browne ◽  
Michael T Arnold ◽  
Anthony Robinson ◽  
Marin F Heacock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Metabolic Equivalents ◽  
Physiological Demand ◽  
Resistance System

BACKGROUND The intersection of games and exercise has sparked the growth of novel training systems with the potential to promote quality physical activity. Innovations in Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) have propelled “exergaming” to the forefront of the fitness landscape. Researchers have yet to fully explore the physiological and metabolic efficacy and applications of the immersive environment and interactive programming. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to measure metabolic (i.e., energy expenditure (EE)) and physiological (i.e., heart rate (HR)) demands and subjective fatigue and enjoyment scores during a signature 30-minute IVR adaptive cable resistance exergaming session. METHODS Fourteen healthy, college-aged individuals (7 females) were initially acquainted with the equipment and acclimated to the virtual reality and gameplay dynamics. Participants then completed a signature 30-minute exergaming session using an IVR adaptive cable resistance system (Black Box VR ®) that incorporated chest press, squat, row, lat pulldown, overhead press, and stiff leg deadlift. During the session, a portable metabolic gas exchange analysis system assessed energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry and a chest-worn monitor captured heart rate. Immediately following the session, participants completed questionnaires including the Borg scale for Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES), and the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ). RESULTS EE was greater in males compared to females in terms of kcal/min (P = 0.001), total kcal (P = 0.001), and metabolic equivalents (P = 0.029). Females demonstrated a higher average HR (P = 0.020) and HR as a percentage of theoretical HRmax (P = 0.018). The overall mean metabolic equivalent (MET) during the session was 12.9 (0.5). Men achieved greater volume of total weight lifted during the session (P < 0.001) and with chest press (P = 0.005), overhead press (P = 0.001), stiff-leg deadlift (P = 0.002), and squat (P = 0.015). For the questionnaires, the mean (SD) of RPE, PACES and SSQ was 14 (1), 4.31 (0.36) and 24.04 (24.13), respectively. CONCLUSIONS IVR exergaming with resistance cable training elicits substantial EE and very high physiological demand while attenuating perceived psychological and physical fatigue. Further investigations of IVR utility should explore nuanced muscle recruitment patterns during training and long-term regimen adherence.

scholarly journals Enjoyment and Intensity of Physical Activity in Immersive Virtual Reality Performed on Innovative Training Devices in Compliance with Recommendations for Health

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (19) ◽  
pp. 3673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Dębska ◽  
Jacek Polechoński ◽  
Arkadiusz Mynarski ◽  
Piotr Polechoński
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Flight Simulator ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Physical Effort ◽  
Active Video Games ◽  
Active Video ◽  
Intrinsic Motivation Inventory

The aim of the study is to assess the enjoyment and intensity of physical exercise while practicing physical activity (PA) in immersive virtual reality (IVR) using innovative training devices (omni-directional Omni treadmill and Icaros Pro flight simulator). The study also contains the results of subjective research on the usefulness of such a form of PA in the opinion of users. In total, 61 adults (10 women and 51 men) took part in the study. To assess the enjoyment level (EL) Interest/Enjoyment subscale of Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) was used. Exercise intensity was assessed during 10-min sessions of active video games (AVGs) in IVR based on heart rate (HR). The average enjoyment level during physical exercise in IVR on the tested training devices was high (Omni 5.74 points, Icaros 5.60 points on a 1–7 Likert scale) and differed significantly in favor of PA on Omni. In the opinion of the majority of participants, AVGs in IVR on the tested devices constitute a sufficiently useful form of PA to meet the needs of leisure time activities, and they can even replace some forms of physical effort performed in a classic way. The intensity of PA during games on training devices was at the level recommended for health benefits for 80.55% (Omni) and 50.77% (Icaros Pro) of its duration. Based on the conducted research, it can be assumed that AVGs in IVR using a multi-directional treadmill and a flight simulator can be an effective tool for increasing participation in health-oriented PA.

scholarly journals Assessment of Enjoyment and Intensity of Physical Activity in Immersive Virtual Reality on the Omni-Directional Omni Treadmill and Icaros Flight Simulator in the Context of Recommendations for Health

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Dębska ◽  
Jacek Polechoński ◽  
Arkadiusz Mynarski ◽  
Piotr Polechoński
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Flight Simulator ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Active Video Games ◽  
Active Video ◽  
Movement Intensity ◽  
Intrinsic Motivation Inventory

The aim of the study is to assess enjoyment and intensity of physical exercise while practicing physical activity (PA) in immersive virtual reality (IVR) using innovative training devices (omni-directional Omni treadmill and Icaros Pro flight simulator). The study also contains the results of subjective research on the usefulness of such a form of PA in the opinion of users. In total, 61 adults (10 women and 50 men) took part in the study. To assess the enjoyment level (EL) Interest/Enjoyment subscale of Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) was used. Exercise intensity was assessed during 10-minute sessions of active video games (AVGs) in IVR based on heart rate (HR). The average enjoyment level during physical exercise in IVR on the tested training devices was relatively high (Omni 5.74 points, Icaros 5.60 points). In the opinion of the majority of participants, AVGs on IVR training devices constitute a sufficiently useful form of movement to meet the needs of PA practiced in free time, and they can even replace some of the classic forms of movement. Intensity of PA during games on training devices was at the level recommended for health benefits for 92% (Omni) and 84% (Icaros Pro) of its duration. Based on the conducted research, it can be assumed that AVGs in IVR using a multi-directional treadmill and a flight simulator can be an effective tool for increasing participation in health-oriented PA.

A Comparison of Heart Rate in Normal Physical Activity vs. Immersive Virtual Reality Exergames

2019 ◽  
pp. 684-689
Author(s):  
José Varela-Aldás ◽  
Esteban M. Fuentes ◽  
Guillermo Palacios-Navarro ◽  
Iván García-Magariño
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality

scholarly journals Immersive Virtual Reality Exergame Promotes the Practice of Physical Activity in Older People: An Opportunity during COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (9) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Pablo Campo-Prieto ◽  
Gustavo Rodríguez-Fuentes ◽  
José Mª Cancela-Carral
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Older People ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
The Impact

Life expectancy has increased in recent years. Physical activity has been postulated as a key element in active aging strategies. However, adherence to physical exercise programs has traditionally been low among the elderly, and the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic has added extra impediments. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) devices could motivate this population to practice exercise. This study aimed to analyse the use of IVR exergames as a tool to facilitate physical exercise in older people. Four healthy older adults (males, 65–77 years) participated in the study. They carried out two exergaming sessions with HTC Vive ProTM. Outcomes were evaluated using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), System Usability Scale (SUS), Game Experience Questionnaire (GEQ post-game module), an ad hoc satisfaction questionnaire, and perceived effort. All participants completed the sessions without adverse effects, with no SSQ symptoms reported. SUS scores were high in both sessions (SUS > 85/100). Post-game GEQ scores were 3.08–3.41/4 (positive experiences) and 0.08–0.16/4 (negative experiences). Opinions showed high levels of satisfaction with the experience. Exergaming programs, based on commercial head-mounted displays, are a feasible alternative to traditional senior exercise, and could be a solution to the current situation that has arisen from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document