Effects of Full Body Exergaming in Virtual Reality on Cardiovascular and Muscular Parameters: Cross-Sectional Experiment

Background In recent years, many studies have associated sedentary behavior 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 fall short of the physical activity levels recommended by the World Health Organization. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a fully immersive virtual reality (VR)-based training system on cardiovascular and muscular parameters of young adults. Methods A cross-sectional experiment design was used to analyze muscle activity (surface electromyography), heart rate, perceived exertion (RPE), cybersickness symptoms, perceived workload, and physical activity enjoyment (PACES) in 33 participants performing two 5-minute flights on a new training device. Results Participants’ performance of the planking position required to play the game resulted in moderate aerobic intensity (108 [SD 18.69] bpm). Due to the mainly isometric contraction of the dorsal muscle chain (with a mean activation between 20.6% [SD 10.57] and 26.7% [SD 17.39] maximum voluntary isometric contraction), participants described the exercise as a moderate to vigorous activity (RPE 14.6 [SD 1.82]). The majority reported that they enjoyed the exercise (PACES 3.74 [SD 0.16]). However, six participants had to drop out because of cybersickness symptoms and two because of muscle pain due to prior injuries. Conclusions Our findings suggest that fully immersive VR training systems can contribute to muscle-strengthening activities for healthy users. However, the dropout rate highlights the need for technological improvements in both software and hardware. In prevention and therapy, movement quality is a fundamental part of 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.

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Effects of Full Body Exergaming in Virtual Reality on Cardiovascular and Muscular Parameters: Cross-Sectional Experiment (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.12324 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Boris Feodoroff ◽

Ippokratis Konstantinidis ◽

Ingo Froböse

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Isometric Contraction ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Dropout Rate ◽

Training System ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction ◽

Training Systems

BACKGROUND In recent years, many studies have associated sedentary behavior 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 fall short of the physical activity levels recommended by the World Health Organization. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a fully immersive virtual reality (VR)-based training system on cardiovascular and muscular parameters of young adults. METHODS A cross-sectional experiment design was used to analyze muscle activity (surface electromyography), heart rate, perceived exertion (RPE), cybersickness symptoms, perceived workload, and physical activity enjoyment (PACES) in 33 participants performing two 5-minute flights on a new training device. RESULTS Participants’ performance of the planking position required to play the game resulted in moderate aerobic intensity (108 [SD 18.69] bpm). Due to the mainly isometric contraction of the dorsal muscle chain (with a mean activation between 20.6% [SD 10.57] and 26.7% [SD 17.39] maximum voluntary isometric contraction), participants described the exercise as a moderate to vigorous activity (RPE 14.6 [SD 1.82]). The majority reported that they enjoyed the exercise (PACES 3.74 [SD 0.16]). However, six participants had to drop out because of cybersickness symptoms and two because of muscle pain due to prior injuries. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that fully immersive VR training systems can contribute to muscle-strengthening activities for healthy users. However, the dropout rate highlights the need for technological improvements in both software and hardware. In prevention and therapy, movement quality is a fundamental part of 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.

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Virtual reality exergaming improves affect during physical activity and reduces subsequent food consumption in inactive adults.

10.31234/osf.io/9wjkh ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sarah Sauchelli ◽

Jeffrey Michael Brunstrom

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Food Intake ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Eating Behaviour ◽

Physical Exertion ◽

World Health ◽

Post Exercise ◽

Preference Task ◽

Response To Exercise

An individual’s affective (i.e., emotional) response to exercise may be key to tackling post-exercise overeating. Taking advantage of advances in fully immersive virtual reality (VR) technology, this study aimed to: a) examine whether VR exergaming can improve the psychological response to exercise in inactive adults, and b) assess the extent to which this improvement reduces post-exercise appetite and eating behaviour. In a cross-over study, 34 adults not meeting the World Health Organisation’s physical activity recommendations completed two exercise sessions on a stationary bike; one while engaging in a VR exergame and one without VR. Monitoring enabled heart rate, energy expenditure, and duration across conditions to be closely matched. The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale, Feeling Scale, Felt Arousal Scale and Borg’s Ratings of Perceived Exertion were measured to capture the affective responses to exercise. Appetite and eating behaviour were evaluated using visual-analogue scales, a computerised food preference task, and intake at a post-exercise buffet meal. Cycling in VR elicited greater exercise enjoyment (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.62), pleasure (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.47), and activation (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.55). VR exergaming had little impact on perceived physical exertion (p = 0.64), perceived appetite (p = 0.56), and preference for energy dense (p = 0.18) or sweet/savoury foods (p = 0.84). However, it did result in a 12% reduction in post-exercise food intake (mean difference: 105.9kcal; p < 0.05; η2p = 0.20). The integration of VR in a cycling workout improves the affective experience of physical activity for inactive adults and reduces subsequent food intake. Further research is needed to better understand the value of virtual reality technology as an adjunct tool to support weight management.

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Virtual Reality Exercise as a Coping Strategy for Health and Wellness Promotion in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm9061986 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 1986 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Zan Gao ◽

Jung Eun Lee ◽

Daniel J. McDonough ◽

Callie Albers

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Intervention Strategy ◽

Effective Intervention ◽

World Health ◽

Motor Ability ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Wellness Promotion

The December 2019 COVID-19 outbreak in China has led to worldwide quarantine, as recommended by local governments and the World Health Organization. Particularly affected are older adults (i.e., those aged ≥ 65 years) who are at elevated risk for various adverse health outcomes, including declines in motor ability and physical activity (PA) participation, increased obesity, impaired cognition, and various psychological disorders. Thus, given the secular increases in the older adult population, novel and effective intervention strategies are necessary to improve physical activity behaviors and health in this population. Virtual reality (VR)-integrated exercise is a promising intervention strategy, which has been utilized in healthcare fields like stroke rehabilitation and psychotherapy. Therefore, the purpose of this editorial is to synthesize recent research examining the efficacy and effectiveness of VR exercise in the promotion of favorable health outcomes among the older adults. Results indicate the application of VR exercise to facilitate improved physical outcomes (e.g., enhanced motor ability, reduced obesity), cognition and psychological outcomes. VR exercise has also been observed to be an effective intervention strategy for fall prevention in this population. Future research should employ more rigorous research designs to allow for a more robust quantitative synthesis of the effect of VR exercise on the preceding outcomes to elucidate which type(s) of VR-based PA interventions are most effective in promoting improved health outcomes among older adults. Findings from this study will better inform the development of technology-savvy PA programs for wellness promotion in older adults who practice social distancing and exercise from home under the unprecedented global health crisis.

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Physical Activity and Diet Quality Modify the Association between Comorbidity and Disability among Stroke Patients

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13051641 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 1641

Author(s):

Lien T. K. Nguyen ◽

Binh N. Do ◽

Dinh N. Vu ◽

Khue M. Pham ◽

Manh-Tan Vu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Short Version ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Disability Score ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: Comorbidity is common and causes poor stroke outcomes. We aimed to examine the modifying impacts of physical activity (PA) and diet quality on the association between comorbidity and disability in stroke patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 951 stable stroke patients in Vietnam from December 2019 to December 2020. The survey questionnaires were administered to assess patients’ characteristics, clinical parameters (e.g., Charlson Comorbidity Index items), health-related behaviors (e.g., PA using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire- short version), health literacy, diet quality (using the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Quality (DASH-Q) questionnaire), and disability (using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHODAS II)). Linear regression models were used to analyze the associations and interactions. Results: The proportion of comorbidity was 49.9% (475/951). The scores of DASH-Q and WHODAS II were 29.2 ± 11.8, 32.3 ± 13.5, respectively. Patients with comorbidity had a higher score of disability (regression coefficient, B, 8.24; 95% confidence interval, 95%CI, 6.66, 9.83; p < 0.001) as compared with those without comorbidity. Patients with comorbidity and higher tertiles of PA (B, −4.65 to −5.48; p < 0.05), and a higher DASH-Q score (B, −0.32; p < 0.001) had a lower disability score, as compared with those without comorbidity and the lowest tertile of PA, and the lowest score of DASH-Q, respectively. Conclusions: Physical activity and diet quality significantly modified the negative impact of comorbidity on disability in stroke patients. Strategic approaches are required to promote physical activity and healthy diet which further improve stroke rehabilitation outcomes.

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Evidence-Based Overview of Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity during School Recess: An Updated Systematic Review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18020578 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 578

Author(s):

Sergio Pulido Sánchez ◽

Damián Iglesias Gallego

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Systematic Review ◽

School Environment ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Extraction Process ◽

Intervention Programs ◽

World Health ◽

After School ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physically Active

Interest in analyzing physically active behaviors during school recesses has grown in recent years as the school environment has consolidated (recess, physical education classes, lunch-time, before and after school) as a crucial space to bring these levels towards those recommended through intervention programs and improvements in the school environment. Unfortunately, in most of these studies, children do not achieve the 60 min a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommended by the World Health Organization. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the cross-sectional, longitudinal, and intervention studies objectively measured with accelerometers that have emerged in recent years to determine the amount of MVPA of children at recess. This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. The extraction process for the studies included in this systematic review yielded a total of 43 articles. The studies were classified according to the methodological nature of the research: cross-sectional (n = 34), longitudinal (n = 3) and quasi-experimental (n = 6). The results of the studies confirm that during the recess period younger children are physically more active than older ones and that in general, boys are more physically active than girls. In addition, the data show that the school contributes to more than 40% of the total MVPA. The intervention programs led to an increase in MVPA of up to 5%. Providing schools with equipment and facilities shows that intervention programs are beneficial for raising children’s levels of physical activity.

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Leisure-Time Physical Activity Participation Trends 2014–2018: A Cross-Sectional Study in Poland

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17010208 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 208 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Elżbieta Biernat ◽

Monika Piątkowska

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Large Scale ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Occupational Status ◽

Age Groups ◽

The Elderly ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional

Objective, the aim is an analysis of sociodemographic factors that had an essential relation with undertaking leisure-time physical activity—LTPA (with particular emphasis on World Health Organization (WHO) health recommendations) by adult Poles from a time-trend perspective. Methods, the paper is based on data retrieved from five large-scale surveys carried out on the representative samples of Poles aged 15–69 in 2014–2018 (n = 7347). In each wave, the Polish long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. Results, the participation of Poles in LTPA constantly increases (p < 0.001) and the percentage of people meeting the dose of PA required for health recommendations is growing (on average, met by 43.9% of Polish men and 43.5% of women), which indicates a trend of behaviour of citizens of this country. The probability of realisation of WHO norms was determined by sex, age, place of residence and occupational status. Conclusion: it seems reasonable to develop Polish recommendations and guidelines for specific groups, including females and males, those who live in the villages and in the towns, different age groups: children/adolescents, adults (aged 50 to 59—most vulnerable to physical inactivity), the elderly, and various professional groups (especially farmers and physical workers).

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AKTIFITAS FISIK DAN PEKERJAAN TIDAK BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN INDEKS MASSA TUBUH PADA PEREMPUAN USIA 50-60 TAHUN

Jurnal Ilmu dan Teknologi Kesehatan ◽

10.32668/jitek.v5i2.3 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 129-139

Author(s):

Abdurahman Berbudi BL

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Body Mass ◽

International Health ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Systematic Random Sampling ◽

Chronic Morbidity ◽

The Relationship ◽

Common World

Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for many causes of death, chronic morbidity, and disability. Poor physical activity is also a common world health problem and is a priority of the international health world. Facts are accompanied by clear evidence of an inactivity link to many increased risks of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between body mass index, physical activity, and occupation in women 50-60 years in Pondok Kelapa Village, Duren Sawit sub-district, East Jakarta. The design of this study is cross-sectional with a total of 130 samples that have been selected by systematic random sampling. The subjects (n = 130) were interviewed using a questionnaire about daily activity in the previous week. Data were analyzed using spss program (Spearman Correlation And Mann Whitney Test). The results of this study indicate that the relationship between physical activity and body mass index is not significant (p = 0.493; p> 0.05; r = 0.61). And the relationship between work and Body Mass Index did not have a significant relationship (p> 0.05). Conclusion: physical activity should be measured and for further research not only interviewed using questionnaires. Keywords : Physical Activity, Body Mass Index, Occupation

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Association among dysmenorrhea and activity limitation and participation restrictions in adult women: a cross-sectional study, Brazil -2017

Archives of Public Health ◽

10.1186/s13690-021-00721-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 79 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Luana Brito dos Santos ◽

Caroline Wanderley Souto Ferreira ◽

Caroline Gomes Gonçalves ◽

Mikaela Aparecida de Oliveira Xavier ◽

Jardelina Hermecina Dantas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Effect Size ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Activity Limitation ◽

Self Report ◽

World Health ◽

Adult Women ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Participation Restrictions

Abstract Background The present study aims to analyse if dysmenorrhea is associated with activity limitations and participation restrictions in experencied by adult women. Methods This is a cross-sectional study carried out with adult women recruited from primary health services in Brazil between 2016 and 2017. Dysmenorrhea was measured via a self-report and the activity limitation and participation restrictions was assessed by the World Health Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS2.0). Pain and level of physical activity were assessed, respectively, by the numerical pain rating scale and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), short version. Associations between groups, dysmenorrhea and without dysmenorrhea (WD), were analysed by the median difference, Mann Whitney test, effect size measures and 95 % confidence interval. Statistical significance was p <0.05. Results The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 54 %. The pain lasted an average of three days or more (66 %). The average pain intensity, in the crisis period, was 6.1 ± 2.6, women who presented severe pain complaints were associated with considerable difficulties in their domains of mobility (p = 0.003; 2 = 0.115), participation (p = 0.030; 2 = 0.063) and total score (p = 0.012; 2 = 0.086), with a moderate effect size for all variables. Conclusions Severe dysmenorrhea was associated with higher scores of disabilities assessed by the WHODAS 2.0, especially in mobility, and participation domains.

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Sociodemographic Determinants of Physical Inactivity of People Aged 60 Years and Older: A Cross-Sectional Study in Poland

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2020/7469021 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Elżbieta Biernat ◽

Monika Piątkowska

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Inactivity ◽

Large Scale ◽

Average Energy ◽

World Health Organisation ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Small Towns ◽

World Health ◽

Place Of Residence ◽

Cross Sectional

Purpose. The aim of the study was to evaluate general physical activity (PA) level on the basis of leisure time and transportation physical activity (LTPA and TPA), assess the percentage of persons not meeting PA recommendations by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and evaluate the relationship between selected sociodemographic factors and physical inactivity. Methods. The paper is based on data ( n = 7,347 ) retrieved from five large-scale surveys (2014-2018) used to collect information on the PA of Polish society. In order to meet the aim of the paper, we selected a sample of 2,023 Poles aged ≥ 60 years old. In each wave, the Polish long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to investigate the differences between the types and volume of PA and sociodemographic variables. Relationships between physical inactivity and analysed variables were evaluated using log-linear analysis. To capture relationships between physical inactivity and a set of explanatory variables, a predictive model was built. Results. The total average energy expenditure amounted to 1879.5 ± 2352.5 MET-min/week, including LTPA ( 938.5 ± 1491.9 MET-min/week) and TPA ( 944.8 ± 1322.4 MET-min/week). Over the course of the last two years of the study, the average value of MET-min/week increased significantly ( p < 0.05 ); however, prohealth WHO norms are not met by nearly 40% of Poles. Sex determines the volume of LTPA and TPA ( p < 0.05 ) but does not determine the inactivity of seniors. Place of residence and education differentiate participation in LTPA and TPA. The lower the education level and the smaller the place of residence, the greater the inactivity. Conclusions. The target for future interventions should be people aged 60+ living in villages and small towns (especially those with primary education). It is necessary to undertake educational and motivational programmes promoting PA. It is essential to develop detailed recommendations and to create a friendly and supportive environment.

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Prevalence of hypertension and associated factors in Jalalabad City, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan

Central Asian Journal of Global Health ◽

10.5195/cajgh.2015.134 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Khwaja Mir Islam Saeed

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Public Health Intervention ◽

Standard Operating Procedure ◽

Urban Setting ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Obesity And Diabetes ◽

Who Steps

Background: Hypertension affects an estimated one billion people, worldwide. It is a public health challenge characterized by increased morbidity, mortality, as well as cost to the community and health systems. The goal of this study is to determine the prevalence of hypertension and characterize associated risk factors in an urban setting in Afghanistan.Methods: A cross-sectional study of adults aged 25-65 years was conducted in Jalalabad city from May to June 2013 using the World Health Organization STEPwise approach to surveillance (WHO STEPS). A multistage technique was used to enroll 1,200 participants in the study. Demographic and socio-economic variables were collected via individual interviews using the WHO STEPS survey, after which blood samples were collected using a locally developed standard operating procedure (SOP). Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed to explore the association between hypertension and associated factors.Results: A total of 1,180 adults (40% males, 60% females) of 25-65 years of age were surveyed. The response rate was 98.5 % and the prevalence of hypertension was 28.4. Independent risk factors of hypertension were found to be: age ≥ 50 (AOR = 3.42, 95% CI: 2.50 – 4.76); sex (AOR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.38 – 0.88); obesity (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.49 – 2.94); and diabetes (AOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.10 – 2.79). Independent protective factors were physically demanding occupations (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36 – 0.85); physical activity itself (AOR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.47 – 0.99) and consuming more vegetables (AOR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.38 – 0.93).Conclusion: This urban setting in Afghanistan evidenced a high prevalence of hypertension; age, obesity, and diabetes were identified as risk factors and physical activity and consuming more vegetables were protective. These findings have implications for future public health intervention and clinical efforts.

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