scholarly journals Feasibility of a Commercially Available Virtual Reality System to Achieve Exercise Guidelines in Youth With Spina Bifida: Mixed Methods Case Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byron Lai ◽  
Drew Davis ◽  
Mai Narasaki-Jara ◽  
Betsy Hopson ◽  
Danielle Powell ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Access to physical activity among youth with spina bifida (SB) is much lower than it is for children without disability. Enjoyable home-based exercise programs are greatly needed. OBJECTIVE Our objective is to examine the feasibility of a virtual reality (VR) active video gaming system (ie, bundle of consumer-available equipment) to meet US physical activity guidelines in two youth with SB. METHODS Two youth with SB—a 12-year-old female and a 13-year-old male; both full-time wheelchair users—participated in a brief, 4-week exercise program using a popular VR head-mounted display: Oculus Quest (Facebook Technologies). The system included a Polar H10 (Polar Canada) Bluetooth heart rate monitor, a no-cost mobile phone app (VR Health Exercise Tracker [Virtual Reality Institute of Health and Exercise]), and 13 games. The intervention protocol was conducted entirely in the homes of the participants due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The VR system was shipped to participants and they were instructed to do their best to complete 60 minutes of moderate-intensity VR exercise per day. Exercise duration, intensity, and calories expended were objectively monitored and recorded during exercise using the heart rate monitor and a mobile app. Fatigue and depression were measured via self-report questionnaires at pre- and postintervention. Participants underwent a semistructured interview with research staff at postintervention. RESULTS Across the intervention period, the total average minutes of all exercise performed each week for participants 1 and 2 were 281 (SD 93) and 262 (SD 55) minutes, respectively. The total average minutes of moderate-intensity exercise performed per week for participants 1 and 2 were 184 (SD 103) (184/281, 65.4%) and 215 (SD 90) (215/262, 82.1%) minutes, respectively. One participant had a reduction in their depression score, using the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QoL) test, from baseline to postintervention, but no other changes were observed for fatigue and depression scores. Participants reported that the amount of exercise they completed was far higher than what was objectively recorded, due to usability issues with the chest-worn heart rate monitor. Participants noted that they were motivated to exercise due to the enjoyment of the games and VR headset as well as support from a caregiver. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that two youth with SB who used wheelchairs could use a VR system to independently and safely achieve exercise guidelines at home. Study findings identified a promising protocol for promoting exercise in this population and this warrants further examination in future studies with larger samples.

10.2196/20667 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e20667
Author(s):  
Byron Lai ◽  
Drew Davis ◽  
Mai Narasaki-Jara ◽  
Betsy Hopson ◽  
Danielle Powell ◽  
...  

Background Access to physical activity among youth with spina bifida (SB) is much lower than it is for children without disability. Enjoyable home-based exercise programs are greatly needed. Objective Our objective is to examine the feasibility of a virtual reality (VR) active video gaming system (ie, bundle of consumer-available equipment) to meet US physical activity guidelines in two youth with SB. Methods Two youth with SB—a 12-year-old female and a 13-year-old male; both full-time wheelchair users—participated in a brief, 4-week exercise program using a popular VR head-mounted display: Oculus Quest (Facebook Technologies). The system included a Polar H10 (Polar Canada) Bluetooth heart rate monitor, a no-cost mobile phone app (VR Health Exercise Tracker [Virtual Reality Institute of Health and Exercise]), and 13 games. The intervention protocol was conducted entirely in the homes of the participants due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The VR system was shipped to participants and they were instructed to do their best to complete 60 minutes of moderate-intensity VR exercise per day. Exercise duration, intensity, and calories expended were objectively monitored and recorded during exercise using the heart rate monitor and a mobile app. Fatigue and depression were measured via self-report questionnaires at pre- and postintervention. Participants underwent a semistructured interview with research staff at postintervention. Results Across the intervention period, the total average minutes of all exercise performed each week for participants 1 and 2 were 281 (SD 93) and 262 (SD 55) minutes, respectively. The total average minutes of moderate-intensity exercise performed per week for participants 1 and 2 were 184 (SD 103) (184/281, 65.4%) and 215 (SD 90) (215/262, 82.1%) minutes, respectively. One participant had a reduction in their depression score, using the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QoL) test, from baseline to postintervention, but no other changes were observed for fatigue and depression scores. Participants reported that the amount of exercise they completed was far higher than what was objectively recorded, due to usability issues with the chest-worn heart rate monitor. Participants noted that they were motivated to exercise due to the enjoyment of the games and VR headset as well as support from a caregiver. Conclusions This study demonstrated that two youth with SB who used wheelchairs could use a VR system to independently and safely achieve exercise guidelines at home. Study findings identified a promising protocol for promoting exercise in this population and this warrants further examination in future studies with larger samples.


2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 272-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Vincent Graser ◽  
Alan Groves ◽  
Keven A. Prusak ◽  
Todd R. Pennington

Background:Researchers have noted both the utility and limitations of using pedometers to measure physical activity (PA). While these unobtrusive devices are widely accepted for their ability to measure accumulated PA, they have been criticized for their inability to measure exercise intensity. However, recent steps-per-minute (SPM) research provides reasonably accurate measures of intensity allowing users to assess time spent at recommended PA levels. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the SPM taken that are associated with moderate physical activity in 12- to 14-year-old youth.Methods:Ninety-three participants (49 boys and 44 girls; ages 12 to 14) walked on a treadmill for 3 minutes at each of 4 different speeds while wearing a pedometer and a heart rate monitor.Results:On average boys and girls reached their moderate activity intensity threshold at 122 SPM and 102 SPM, respectively. However, individual differences must be taken into account when determining appropriate SPM intensities for youth.Conclusions:The impact of individual differences underscores the need to address SPM for moderate intensity individually rather than with a single guideline for everyone at this age.


Circulation ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 137 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua R Sparks ◽  
Xuewen F Wang

Background: Glucose concentrations in a fasted and during a glucose challenged state rely on different mechanisms for regulation. In a fasted state, hepatic regulation of glucose is important; while in a glucose challenged state, muscle glucose disposal becomes more important. Evidence suggests that physical activity of moderate or higher intensities can increase muscle glucose disposal during an insulin-stimulated state, but has less effect on hepatic insulin sensitivity. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between glucose concentrations (fasting and after an oral glucose ingestion) and minutes of physical activity at moderate- and vigorous-intensity in a large population. Methods: The sample included 2,807 adults (47.4% male and 52.6% female) aged 18-80 years who participated in the National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys (NHANES) from 2013-2014 and who did not take any diabetic medications. Minutes being physically active at moderate- and vigorous-intensities during work, and recreationally, were collected using the Physical Activity Questionnaire, which was based on the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Moderate-intensity physical activity was defined as any activity that caused a small increase in breathing or heart rate, while vigorous-intensity physical activity was defined as large increases in breathing or heart rate. Both intensities had to be performed for a minimum of 10 continuous minutes. Plasma glucose concentrations at fasting and 2 hours after consumption of a drink containing 75g glucose (2-hour glucose) were determined. Pearson product correlations were performed for analysis. Results: The population had 141±133 (mean±SD) minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity during work and 63±56 minutes recreationally, as well as 174±156 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity during work and 77±56 minutes recreationally. Minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity performed during work was associated with 2-hour plasma glucose concentrations (r=0.15; p=0.045); this association was not affected after adjusting for age, race, and sex (p=0.049), but was no longer significant after BMI was also adjusted (p=0.059). Recreational or total minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, and moderate-intensity physical activity was not associated with 2-hour glucose (p>0.20). Additionally, none of the physical activity minutes was associated with fasting glucose (p>0.27). Conclusion: Self-reported vigorous-intensity physical activity during work was positively associated with 2-hour glucose, but not fasting glucose. The results are surprising. Further studies with objective physical activity measures are needed to examine the associations with fasting and 2-hour glucose.


2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly R. Rice ◽  
Kristiann C. Heesch ◽  
Mary K. Dinger ◽  
David A. Fields

Background:Women’s understanding of “moderate-intensity” physical activity (MPA) as presented in the media is not well-understood. This study assessed whether women who are presented a mass-media message about MPA can demonstrate a moderate-intensity walking pace without practicing this pace first.Methods:Insufficiently active women (n = 75, age 40 ± 12 years, 76% White) were shown a mass-media description of a MPA recommendation. Forty-one were randomized to also practice a moderate-intensity (55%−70% of maximum heart rate) walk. One month later, participants were asked to demonstrate a 10-minute moderate-intensity walk. Groups were compared on the proportion of participants who walked ≥10 minutes at a moderate intensity.Results:At posttest, more participants who received practice at baseline walked at a moderate-intensity ≥10 minutes than those who received no practice (P < .05).Conclusion:To understand MPA, it is not enough to simply hear and read a description of MPA. It is essential to practice MPA.


1998 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 315-320
Author(s):  
Avery D. Faigenbaum ◽  
Joseph Ciccolo ◽  
Joseph R. Libonati

Preliminary assessment was made concerning perceptions of the newly developed bean-rate guide, devised as an educational tool to promote physical activity. Unlike the traditional target heart-rate chart, the heart-rate guide illustrates the value of low to moderate intensity physical activity. Following a brief lecture about the Surgeon General's report on physical activity and health and the usefulness of heart-rate charts and guides, 120 college students ( M age 21.5 ± 2.8 yr.) completed a self-report survey consisting of statements regarding their use of target heart rates during exercise and their perceptions of the new heart-rate guide as compared to the traditional heart-rate chart. 83% of the subjects reported that the new guide better illustrated the findings from the Surgeon General's report, 5% reported no difference between the guide and the chart, and 12% reported that the chart better illustrated the report's findings ( p<.01). 48% never measure their heart rates when they exercise, 48% sometimes measure their heart rates and 4% always do so ( p< 01). While the new guide should not replace the traditional chart, these results suggest that college students perceive the heart-rate guide as a useful tool despite the fact that only a small percentage of students regularly measure their heart rates when they exercise.


Retos ◽  
2017 ◽  
pp. 179-184
Author(s):  
Emilio J Martinez-López ◽  
Jesús Moreno-Cerceda ◽  
Sara Suarez-Manzano ◽  
Alberto Ruiz-Ariza

Sustituir el tiempo sedentario por la práctica sistemática de actividad física (AF) es uno de los grandes retos  educativos y sociales dirigidos a jóvenes con sobrepeso-obesidad. El objetivo principal fue analizar el efecto en el índice de masa corporal (IMC) de un programa de AF extraescolar que empleó el pulsómetro como mecanismo para cuantificar el volumen e intensidad del ejercicio. Participaron 69 escolares con sobrepeso-obesidad de 9 a 12 años. La muestra se aleatorizó en grupo con programa y pulsómetro (GE1, n=23), grupo con solo programa (GE2, n=23), y grupo control que no realizó programa ni empleó pulsómetro (GC, n=23). Los resultados mostraron que GE1 había disminuido el IMC respecto al GC a los dos y tres meses de intervención (-1.65 kg/m2; p=.037, d de Cohen=.786; y -2.02 kg/m2, p=.006, d de Cohen=.895, respectivamente). GE1 incrementó significativamente el tiempo diario de intensidad máxima de AF medida por el pulsómetro (p=.028). El 86.9% y el 60.8% de los alumnos del GE1 y GE2 respectivamente afirmaron estar bastante o totalmente de acuerdo con el ítem “He comprobado que realizo más actividad física diaria que antes”. La mayoría de niños y padres del GE1 consideraron la experiencia como positiva y motivante para realizar más AF. Se concluye que un programa dirigido desde la Educación Física, que combina AF extraescolar y emplea el pulsómetro como mecanismo de control, disminuye el IMC en jóvenes con sobrepeso-obesidad después de dos meses de aplicación, aumenta la motivación por la práctica físico-deportiva, e implica cambios positivos en los hábitos de salud familiares. Abstract. Replacing sedentary time with systematic practice of PA is one of the major social and health challenges of globalized world. The main aim of this research was to analyze the effect of a program based on extracurricular PA, using heart rate monitor to quantify the volume and intensity of PA, on the body mass index (BMI). 69 young students with overweight-obesity aged nine to 12 years participated in this study. The sample was randomly split in two groups: PA program and heart rate monitor (EG1, n=23), PA program without heart rate monitor (EG2, n=23), and control group, whose members did not carry out any program nor used any heart rate monitor (CG, n=23). Results showed that GE1 decreased BMI more than CG after two and three months of intervention (-1.65 kg/m2; p=.037, Cohen’s d=.786; y -2.02 kg/m2, p=.006, Cohen’s d =.895, respectively). G1 significantly increased the daily time of PA at maximum intensity measured by the heart rate monitor (p=.028). 86.9% and 60.8% of students in EG1 and EG2 respectively, were quite or totally in agreement with the item "I have verified that I carry out more physical activity daily than before". The majority of children and parents in EG1 considered the experience as positive and motivating to practice more PA. A program focused on Physical Education and combining extracurricular PA and heart rate monitor as a control mechanism, decreases BMI in overweight-obese young students after two months of application, increases motivation towards PA and sport practice, and implies positive changes in family health habits.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Hu ◽  
Jonathan D Browne ◽  
Michael T Arnold ◽  
Anthony Robinson ◽  
Marin F Heacock ◽  
...  

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.


2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (s1) ◽  
pp. S45-S61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen L. Moy ◽  
Robert K. Scragg ◽  
Grant McLean ◽  
Harriette Carr

Background:This study validated the short- and long-form New Zealand Physical Activity Questionnaires (NZPAQ-SF and NZPAQ-LF) against heart-rate monitoring (HRM) with individual calibration.Methods:A multiethnic sample (N = 180), age 19 to 86 y, underwent HRM for 3 consecutive days while simultaneously completing physical activity (PA) logs.Results:Both NZPAQs showed significant (p < .001) correlations to HRM data for brisk walking (r = .27–.43), vigorous-intensity PA (r = .27–.35), and total PA (r = .25; 95% CI, 0.10-0.40), whereas moderate-intensity PA was substantially overreported (mean = 157-199 min). Although the NZPAQ-LF performed better for brisk walking and vigorous-intensity PA, the NZPAQs were strongly correlated (r = .61 and r = .52, respectively, p < .0001). European/Other participants demonstrated the most accurate PA recall of total PA on both NZPAQs (r = .36−.41, p < .01).Conclusions:The NZPAQs are acceptable instruments for measuring adult PA levels and produce similar results. Substituting culturally specific examples of PAs on the NZPAQs and their accompanying show cards could potentially improve PA recall for Maori and Pacific people.


2021 ◽  
pp. OP.20.00625
Author(s):  
Amy H. Ng ◽  
An Ngo-Huang ◽  
Marieberta Vidal ◽  
Ariadne Reyes-Garcia ◽  
Diane D. Liu ◽  
...  

PURPOSE: The American College of Sports Medicine exercise guidelines for cancer survivors encourage a combination of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and 2-3 weekly sessions of strength training. Cancer survivors often experience more barriers to meeting recommended guidelines because of side effects from cancer treatments. Our aim was to measure the cancer survivors’ adherence and barriers with these recommendations. METHODS: Two hundred adult cancer survivors completed surveys (Stanford Patient Education Research Center Exercise Behaviors Survey and an exercise barrier scale) reporting their physical activity, barriers to physical activity, and symptom assessment. RESULTS: A total of 68/200 participants (34%) reported adhering to the recommended physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes or more per week. Those who adhered to the guidelines reported fewer barriers to exercise (mean of 2.44 compared with 4.15 barriers, P < .0001). Female participants ( P = .01), higher number of barriers, and feeling of poor well-being were less likely to report at least 60 or 150 minutes of exercise time. Lack of interest ( P = .003) and self-discipline ( P = .001) were reported as barriers. These participants were more likely to report high symptom burden of pain ( P = .007) and fatigue ( P = .005). Participants who reported < 60 minutes of exercise reported lack of enjoyment ( P = .03), lack of equipment ( P = .01), and symptoms of poor appetite, poor well-being, and increased dyspnea. CONCLUSION: Although recommendations are given for exercise, adherence to recommendations is low. Issues of motivation, including lack of interest and self-discipline, and symptoms of pain and fatigue were some of the main reported barriers to adhering to the recommended exercise guidelines. Therefore, interventions aimed at increasing motivation and treating symptoms could improve cancer survivor adherence to recommended exercise guidelines.


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