Impact of immersive virtual reality games or traditional physical exercise on cardiovascular and autonomic responses, enjoyment and sleep quality: a randomized crossover study

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the potential of immersive virtual reality (IVR) in achieving moderate exercise intensity, and 2) to examine the acute effects of two IVR exergame sessions (BOXVR and Beat Saber), comparing them with the impact of traditional exercise on heart rate variability (HRV), perceived effort, delayed onset muscle soreness, motivation, and sleep. Materials and methods: A crossover design was used. The participants (n = 22) randomly performed two sessions of IVR and one session of moderate intensity physical activity, each session lasting 30 min. Heart Rate (HR) and HRV, Perceived Exertion Scale, Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, sleep quality, and perceived pain, were evaluated. Results: The cardiac response to the activities was significantly higher when participants performed traditional physical activity as compared to the BOXVR and Beat Saber games. Traditional training provided a different HRV response as compared to Beat Saber (LnRMSSD, p = 0.025; SDNN, p = 0.031). Although the sessions were planned for moderate intensity, BOXVR generated a moderate intensity (49.3% HRreserve), Beat Saber (29.6% HRreserve) a light one, and the Circuit session, a vigorous one (62.9% HRreserve). In addition, traditional training reported higher perceived exertion and pain with less enjoyment. Differences were observed between the exergames. BOXVR resulted in a lower cardiac response (HRmax and HRmean), and a higher perception of exertion and pain at 72 h. The sleep variables analyzed were not altered by any of the sessions. Conclusions: BOXVR and traditional training can lead to moderate intensity physical activity. However, traditional training could result in lower adherence to physical exercise programs, as it was perceived as more intense and less enjoyable.