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

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.