Muscle Activity And User-perceived Exertion During Immersive Virtual Reality Exergaming Incorporating Adaptive Cable Resistance

INTRODUCTION: Resistance training is often avoided in a wide range of populations due to the uncomfortable feelings of intense exertion. Exergaming, which is defined as the integration of video gameplay into exercise training, has shown the ability to distract users from perceived exertion. PURPOSE: The purpose of this exploratory study was to characterize muscle activation via surface electromyography (sEMG), user-perceived exertion, and enjoyment during a 30-minute session of immersive virtual reality (IVR) cable resistance exergaming. METHODS: Ten healthy, college-aged males completed a signature 30-minute exergaming session using an IVR adaptive cable resistance system that incorporated six traditional compound exercises. Muscle activation (sEMG) was captured during the session with a wearable sEMG system. Rated of Perceived Exertion (RPE), and Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) were recorded following the session. RESULTS: The adaptive cable resistance system induced similar activation patterns over time in every exercise (p < 0.001). Pectoralis major showed the highest activation during chest press, deltoids showed the highest activation on overhead press, latissimus dorsi showed the highest activation during lat pulldown and row exercises, hamstrings were the most activated muscles during Romanian deadlift, and glutes showed the highest activity during squats. RPE and PACES mean scores were 14(1) and 4.27(0.38), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: IVR exergaming with resistance cable training provides an enjoyable experience and distracts practitioners from exertion while exercising at a high intensity. Results from this study suggest similar muscle activation responses compared to traditional resistance exercises as demonstrated with prior evidence. This novel form of exercise might have important repercussions for improving health outcomes among those who find it challenging to adhere to and enjoy exercise routines, as well as those with little knowledge on how to progress in their resistance training. Further investigations are needed to explore long-term adaptations and to assess if IVR exergaming has additional benefits compared to traditional resistance training.