Field-based fitness measures improve via an immersive virtual reality exergaming platform: a randomized controlled trial
Mitchell S. Mologne, Trent Yamamoto, Michael Viggiano, August E. Blatney, Ross J. Lechner, Thalia H. Nguyen, Aaron Doyle, Jason P. Farrales, Eric V. Neufeld, Brett A. Dolezal
Abstract
While there has been a recent onslaught of traditional lab-based fitness measures in immersive virtual reality (IVR) exergaming research, there remains a paucity in the field-based fitness domain, which refers to assessments made outside a formal laboratory setting which are easier, cheaper, and have more practical application. This study aimed to assess changes in field-based fitness tests including the 1-mile run, 20-m dash, multiple single-leg hop-stabilization test, Abalakov jump, and 5-10-5 Pro Agility test during a 1-month workout protocol and to compare differences between groups assigned to either an IVR machine-directed exergaming platform or a traditional, self-directed cable-resistance training control (SELF). Eighteen (7 females) college-aged participants with little resistance training experience were randomized to IVR or SELF and worked out thrice weekly for 4 weeks (12 sessions). Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were performed for continuous variables to assess significance. Compared to SELF, the IVR group had significantly better performance improvements in 20 m dash (−0.1s vs. 0.0s, p = 0.022), 5-10-5 Pro Agility Test (−0.1s vs. −0.0s, p = 0.003), Abalakov Jump (5.8 cm vs. 2.0 cm, p = 0.0013), 1-Mile Run (−11.0s vs. −2.0s, p = 0.008), and Multiple Single-Leg Hop-Stabilization Test with their dominant (−9.0s vs. 1.0s, p = 0.0015) and non-dominant (−8.0s vs. 1.0s, p = 0.003) legs. This training study demonstrates that IVR exergaming, more so than those that traditionally resistance train (SELF), can improve many field-based fitness components including agility, balance and stability, speed/acceleration, cardiovascular endurance, and lower-body power.