Interactive Virtual Reality Reduces Quadriceps Pain during High-Intensity Cycling

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Virtual Reality Applications

Background:

• Brief, high-intensity cycling offers significant physiological benefits in minimal time.
• Quadriceps muscle pain is a common limitation for individuals engaging in high-intensity cycling.
• Virtual reality (VR) is known to reduce pain perception, but its impact on exercise-induced muscle pain is not well-understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if interactive virtual reality (I-VR) integrated with high-intensity cycling can alleviate quadriceps pain.
• To determine if I-VR affects performance during high-intensity cycling sprints.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-four physically active adults (18-29 years) participated in three 30-second high-intensity cycling sprints.
• Participants were randomized to either an I-VR group (cycling with interactive virtual cityscape) or a static VR/motor imagery control group.
• Quadriceps pain intensity and total work performed were measured across the sprint trials.

Main Results:

• A significant group-time interaction was found for pain intensity (P = 0.021).
• Participants in the I-VR group reported 13.3% and 11.8% lower pain intensity during the second and third sprints, respectively.
• No significant difference in total work performed was observed between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Interactive virtual reality (I-VR) effectively reduces quadriceps pain during intense, short-duration cycling.
• I-VR can be utilized as a tool to improve exercise tolerance in high-intensity training modalities.
• The use of I-VR does not negatively impact cycling performance in this context.