Immersive Virtual Reality Influences Physiologic Responses to Submaximal Exercise: A Randomized, Crossover Trial.

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Virtual Reality Technology
• Autonomic Nervous System Function

Background:

• Exercise tolerance is a key metric in assessing physical fitness and cardiovascular health.
• Virtual reality (VR) offers novel environments for training and rehabilitation.
• Understanding the physiological impact of VR on exercise is crucial for its application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of immersive virtual reality (VR) on exercise tolerance during a submaximal exercise test.
• To analyze heart rate variability (HRV) parameters during exercise with and without VR.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 70 healthy volunteers aged 22-25 years.
• Participants completed a submaximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer, both with and without immersive VR.
• Analysis of time- and frequency-domain HRV parameters (SDNN, RMSSD, LF, HF, TP, LF/HF ratio) at different time points.

Main Results:

• Exercise tests in immersive VR were significantly longer (694s vs. 591s, p<0.00001) compared to standard tests.
• VR exercise was associated with a lower heart rate response (5-8 beats/min lower) across exercise levels.
• Increased exercise duration in VR was linked to male sex, VR immersion, and negatively correlated with initial heart rate and RMSSD.

Conclusions:

• Exercising in VR enhances exercise duration by reducing heart rate and facilitating longer exercise periods before reaching target HR.
• The observed increase in exercise duration is associated with autonomic nervous system adjustments, favoring parasympathetic activity.