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Comparison of Virtual Vs. Traditional Cycling Exercise on Perceived Duration and Exercise Enjoyment: A Pilot Study
Kyle W Reason1,2, Lauren G Killen2, T Scott Lyons2
1Department of Kinesiology, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud MN, USA.
Virtual interactive cycling may enhance exercise adherence by increasing enjoyment and reducing perceived exertion compared to traditional stationary bikes. This virtual approach could encourage longer workouts and higher intensities, overcoming common barriers like lack of time and enjoyment.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Human Movement
Background:
- Regular physical activity is crucial for quality of life.
- Perceived lack of time and enjoyment are key barriers to exercise adherence.
- Innovative exercise modalities are needed to improve adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare perceived exercise duration and enjoyment between virtual interactive cycling and traditional stationary cycling.
- To investigate the impact of virtual interactivity on physiological and psychological responses during exercise.
- To determine if virtual environments can mitigate barriers to exercise adherence.
Main Methods:
- Thirteen active participants underwent VO2 peak testing.
- Participants completed four counterbalanced 20-min and 40-min trials.
- Trials included virtual interactive (Expresso™) and traditional (Velotron) stationary bikes with matched workloads.
- Metabolic data (VO2), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and heart rate (HR) were recorded.
- Perceived duration and enjoyment (PACES) were assessed post-exercise.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in perceived exercise duration were found between virtual and traditional cycling.
- The virtual interactive bike showed significantly lower overall and leg RPE at later time points during longer durations.
- Exercise enjoyment was significantly higher on the virtual interactive bike compared to the traditional bike.
- Participants perceived the virtual interactive trial as more enjoyable and easier beyond 25 minutes.
Conclusions:
- Virtual interactive cycling enhances exercise enjoyment and reduces perceived exertion compared to traditional methods.
- The virtual environment may facilitate longer exercise durations and/or higher intensities.
- Interactive cycling technologies show promise in overcoming barriers to exercise adherence.
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