Do Autonomic Nervous System and Perceived Exertion Responses Differ Between Walking and Virtual Reality-Engaged...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Autonomic Neuroscience
• Virtual Reality Applications

Background:

• Walking is crucial for cardiovascular health and autonomic regulation.
• Treadmill walking is a common method for exercise and rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare physiological responses between treadmill walking and virtual reality (VR) walking.
• To investigate the effects on the autonomic nervous system, recovery, and perceived exertion.

Main Methods:

• 40 sedentary participants were divided into treadmill and VR groups.
• Both groups underwent 20-minute walking protocols; the VR group used Wii Fit.
• Autonomic parameters (HR, PNS, SNS, SI, LF/HF) and perceived exertion (OMNI scale) were measured pre- and post-exercise, and during recovery.

Main Results:

• The VR group exhibited greater sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation compared to the treadmill group.
• Heart rate (HR) and LF/HF ratio showed significant changes in both groups post-exercise.
• Perceived exertion was similar across all time points for both groups, but autonomic responses differed.

Conclusions:

• VR walking can elicit distinct autonomic responses, specifically increased SNS activation, due to immersion.
• Recovery profiles were comparable between treadmill and VR walking.
• Findings support the development of VR-based rehabilitation programs tailored to autonomic nervous system responses.