The Effect of an Immersive Virtual Reality Physical Activity Intervention on Anthropometric Variables, Physical...

Background/Objectives: University students exhibit high levels of sedentary behavior and low adherence to physical activity recommendations, and immersive virtual reality (IVR) represents an innovative strategy to increase physical activity participation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a physical activity intervention using IVR on anthropometric variables, physical fitness, and blood pressure in university students. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 participants (30 control, 30 intervention) over 12 weeks. The intervention group performed three weekly exercise sessions using IVR, while the control group maintained their usual activity. BMI, waist and hip circumferences, handgrip strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and blood pressure were assessed. Baseline characteristics between groups were compared using Student's t-test. The effect of the intervention was analyzed using analysis of covariance adjusted for baseline values. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess between-group changes, and subgroup analyses were conducted to determine the impact of sex. Results: The intervention produced significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂ and the 20 m shuttle run test); no significant changes were observed in anthropometric variables, strength, or blood pressure. Conclusions: A 12-week intervention with immersive virtual reality-based physical training improves cardiorespiratory fitness in university students, representing a promising tool for health promotion in this population.