Virtual Reality vs Treadmill for Physical Activity

(IVRTE Trial)

Overseen By Mikaela Bubna

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Rowan University

Disqualifiers: Neurological, Psychiatric, Sensory, Motor, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 1 hour per session

60 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores which form of exercise—virtual reality physical activity (VRPA) or a treadmill—best boosts activity levels in inactive adults. It examines how each method affects enjoyment, perceived exertion, and brain response. Participants will either walk on a treadmill or use a VR headset for a pre-selected exercise session. This trial suits adults who have been inactive, can exercise safely, and have no vision or motion sickness issues. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative exercise methods and contribute to understanding their benefits.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this virtual reality-based physical activity intervention is safe for inactive adults?

Previous studies have shown that using a treadmill for exercise is generally safe. However, some individuals have reported issues such as pain, new strokes, or other medical problems. Injuries like muscle strains and skin scrapes have also occurred in some cases.

Research has shown that virtual reality-based physical activity (VRPA) is well-tolerated by participants. Earlier studies found that while some individuals experience mild issues like eye strain or dizziness, no serious problems have been reported. In some trials, participants did not report any negative effects such as nausea or dizziness.

Both treadmill and VRPA treatments appear safe for most people, but it's important to consider the possibility of minor discomforts when deciding to participate in a trial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to boost physical activity using technology. Unlike traditional methods like treadmills that can feel repetitive, Virtual Reality Physical Activity (VRPA) immerses participants in a virtual environment, making exercise more engaging and enjoyable. This approach could potentially increase motivation and adherence to exercise routines. By comparing VRPA to treadmill workouts, researchers hope to find out if virtual reality can offer a more effective and appealing way to encourage people to stay active.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for increasing physical activity?

This trial will compare Virtual Reality Physical Activity (VRPA) with treadmill exercise. Research has shown that VRPA can greatly increase motivation and improve movement skills. Participants who exercised with VR experienced lower body mass index (BMI) and body fat, leading to healthier body measurements. VR exercise also enhances balance and walking, resulting in better coordination and movement. Meanwhile, treadmill use, which participants in this trial may also experience, can increase overall physical activity and extend walking distances. Studies have found that regular treadmill use boosts endurance and physical performance. Both options offer unique benefits, so the best choice depends on personal preferences and fitness goals. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for inactive adults who are interested in exploring different forms of physical activity. Participants should be willing to engage with virtual reality-based exercises and traditional treadmill workouts. Specific eligibility details, such as age or health status requirements, were not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

Be inactive (i.e., do not meet physical activity guidelines)

Have no history of motion sickness

Have the ability to exercise based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+) (Warburton et al., 2019)

Exclusion Criteria

Do not meet the inclusion criteria

Cannot read

I find it difficult to use a VR headset.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete baseline measures including demographic information and initial surveys on cognition, affect, and willingness.

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants engage in either VRPA, treadmill exercise, or sitting with music for 20-30 minutes. Measurements of heart rate, calories burned, and surveys on feasibility, acceptability, cognition, flow, affect, exertion, willingness, and enjoyment are conducted.

1 hour per session

Multiple sessions (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in heart rate, affect, executive functioning, and other cognitive measures post-activity.

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Treadmill
• VRPA

Trial Overview The study is testing the effectiveness of a virtual reality-based physical activity (VRPA) intervention against traditional treadmill exercise. It aims to assess various outcomes like calories burned, heart rate, enjoyment, and cognitive effects from these activities.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Virtual Reality Physical Activity (VRPA) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will wear the VR headset and complete one pre-selected exercise session.

Group II: Treadmill Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will walk on a treadmill while listening to the same playlist that is played during the VRPA condition.

Group III: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will sit quietly while listening to the same music playlist that is played during the VRPA condition.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Rowan University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

25

Recruited

3,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3249605/

Impact of Treadmill Exercise on Efficacy Expectations, ... Results indicated that regardless of group, all study participants experienced increased self efficacy (F=2.95, p=0.09) and outcome expectations for exercise (F ...

2. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2809783

Home-Based Walking Exercise and Supervised Treadmill ... Home-based walking exercise was associated with greater improvement in 6MW distance but not treadmill walking distance, in people with PAD.

3. ahajournals.org ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.118.009380

Durability of Benefits From Supervised Treadmill Exercise ... Primary outcomes were change in 6‐minute walk distance and short physical performance battery at 6‐month follow‐up and have been reported ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11798546/

An Exploratory Study Comparing the Metabolic Responses ... The 12-3-30 workout had a longer completion time, lower energy expenditure rate, higher fat, and lower carbohydrate utilization than self-paced ...

5. journals.plos.org journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0088620

Treadmill Workstations: The Effects of Walking while Working ... We find that daily total physical activity increased as a result of the adoption of treadmill workstations.

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40318662/

Reporting of Adverse Events in Studies Involving Treadmill ... The most frequent adverse events reported were pain (6 studies), new strokes (6 studies), and medical complications (4 studies) were the most commonly observed.

7. elementssystem.com elementssystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/treadmill-risk.pdf

RISKS OF TREADMILLS IN HEALTH/FITNESS FACILITIES: To understand and identify the sources of hazards and associ- ated risks with treadmills in health/ fitness facilities. 2. To be able to develop and im-.

8. lermagazine.com lermagazine.com/article/treadmill-related-lower-extremity-injuries-treated-at-united-states-emergency-departments

Treadmill-related Lower Extremity Injuries Treated at ... The injuries were 36.8% strain or strain, 17.8% contusion or abrasion, 9.5% fracture, 6.4% laceration, 1.7% dislocation, 1.5% avulsion, and 26.3% other/not ...

9. health.harvard.edu health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/get-smart-about-treadmills

Get smart about treadmills - Harvard Health Here are three treadmill routines you can add to your exercise program that address different needs: speed, endurance, and muscle building.

10. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2664948

Effect of High-Intensity Treadmill Exercise on Motor ... This phase 2 randomized clinical trial of 128 participants established that 80% to 85% and 60% to 65% exercise intensities are safe and feasible.