Implementation of immersive virtual reality influences outcomes of exercise test

Background: Exercise tests can be used to assess functional limitations, to assess the ability to perform a rehabilitation program or determine the outcome of interventions. Cycle ergometers is a common exercise testing modes. However, stationary cycling exercise tolerance is highly dependent on patient motivation. Therefore, the test may end prematurely, before reaching a cardiopulmonary endpoint. A method of increasing patient motivation may be to perform exercise in a virtual reality (VR). VR may work as a distractor from exercise fatigue. Methods: This research was designed as a cross-sectional, randomly assigned study aimed to assess the influence of applying immersive virtual reality during an incremental exercise test on a cycle ergometer in healthy individuals. The study enrolled 70 healthy volunteers aged 22–24 years. The participants performed two types of tests: traditional and within virtual reality. Both tests consisted of incremental exercise, in which work rate was increased by 25 watts every three minutes. The VR research station consisted of a HTC Vive Pro Goggle starter kit along with VR health care (aerobic exercise) and VR cycling software. An ankle mounted HTC Vive Tracker device was used to link the pedal speed with the VR images. Heart rate (HR) was continuously recorded using a Polar H10 monitor. All tests were performed on a Lode Excalibur Sport PFM cycle ergometer. Results: Data analysis revealed significant differences between tests (p<0.00). Participants in the VR trial were able to exercise for a longer time (12.2 vs.10.1 minutes). Therefore, subjects exercising in a VR environment performed better than when tested by traditional methods.