Using Ankle Weights as an Effective Way to Increase the Intensity of Physical Activity While Playing Immersive Virtual Reality Games on an Omnidirectional Treadmill

Jacek Polechoński; Karolina Kostorz; Piotr Polechoński

doi:10.3390/app132011536

journal article Open Access Oct 21, 2023

Using Ankle Weights as an Effective Way to Increase the Intensity of Physical Activity While Playing Immersive Virtual Reality Games on an Omnidirectional Treadmill

Jacek Polechoński

Karolina Kostorz

Piotr Polechoński

Applied Sciences Vol. 13 No. 20 pp. 11536 · MDPI AG

View at Publisher Save 10.3390/app132011536

Abstract

Active virtual reality games (AVRGs) have become more and more popular. As the intensity of this form of physical activity (PA) may be insufficient to achieve health-related benefits, it is worth looking for solutions that increase the intensity of PA. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of leg loading in the form of ankle weights (AWs) on the PA intensity of young adults playing AVRGs using an omnidirectional treadmill. The enjoyment of the game and users’ perceptions of the usefulness of this type of exercise were also evaluated. The study involved 26 university students. Each participant played an AVRG game on an omnidirectional treadmill twice, without and with ankle weights (2 kg per leg). The intensity of PA was evaluated using a heart rate monitor. The attractiveness of the game was assessed using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). The study found that the percentage of maximum heart rate in participants playing AVRGs without ankle weights was significantly lower than that observed when playing with the weights. In both cases, PA intensity was high. A survey showed that the weights attached to the ankles did not affect the perceptions of the enjoyment of the game. The use of ankle weights appears to be an effective and simple way to increase the intensity of physical exercise during AVRGs based on locomotor movements performed with the lower limbs, especially since, according to study participants, such a procedure does not negatively affect the enjoyment of the game. Due to the high intensity of PA while playing VR games using an omnidirectional treadmill, it can be assumed that regular use of this solution is likely to provide health benefits.

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Details

Published: Oct 21, 2023
Vol/Issue: 13(20)
Pages: 11536
License: View

Authors

J

Jacek Polechoński

Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, 40-065 Katowice, Poland

K

Karolina Kostorz

Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, 40-065 Katowice, Poland

P

Piotr Polechoński

Student Scientific Circle of Physical Activity and Tourism in Virtual Reality “ACTIVE VR”, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, 40-065 Katowice, Poland

Cite This Article

Jacek Polechoński, Karolina Kostorz, Piotr Polechoński (2023). Using Ankle Weights as an Effective Way to Increase the Intensity of Physical Activity While Playing Immersive Virtual Reality Games on an Omnidirectional Treadmill. Applied Sciences, 13(20), 11536. https://doi.org/10.3390/app132011536

Using Ankle Weights as an Effective Way to Increase the Intensity of Physical Activity While Playing Immersive Virtual Reality Games on an Omnidirectional Treadmill

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