Could virtual reality be an effective tool to combat obesity and sedentariness in children? Results from two research studies

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) could be interesting tool to combat obesity and sedentariness in children. Objective is to study possibilities of VR during aerobic exercise in children obese and normal weight . Physiological (cardiovascular and metabolic response with biomedical sensors (smart fabrics TIAS)) and psychological responses have been collected. First study (n=90), a commercial platform was tested as support to aerobic exercise in a treadmill. Results showed more physiological effort by obese group and limitations to measure effort perception with Borg scale especially in obese group. In second study (n=126) a new VR platform was developed (VREP) and tested ,all the boys completed both conditions (same Aerobic exercise with/without support VR). 59.5% felt more effort in the traditional condition The vast majority of the participants liked the idea of combining physical activity with VR as a form of treatment to increase physical activity. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.