Effects of Virtual Reality-Enhanced Exercise Equipment on Adherence and Exercise-Induced Feeling States

Abstract

A field study was conducted to test the effectiveness of virtual reality-enhanced cardiovascular exercise equipment for increasing adherence and attendance in a mixed-sex adult sample. Attendance was significantly higher in the virtual reality-enhanced condition than in the conditions without virtual reality over the 14-wk. period. Adherence was also highest (83.33%) in the virtual-reality bicycle group. Postexercise feelings of positive engagement, revitalization, tranquility, and physical exhaustion, as measured by the Exercise-induced Feeling Inventory, did not differ among groups. Contrary to previous findings, Self-motivation Inventory scores were not associated with either attendance or adherence. While findings suggest that virtual-reality features may promote exercise adherence or attendance, it is not yet known what psychological variables they affect. Implications were drawn regarding the practical possibilities for exercise promotion.