A Kinect-based Mixed Reality Device for Fitness Program of Health-related Physical Fitness Compared with Individual Training: Development and Usability Study (Preprint)

Abstract

The development of electronic health (e-health) with an informative communication technology such as virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (MR) techniques play an important role in health care. These e-health could be beneficial for the Firefighter (FF)’s training who has limitations of fitness training due to their irregular schedule. However, there was no studies to compare the usability of fitness training program on special occupation using e-health device versus individual training.

This study aimed to compared the effects of “Kinect-based MR device (KMR) training” and “unsupervised individual training (UIT)” and evaluated the effects of “fitness program designed for Korean moderate-level of FFs (KFFP-m)”.

Participants were tested cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂max between 35ml/kg/min – 42ml/kg/min) and International physical activity questionnaire (<high volume) for their inclusion, and were randomly assigned into 3 groups, Kinect-based mixed reality group (KMRG), unsupervised individual group (UIG), or a control group (CG). For the pre- and post-tests, body composition and health related physical fitness were measured. KMRG and UIG attended the program 3 days/wk for 8wks and CG received health recommendation handbook. All groups received phone calls once in 2wks for reminding to maintain their daily routines and they were asked to submit 3days of 24hr diet in 4wks (2times). Normality was tested at the baseline and a time (pre vs. post) x group (KMRG vs. UIG vs. CG) factorial ANOVA with repeated measurements was performed to determine the differences between treatments (P <.05).

The target population was Korean men age between 20yrs to 50yrs. The average age of the participants was 31.11±5.76 years and VO₂max 38.79±3.73ml/kg/min. Normality was found at the baseline and there was no significant difference at the baseline and their nutrition status for 8wks between groups. KMRG contained login service, feedbacks of their exercise (proper pose), counting system, timer and etc. UIG were provided the same fitness program with KMRG and room with the instructive fitness program banner and tools they need. As a result, body fat (%) was significantly increased, and skeletal muscle mass was significantly decreased in CG. VO₂max, 2-min push-up, and knee 180º extension were significantly increased in both KMRG and UIG by time. 60º flexion of the knee was significantly enhanced in UIG and 180º flexion of the knee was enhanced in KMRG by time. VO₂max (KMRG, UIG>CG), 60º extension (KMRG>CG), and flexion of the knee (KMRG>UIG, CG), 180º extension (KMRG>CG), and flexion (KMRG>CG) of the knee showed significant difference between the groups.

We developed the usage of the KMR theory and scientific evidence. The KFFP-m was effective in either using KMR and UIT but KMR was more efficient than UIT. Next, we will evaluate the effect of other programs in other subjects.