Virtual reality-enhanced exergames for weight control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

IF 3.8 2区医学 Q1 ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM

International Journal of Obesity Pub Date : 2025-09-06 DOI:10.1038/s41366-025-01782-w

Hsin-Yen Yen, Huei-Ling Chiu, Hao-Yun Huang

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Abstract

Obesity is an important public health issue. Virtual reality provides an opportunity to increase benefits of traditional exercise programs with more immersive, interactive, and enjoyable experiences for weight control. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of virtual reality-enhanced exergames for obesity-related outcomes, including body weight, body mass index, body fat, and waist circumference. Six electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, and CINAHL Plus, were searched for randomized controlled trials. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using a random-effects model. In total, 12 qualified studies were selected for both qualitative and quantitative syntheses. Virtual reality-enhanced exergames exerted small significant effects on improving body weight, body mass index, and body fat percentage. Low heterogeneity and no significant publication bias were found among the studies. Creating an immersive virtual world is an interesting and effective strategy for users to engage in physical activity. Virtual reality-enhanced exergames are recommended for weight control and obesity prevention across populations.

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虚拟现实增强的体重控制游戏：随机对照试验的系统回顾和荟萃分析。

背景：肥胖是一个重要的公共卫生问题。虚拟现实提供了一个机会，增加传统运动项目的好处，更身临其境，互动，和愉快的体验体重控制。目的：本研究旨在探讨虚拟现实增强运动游戏对肥胖相关结果的功效，包括体重、体重指数、体脂和腰围。方法：检索PubMed、Embase、Scopus、Web of Science、Medline、CINAHL Plus等6个电子数据库进行随机对照试验检索。采用随机效应模型进行系统评价和荟萃分析。总共选择了12项合格的研究进行定性和定量综合。结果：虚拟现实增强的运动游戏对改善体重、体重指数和体脂率的影响较小。这些研究的异质性较低，未发现显著的发表偏倚。结论：创造一个沉浸式的虚拟世界是一种有趣而有效的策略，可以让用户参与到体育活动中。虚拟现实增强运动游戏被推荐用于人群体重控制和肥胖预防。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

International Journal of Obesity 医学-内分泌学与代谢

CiteScore

10.00

自引率

2.00%

发文量

221

审稿时长

3 months

期刊介绍： The International Journal of Obesity is a multi-disciplinary forum for research describing basic, clinical and applied studies in biochemistry, physiology, genetics and nutrition, molecular, metabolic, psychological and epidemiological aspects of obesity and related disorders. We publish a range of content types including original research articles, technical reports, reviews, correspondence and brief communications that elaborate on significant advances in the field and cover topical issues.