Games for Health Journal最新文献

{"title":"Be Ahead of the Game! A Systematic Review on Serious Games Aiming to Enhance Hospital Management Knowledge and Health Care Administrative Skills Acquisition.","authors":"Vasiliki Eirini Chatzea, Costas Panagiotakis, Nikolas Vidakis, John Fanourgiakis","doi":"10.1177/2161783X251361157","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/2161783X251361157","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Serious games are pedagogic tools aiming to serve educational or informative purposes by incorporating fun aspects of games with serious elements of learning. Serious games are an emerging trend in medical and nursing education since they provide the ideal opportunity to increase knowledge and enhance decision-making and problem-solving skills by actively involving learners. However, serious game initiatives on hospital management education have been given less attention. This is the first contemporary systematic review addressing the significant research gap by synthesizing existing evidence on serious games in the hospital management field, to highlight their potential in enhancing managerial and administrative skills. Robust search algorithms were implemented in Scopus and PubMed yielding 892 results. Overall, 36 serious games emerged with half of them being digital. Regarding game design, most were multiplayer games, while several required team collaboration. Serious games' main learning target was categorized according to Katz's three-skill approach for effective administration, including technical, interpersonal, and conceptual skills acquisition. Serious game learning activity type, teaching subject, and geographical distribution were also explored. The findings stimulate interest and increase awareness of using serious games to enhance hospital personnel's knowledge and skills in managerial roles and administrative processes. Furthermore, the review intended to inspire academics and health care policymakers to convey administrative skills and basic management concepts to various hospital employees and health care/management students through game-based learning.</p>","PeriodicalId":47401,"journal":{"name":"Games for Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144733898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Exercise Intervention on College Students' Mood States: An 8-Week Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Yuxin Wang, Feng Zhang, Zan Gao, Zhanjia Zhang, Wenxi Liu","doi":"10.1177/2161783X251360803","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/2161783X251360803","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an 8-week virtual reality (VR)-based exercise intervention on mood states among college students compared with traditional aerobic exercise and a control group. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 56 participants assigned to one of three groups: VR-based exercise, aerobic exercise, and control group. Participants in the two exercise groups completed two 40-minute sessions per week. Mood states were assessed using the Profile of Mood States scale at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significant time-group interactions for tension, anger, fatigue, depression, vigor, and self-related mood, indicating differential effects across groups. Post hoc analyses showed that the VR-based exercise group demonstrated the most improvements in mood, with significant reductions in overall mood disturbance (<i>P</i> < 0.001, VR group 109.00 ± 3.03; traditional group 118.58 ± 3.12; control group 131.55 ± 4.68), tension (<i>P</i> = 0.004, VR group 10.60 ± 0.70; traditional group 12.00 ± 0.60; control group 15.23 ± 0.99), anger (<i>P</i> = 0.015, VR group 9.00 ± 0.50; traditional group 9.68 ± 0.46; control group 11.91 ± 0.90), and depression (<i>P</i> = 0.011, VR group 7.93 ± 0.42; traditional group 8.47 ± 0.51; control group 11.45 ± 0.83), and a significant increase in vigor (<i>P</i> < 0.001, VR group 22.93 ± 0.80; traditional group 19.74 ± 0.70; control group 17.86 ± 0.67) and self-related mood (<i>P</i> = 0.025, VR group 15.80 ± 0.65; traditional group 14.37 ± 0.43; control group 13.64 ± 0.62). The findings suggest that VR-based exercise offers an engaging, immersive experience that can significantly enhance mood states, potentially outperforming traditional exercise. This study highlights the potential of VR as an effective tool for promoting mental health among college populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":47401,"journal":{"name":"Games for Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144718898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feasibility, Acceptability, and Tolerability of Fully-Immersive Virtual Reality Use Among Individuals with Neurological Conditions: A Mixed Methods Study.","authors":"Daniel Stam, Molly Watkins, Brea Galyen, Mitchell Olson, Kaitlyn Vomhof","doi":"10.1177/2161783X251361941","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/2161783X251361941","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Virtual reality (VR) offers a multidimensional simulated reality built with digital formats and can be characterized as semi-immersive (single projection screen) or fully-immersive (head-mounted display). Although VR is an emerging intervention for the rehabilitation of individuals with neurological disorders, research on fully-immersive technologies and the patient experience is limited. <b><i>Purpose:</i></b> To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and tolerability of using off-the-shelf, fully-immersive VR with adults following neurological impairment. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Mixed-methods study including 18 participants with a mean standard deviation (SD) age of 67.11 (12.12) years, asked to complete 20 minutes of dynamic rhythm-based VR activity in sitting. Outcomes included the pre- and postactivity VR Sickness Questionnaire (VRSQ), physiological data (maximum heart rate and Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion [RPE]), the User Satisfaction Evaluation Questionnaire (USEQ), and a structured interview. Quantitative analysis consisted of descriptive and inferential statistics. VRSQ scores were compared using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Qualitative analysis consisted of thematic analysis of interviews. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Median interquartile range (IQR) pre- and postactivity VRSQ scores were 7.50 (0-19.58) and 7.92 (0-19.38), respectively. Differences in scores were not statistically significant (Z = 0, <i>P</i> = 1.00). The median USEQ score was 27.50 (25.00-28.25). The mean percentage of maximal heart rate achieved was 63 (10) %, with a median RPE score of 10.50 (8.25-12.75). Qualitative analysis revealed themes of enjoyment and beneficial therapeutic challenges as facilitators of VR use. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> A single session of fully-immersive off-the-shelf VR yielded promising integrated findings related to the feasibility, acceptability, and tolerability of this type of intervention for a sample of individuals with a variety of neurological conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":47401,"journal":{"name":"Games for Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144715209","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nonimmersive Virtual Reality-Based Exercises Improve Muscle Excitability and Balance in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Sham-Controlled Study.","authors":"Mehmet Sönmez, Şebnem Avcı, Fatma Şimşek, Fatih Baygutalp","doi":"10.1177/2161783X251360443","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/2161783X251360443","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Objective:</i></b> Pain, decreased muscle strength, regression in activities of daily living (ADL), narrowing of joint range of motion (ROM), impairment of proprioceptive sense, and deterioration in static-dynamic balance are frequently observed in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The aim of this study is to examine the effect of nonimmersive virtual reality (NIVR) application on muscle excitability and motor neuron pool activation level around the knee, balance, proprioception, physical function level, independence levels in ADL, muscle endurance, and patient satisfaction in patients with KOA. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> Forty patients with KOA were randomized to an experimental group (EG; <i>n</i> = 20) and a sham-controlled group (SG; <i>n</i> = 20). The EG received 45 minutes of traditional physiotherapy and 30 minutes of NIVR-based exercises for 3 weeks, 5 days a week, while the SG received traditional physiotherapy and a sham virtual reality (VR) application for 30 minutes for the same period. Primary outcomes were muscle excitability (maximal voluntary contraction [MVC]), motor neuron pool activation level, and balance. Secondary outcomes included proprioception, endurance, independence in ADL, pain level, physical functional condition (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index [WOMAC]), and treatment satisfaction. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Findings showed a significant difference in endurance, pain level, and independence in ADL scores in favor of the EG (all values, <i>P</i> < 0.05). Moreover, WOMAC, static and dynamic balance (differences timed up and go [TUG]: EG: -4.75, SG: -2.10, <i>P</i> = 0.02, <i>d</i> = 0.907), MVC, and proprioception scores also showed the highest differences (most values, <i>P</i> < 0.001). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Nonimmersive VR applications are a feasible approach for KOA and are effective approaches for increasing muscle excitability, static and dynamic balance, muscle endurance, proprioception, independence in ADL, treatment satisfaction, and reducing pain intensity in KOA.</p>","PeriodicalId":47401,"journal":{"name":"Games for Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144715210","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of Active Video Games Used to Augment Physical Therapy for Improving Gross Motor Outcomes of Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Shivangi Bajpai, Pegah Firouzeh, Lesley Pritchard","doi":"10.1089/g4h.2024.0137","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2024.0137","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Active video games may be beneficial for improving gross motor outcomes when used to augment traditional physical therapy for children and youth with cerebral palsy (CP). However, their effectiveness for improving gross motor outcomes is unclear. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effectiveness of active video game interventions combined with physical therapy compared to physical therapy alone for improving gross motor outcomes for children with CP. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, EMBASE (Ovid), PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched for relevant literature published prior to January 27, 2023. Eligible studies (a) were published in English, (b) used a randomized study design comparing active video games plus physical therapy to physical therapy alone, (c) included children and/or adolescents with CP (aged 5-18 years), and (d) measured gross motor outcomes. Included articles were assessed for bias (Cochrane risk-of-bias tool-version 2) (RoB-2), outcomes across studies were evaluated for evidence certainty using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE), and meta-analyses were conducted on outcomes when at least two studies used the same outcome measure. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria. Very low certainty evidence supported the use of active video games as an augmentative intervention for improving gross motor function (<i>Z</i> = 3.33; <i>P</i> < 0.001). Meta-analyses focused on other gross motor outcomes (i.e., balance and walking speed/distance) were not statistically significant. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Active video games may be beneficial in combination with regular physical therapy for improving gross motor function. However, current evidence is weak, and high-quality research is required.</p>","PeriodicalId":47401,"journal":{"name":"Games for Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144286819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Serious Games on Memory Improvement in Older Adults Without Obvious Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Yue Li, Shasha Li, Haibing Liu, Lijun Xu, Shufang Liao, Jianyi Bao, Yingxue Xi, Xiaofang Song","doi":"10.1089/g4h.2025.0015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2025.0015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Serious games have been integrated into health care, but their effectiveness in enhancing memory among old adults is not yet unanimously determined. This study aimed to analyze the effect of serious games on memory improvement in older adults without obvious cognitive impairment. We searched six electronic databases. All eligible randomized controlled trials were assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the effect size using the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 18 studies were included in the systematic review and 16 were in the meta-analysis. Serious games had a significant effect on memory (SMD = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.22-0.47; <i>P</i> < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, serious games were categorized into two types: cognitive training games (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.26-0.58; <i>P</i> < 0.001) and exergames (SMD = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.01-0.43; <i>P</i> = 0.04). Memory was categorized into three types: visuospatial working memory (SMD = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.54-1.00; <i>P</i> < 0.001), verbal memory (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.08-0.61; <i>P</i> = 0.01), and working memory (SMD = 0.09, 95% CI: -0.09 to 0.27; <i>P</i> = 0.35). There were two types of control groups: the blank control (SMD = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.15-0.54; <i>P</i> < 0.001) and the active control (SMD = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.18-0.51; <i>P</i> < 0.001). Serious games can improve memory among older adults without obvious cognitive impairment, with varying effects on different memory types.</p>","PeriodicalId":47401,"journal":{"name":"Games for Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Active Video Games on Energy Expenditure and Weight Management Among Young Adults: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Feng Wen, Hazwani Ahmad Yusof, Nurdiana Zainol Abidin","doi":"10.1089/g4h.2025.0044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2025.0044","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Obesity and overweight among young adults are becoming public health concerns. Active video games (AVGs) have been demonstrated by previous studies as a healthy and enjoyable exercise, which may assist young people in weight management (WM). This review aims to critically assess the literature on the effects of AVGs on young adults in terms of energy expenditure (EE) and WM. Five international databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and Web of Science) were searched with keywords up to 2025. A systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies investigating the effects of AVGs on EE and WM in young adults aged 18-25 were included. Data from all studies were extracted using a preprepared structured form, and pre- and postintervention differences were compared between the AVG intervention groups and the control/comparison groups. Thousand one hundred twenty-nine articles were retrieved, of which 14 RCT studies (<i>n</i> = 668, 47.5% female) met the inclusion criteria. Ten studies measured EE while playing AVGs, and nine of these found that playing AVGs could achieve moderate physical activity. Four parallel-design RCTs measured body weight or body mass index (BMI), with only one of these found a significant reduction (-0.29 kg/m², <i>P</i> = 0.043) in BMI in the AVG group. The differences in study design and methodological quality among the included literature make it challenging to simply summarize the results, and the findings need to be interpreted with caution. Overall, AVGs could achieve moderate physical activity and serve as an effective alternative to traditional exercise. However, the results related to WM are mixed. Future research should adhere to more rigorous methodological standards, such as larger sample sizes and stricter dietary controls, to investigate the long-term effects of AVGs on body composition.</p>","PeriodicalId":47401,"journal":{"name":"Games for Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227214","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of Biofeedback-Based Serious Game for Pain Alleviation in Middle-Aged and Older Patients with Ovarian Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Fangyuan Chang, Shuang Yang, Yuping Zhang, Changying Tian, Hongqing Xiang","doi":"10.1089/g4h.2024.0128","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2024.0128","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Persistent pain affects many middle-aged and older patients with ovarian cancer. Serious games offer non-pharmacological relief, but their effectiveness and immersion monitoring in this population remain underexplored. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> To evaluate the efficacy of a biofeedback-driven serious game with dynamic difficulty in reducing pain and enhancing immersion. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A two-arm, single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted with 52 participants randomized into an intervention group (biofeedback-driven dynamic-difficulty game) or a control group (fixed-difficulty game). Both groups engaged in a 15-minute gameplay session. The primary outcome was pain intensity, where the secondary outcomes were pain-related anxiety, immersion level, and user experience. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Both groups showed significant reductions in pain intensity and pain-related anxiety from baseline (<i>p</i> < 0.05). No significant between-group differences were observed in these outcomes. The intervention group, however, exhibited a significantly higher average immersion level compared to the control group (<i>p</i> < 0.01; d = 1.08; β = 0.11 [-0.38, 0.60]) . Participants in the intervention group also rated the game as more innovative, interesting, supportive, efficient, and exciting, though slightly more difficult to use. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The biofeedback-based serious game effectively enhances immersion and may support pain and anxiety reduction in older ovarian cancer patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":47401,"journal":{"name":"Games for Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227215","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effectiveness of Video-Based Game Exercise Therapy Applications in Pes Planus Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Ayşe Büşra Erten, Devrim Tarakçı, Yasemin Koç","doi":"10.1089/g4h.2024.0179","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2024.0179","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of serious game, exergame, and structured exercises in pes planus rehabilitation. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Sixty-nine individuals with pes planus were included in this study. Individuals were randomly divided into three groups: a structured exercise group (SEG), an exergame group (EGG), and a serious game group (SGG). The average age of the participants was 21.02, and their body mass index was 21.91 kg/m². Interventions were performed three times a week for 6 weeks. Navicular drop, plantar pressure analysis, femoral anteversion, balance, and muscle strength were evaluated pre- and post-treatment. A small effect size of 0.2 was applied for navicular drop, balance, and plantar pressure analysis, and a medium effect size of 0.5 for femoral anteversion and muscle strength analysis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Navicular drop and muscle strength improved significantly in all groups (<i>P</i> < 0.05). The strength of the inverter, plantar flexor, and dorsiflexor muscles was found to be significantly greater in the SGG than in the other groups (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Balance showed significant improvement only in EGG and SGG (<i>P</i> < 0.05). The decrease in medial plantar pressure was found to be significant in both feet in SGG and only in the left foot in the SEG (<i>P</i> < 0.05). The subtalar angle improved significantly in both feet in the SGG and only in the right foot in the SEG (<i>P</i> < 0.05). No significant change was observed in the EGG (<i>P</i> > 0.05). Femoral anteversion did not change in any of the three groups (<i>P</i> > 0.05). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Individuals with pes planus obtained more improvements in plantar pressure analysis, subtalar angle, and muscle strength after serious games rather than structured exercises and exergame. It was considered that serious game exercise programs would be used in pes planus.</p>","PeriodicalId":47401,"journal":{"name":"Games for Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Virtual Reality Exercise with Autonomy Support Increases Positive Affect During Time Trial Exercise.","authors":"Andrew Ray Moore, Brooke An Shaohua Butler","doi":"10.1089/g4h.2024.0157","DOIUrl":"10.1089/g4h.2024.0157","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i><b>Background:</b></i> Being able to choose elements of an exercise session, known as autonomy support, improves motor performance and psychological responses. Virtual reality (VR) programs provide many options for embedding autonomy support in exercise sessions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of autonomy support in a VR setting on physiological and psychological responses to self-regulated rowing exercise. <i><b>Methods:</b></i> Using a repeated-measures crossover design, healthy untrained men and women (<i>N</i> = 20, age = 23.0 ± 7.4) completed exercise sessions on a rowing ergometer coupled with a head-mounted immersive VR application. In the Choice condition, participants chose the virtual environment, and in the Control condition, the environment was assigned to the participant. Participants were instructed to complete 1500 m as quickly as possible in both conditions, while ratings of perceived exertion, affective valence, and heart rate were recorded throughout the trials. Finishing time and remembered pleasure were assessed at the end of each session. Repeated-measures analyses with an alpha level of 0.05 were used for all variables as appropriate, with Bonferroni adjustments applied for any post hoc tests. <i><b>Results:</b></i> There was a main effect of condition on affective valence which was higher in Choice (2.07 ± 1.67) than Control (1.64 ± 2.12, <i>P</i> = 0.03, <i>η</i>² = 0.22). No other differences were detected between conditions for finishing time or the remaining variables. <i><b>Conclusion:</b></i> During self-regulated exercise accompanied by an immersive VR application, being able to choose the virtual environment oneself leads to a more positive affective state without compromising exercise effort, physiological strain, or performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":47401,"journal":{"name":"Games for Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":"212-220"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12172639/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142717469","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}