Effects of VR and MR Exergaming on Mood and Executive Function During Workplace Microbreaks

Akdeniz University

Status: Active, not recruiting

Conditions: Executive Function (Cognition); Mood State; Exergame; Active Video Games (AVG)

Treatments: Other: Experimental

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06889597

06032025-05-118

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to evaluate the effects of virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) exergaming interventions during workplace microbreaks on mood and executive functions. A crossover experimental design will be implemented with desk-based administrative employees. Participants will be randomly assigned to three conditions: VR exergaming, MR exergaming, and passive rest. Executive functions will be assessed using the PEBL Victoria Stroop Test, and mood state will be evaluated with the Positive Affect Subscale of PANAS (PA-PANAS). Secondary measures include heart rate, perceived exertion, and exercise adherence intention.The study will address the following research questions:

How do VR and MR exergames influence executive functions compared to passive rest? How do VR and MR exergames affect mood states in workers compared to passive rest? How do VR and MR exergames compare in terms of heart rate response and perceived exertion during workplace microbreaks? How do VR and MR exergames impact exercise enjoyment and the intention to continue exergaming?

Enrollment: 30 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 18 years and older
• No regular physical exercise in the last three months (less than three days per week, less than 30 minutes per session)
• No prior experience with VR/MR technologies
• No history of neurological or cardiovascular disorders
• No epilepsy, vertigo, or inner ear conditions
• No use of medications affecting the central nervous system
• Low or moderate physical activity levels, as assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)
• Cleared for physical activity based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)

Exclusion criteria

• High physical activity levels as indicated by the IPAQ
• Not meeting the safety criteria for physical activity according to the PAR-Q
• Individuals experiencing dizziness, nausea, or discomfort while using VR/MR
• Vision impairments that prevent the use of VR/MR headsets
• Pregnant individuals

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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30 participants in 3 patient groups

VR EXERGAME

Experimental group

Description:

Participants will engage in a Virtual Reality (VR)-based exergame session using the PowerBeatsVR application. The session will include rhythm-based exercises, such as punching targets and dodging obstacles, aimed at promoting physical activity during a short break in the workplace.

Treatment:

Other: Experimental

Other: Experimental

MR EXERGAME

Experimental group

Description:

Participants will engage in a Mixed Reality (MR)-based exergame session using the PowerBeatsVR application in MR mode. This condition allows participants to interact with virtual elements while maintaining awareness of their physical surroundings.

Treatment:

Other: Experimental

Other: Experimental

REST

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants will remain seated in a quiet room for the same duration as the VR and MR sessions. During this time, they will be asked to rest without engaging in any physical activity. Talking, using mobile devices, or interacting with others will not be allowed to ensure a consistent resting condition across participants.