Vol 15, Issue 7

Muscle Activity and User-Perceived Exertion During Immersive Virtual Reality Exergaming Incorporating an Adaptive Cable Resistance System

December 1, 2022 - By 

Authors

David Gomez, Airway & Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
Jonathan D. Browne, Airway & Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los 
Abdulrahman Almalouhi, Airway & Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los 
Max Abundex, Airway & Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los
Jonathan Hu, Airway & Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
Sally Nason, Airway & Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
Nicholas Kull, Airway & Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
Cade Mills, Airway & Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
Quincy Harris, Airway & Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
Richard Ku, Airway & Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
Eric V. Neufeld, Airway & Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
Brett A. Dolezal, Airway & Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
International Journal of Exercise Science 15(7): 261-275, 2022.
DOI: 10.70252/MACS7628

Abstract

The purpose of this exploratory study was to characterize muscle activation via surface electromyography (sEMG), user-perceived exertion, and enjoyment during a 30-minute session of immersive virtual reality (IVR) cable resistance exergaming. Ten healthy, college-aged males completed a signature 30-minute exergaming session using an IVR adaptive cable resistance system that incorporated six traditional compound exercises. Muscle activation (sEMG) was captured during the session with a wearable sEMG system. Rated of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) were recorded following the session. Pectoralis major showed the highest activation during chest press, deltoids showed the highest activation on overhead press, latissimus dorsi showed the highest activation during lat pulldown and row exercises, hamstrings were the most activated muscles during Romanian deadlift, and glutes showed the highest activity during squats. RPE and PACES mean scores were 14 (1) and 4.27 (0.38), respectively. IVR exergaming with resistance cable training provides an enjoyable experience and distracts practitioners from exertion while exercising at a high intensity. Results from this study suggest similar muscle activation responses compared to traditional resistance exercises as demonstrated with prior evidence. This novel form of exercise might have important repercussions for improving health outcomes among those who find it challenging to adhere to and enjoy exercise routines, as well as with little knowledge on how to progress in their resistance training. Further investigations are needed to explore long-term adaptations and to assess if IVR exergaming has additional benefits compared to traditional resistance training.

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