Training effects of set- and repetition-interval rest time on recumbent-boxing exercise: Could virtual reality improve further?

• Published in: iScience Vol. 26; no. 8; p. 107399
• Main Authors: Wang, Yi, Chen, Qi, Liu, Liangchao, He, Qiuhong, Cheung, James Chung-Wai, Wong, Duo Wai-Chi, Liu, Yang, Lam, Wing-Kai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 18.08.2023; Elsevier
• Subjects: Computer science; Health sciences; Human-centered computing; Computer science; Human-centered computing; Health sciences
• ISSN: 2589-0042; 2589-0042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107399

This study examined the influence of set-interval and repetition-interval rest time of virtual reality (VR) boxing game in supine-lying posture. Fifty healthy middle-aged adults were randomly assigned into VR and non-VR groups to perform six different exercise protocols with varying set-interval and repetition-interval rest times (S0R0, S0R1/3, S0R2/3, S40R0, S40R1/3, and S40R2/3). Analysis on the non-VR group showed significant differences between exercise protocols for average heart rate (p < 0.001), maximum ventilation volume (p < 0.001), respiratory quotient (p < 0.001), oxygen pulse (p < 0.001), and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) (p = 0.003). VR appeared to have no further improvement on physical training effects in middle-aged adults, while the participants reported negative experience that might be associated with the over-exertion. Future study might need to explore game design elements that can accommodate high-exertion exercises. [Display omitted] •Recumbent-boxing exercises were conducted by middle-aged adults•The different set-interval and repetition-interval rest times were evaluated•Interval rest time significantly changed physical training effects•Virtual reality could not improve the effects further Health sciences; Computer science; Human-centered computing