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

NCT ID: NCT06889597

Last Updated: 2025-09-17

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 28 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-03-10
• Study Completion Date: 2025-06-11

Brief Summary

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?

Conditions

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

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Primary Study Purpose: OTHER
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

VR EXERGAME

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.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Experimental

Intervention Type: OTHER

Mixed Reality Exergame (MR) Participants will engage in a 5-minute Mixed Reality (MR) exergame session using PowerBeatsVR in MR mode. Unlike VR, this intervention integrates virtual elements into the real-world environment, allowing participants to maintain awareness of their physical surroundings while interacting with digital content. This hybrid experience reduces the risk of cybersickness while providing a practical approach for workplace settings.

MR EXERGAME

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.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Experimental

Intervention Type: OTHER

Virtual Reality Exergame (VR) Participants will engage in a 5-minute fully immersive Virtual Reality (VR) exergame session using the PowerBeatsVR application. This intervention takes place in a virtual environment where participants perform rhythm-based physical activities such as punching targets and dodging obstacles. The VR session isolates participants from their real-world surroundings, offering a highly immersive experience designed to promote physical activity and assess its physiological and psychological effects.

REST

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.

Group Type: NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

Experimental

Virtual Reality Exergame (VR) Participants will engage in a 5-minute fully immersive Virtual Reality (VR) exergame session using the PowerBeatsVR application. This intervention takes place in a virtual environment where participants perform rhythm-based physical activities such as punching targets and dodging obstacles. The VR session isolates participants from their real-world surroundings, offering a highly immersive experience designed to promote physical activity and assess its physiological and psychological effects.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Experimental

Mixed Reality Exergame (MR) Participants will engage in a 5-minute Mixed Reality (MR) exergame session using PowerBeatsVR in MR mode. Unlike VR, this intervention integrates virtual elements into the real-world environment, allowing participants to maintain awareness of their physical surroundings while interacting with digital content. This hybrid experience reduces the risk of cybersickness while providing a practical approach for workplace settings.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Other Intervention Names

VR EXERGAME; MR EXERGAME

Eligibility Criteria

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

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

Akdeniz University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Abdullah Kayhan

Research Assistant

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

Akdeniz University

Konyaalti, Antalya, Turkey (Türkiye)

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Other Identifiers

06032025-05-118

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id