Virtual Reality Cycling to Improve Exercise Intensity and Enjoyment in People with Parkinson Disease Aged 45 to 75

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are exploring how virtual reality affects exercise intensity and enjoyment for people with Parkinsons disease who use a stationary bicycle for exercise. The study aims to answer three questions whether virtual reality increases the intensity and enjoyment compared to bicycling without it, how interval versus continuous bicycling affects the experience, and how different virtual reality delivery methods goggles or screen projection influence the experience. Participants attend two sessions where they bicycle under various conditions. In the first session, they cycle in both a semi-immersive virtual environment projected on a screen and an immersive environment using goggles, completing questionnaires after each bout. In the second session, participants cycle four times with and without virtual reality using continuous and interval modes while their oxygen consumption is measured. Questionnaires assess their experience after each exercise bout. During the study, participants undergo movement assessments and complete physical activity questionnaires. Measurements such as neuromuscular intensity, heart rate percentage of maximum, oxygen consumption, and enjoyment motivation are collected continuously during exercise bouts across both sessions. Additional assessments include perceived exertion, cyber sickness, and rankings of effort and enjoyment. Each session lasts about two hours, and the study monitors responses to different bicycling and virtual reality conditions to understand their effects on exercise for people with Parkinsons disease.

Virtual Cycling Environments for Persons With Parkinson Disease