Virtual Reality Exergame in older Patients with Hypertension: A Preliminary Study to determine Load Intensity and Blood Pressure

Abstract

BackgroundLifestyle changes and physical activity can make an important contribution to reducing the risk factor of high blood pressure (BP). Whether virtual reality (VR) exergames are also appropriate and make a positive contribution to the reduction of BP has not yet been sufficiently investigated. Therefore, the aim of the study was to gain knowledge of the load intensities to be achieved during a VR exergame and to examine the short-term effects on BP.MethodsFor the preliminary study, 22 participants with hypertension over the age of 65 years were analyzed. The study took place in a mobile laboratory truck. All participants visited on two occasions. During visit 1, a VR strength endurance training (VR-SET) was conducted and on visit 2 a VR endurance training (VR-ET) was performed. Each VR training session lasted around 25 min and was of a moderate intensity. Heart rate (HR) was measured across the entire training session, as well as BP before and after VR training. The RPE and task load were determined after VR training. Included in the statistical analysis were the Shapiro-Wilk test, the paired t-test, the Wilcoxon test and the ANOVA for repeated measures.ResultsDuring the “main part” (p<.001), at the “end” (p=.002) and for the “maximum HR” (p<.001), significant load differences between both training sessions could be determined. In addition, significantly more participants in the VR-SET achieved the moderate load intensity of at least 40% of HRR (p=.014). Regarding RPE, participants rated their subjectively perceived exertion significantly higher in the VR-SET than in the VR-ET (p=.028). Systolic BP decreased significantly in both training sessions when compared before training and 5 min after training (p=.015; p=.003), as well as before training and 10 min after training (p=.018; p<.001).ConclusionsThe individual moderate load intensity of 40% can be reached during the VR-SET. Nevertheless, a positive short-term effect of VR training on BP behavior (post-exercise hypotension) was observed after both VR training sessions. The first results indicate that a VR exergame can lead to health-promoting effects in hypertension.Trial registrationThe study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS-ID: DRKS00022881).