Exercise Responses During Outdoor Versus Virtual Reality Indoor Arm+FES-Leg Cycling in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2024
Abstract
Background: Virtual reality (VR)-enhanced indoor hybrid cycling in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) can be comparable to outdoor hybrid cycling. Method: Eight individuals with chronic thoracic-lesion SCI performed voluntary arm and electrically assisted leg cycling on a hybrid recumbent tricycle. Exercises were conducted outdoors and indoors incorporating VR technology in which the outdoor environment was simulated on a large flat screen monitor. Electrical stimulation was applied bilaterally to the leg muscle groups. Oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate, energy expenditures, and Ratings of Perceived Exertion were measured over a 30-minute outdoor test course that was also VR-simulated indoors. Immediately after each exercise, participants completed questionnaires to document their perceptual-psychological responses. Results: Mean 30-minute VO2 was higher for indoor VR exercise (average VO2-indoor VR-exercise: 1316 +/- mL/min vs. outdoor cycling: 1255 +/- 53 mL/min; highest VO2-indoor VR-exercise: 1615 +/- 67 mL/min vs. outdoor cycling: 1725 +/- 67 mL/min). Arm and leg activity counts were significantly higher during indoor VR-assisted hybrid functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling than outdoors; 42% greater for the arms and 23% higher for the legs (P < 0.05). Similar responses were reported for exercise effort and perceptual-psychological outcomes during both modes. Conclusion: This study proposes that combining FES and VR technology provides new opportunities for physical activity promotion or exercise rehabilitation in the SCI population, since these modes have similar ``dose-potency'' and self-perceived effort. Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Sydney Ref. No. 01-2010/12385.
Keywords
Assistive technology, Physiology, Virtual reality, Exercise, Physical therapy, Spinal cord injury
Divisions
biomedengine,rehab
Funders
Ministry of Education, Malaysia (FRGS/1/2021/SKK06/UNIKL/03/3)
Publication Title
Games for Health Journal
Volume
13
Issue
3
Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert
Publisher Location
140 HUGUENOT STREET, 3RD FL, NEW ROCHELLE, NY 10801 USA