Psychophysiological effects of traditional cycling, virtual reality-enhanced cycling, and passive virtual reality exposure in young adults: A controlled within-subject study

Key Points

• The study aims to evaluate the psychophysiological effects of different cycling modalities on young adults.
• Conducted a controlled within-subject study comparing traditional cycling, VR-enhanced cycling, and passive VR.
• Measured self-efficacy, enjoyment, and cardiovascular activation during each cycling condition.
• Participants performed all three cycling methods in a randomized order.
• VR-enhanced cycling significantly improved self-efficacy and enjoyment compared to traditional cycling.
• Cardiovascular activation levels remained consistent across traditional and VR-enhanced cycling.
• Passive VR exposure did not lead to any exercise benefits.