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

Saad A. Alhammad; Abdulmajeed Y. Alhozaimi; Abdulrahman A. Kateeb; Abdulrhman S. Alghamdi; Maha F. Algabbani; Fahad S. Algarni; Mohammed Alrashidi; Mohammed A. Almeshari; Ayedh Alahmari; Shahad M. Almohsen; Khalid S. Alwadeai

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0343812

March 9, 2026PLoS ONEOpen Access

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

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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.

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Implication

Controlled within-subject study shows VR-enhanced cycling improves self-efficacy and enjoyment in young adults, suggesting effective engagement strategies.

Abstract

VR-enhanced cycling improves self-efficacy and enjoyment without reducing cardiovascular activation, whereas passive VR alone does not confer exercise benefits, suggesting VR-assisted exercise enhances positive psychological responses relevant to physical activity engagement.

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Cite This Study

Alhammad et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69b257bf96eeacc4fcec6b4c https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0343812

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

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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