Study alerts consequences of computer generated simulation on VR exergames

08 Feb 2021, 01:00 PM IST

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​VR ailment

A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, UniSA analysts explored the outcomes of playing perhaps the most mainstream VR exergames – Beat Saber – finding that one out of seven players actually announced VR ailment 40 mins after they had completed the process of playing.

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​The study

They tested the effect of VR exergaming on gamers’ vision, nausea, and reaction times after both short (10 minutes) and long (50 minute) gameplay, finding that while Beat Saber was mostly well-tolerated some people had longer-lasting side-effects.

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​Still have a lot to learn

Lead researcher, Dr. Ancret Szpak says while VR offers promising benefits to exergaming, VR technology is only in its infancy and we still have a lot to learn.
“There’s no doubt that VR provides unparalleled benefits to a range of applications, but it’s important to be wary of how new technologies can affect you, both during and after play,” Dr. Szpak said.

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​Keeps players absorbed in the virtual world

“VR is particularly promising for exergaming as it keeps players absorbed in the virtual world while distracting them from feelings of physical effort of exercise. In this way, people who are not particularly excited about exercise, can still get their game on and get moving,” Szpak added.

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​Exercising caution

“For VR exergaming, the lessons are twofold: first it’s always a good idea to try a brief VR session to make sure you can tolerate it before you dive into longer play; if you feel a bit dizzy after a short time, you’re likely to feel worse after a longer exposure,” the researcher said.
“Secondly, after playing any VR – exergaming or otherwise – it’s always wise to wait and see how you feel before you take on any higher-risk activity, such as driving a car. VR is such an exciting field that can potentially provide all sorts of benefits to all sorts of people. But we must walk before we leap. And it’s always best to exercise caution with the unknown,” the researcher added.

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