Investigating Physical Activity Intensity of Virtual Reality Exergame in Recreationally Active Young Adults

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative intensity of physical activity from playing the virtual reality game Beat Saber®. Male (n=6) and female (n=4) participants (ages 18-27 years) completed two laboratory visits: 1) In the first visit, participants completed a graded exercise test to measure their V̇O2max and HRmax, gas exchange threshold (GET) and reparatory compensation point (RCP); 2) In the second visit, participants played Beat Saber® while ventilatory parameters were measured. Relative intensity for each participant achieved during gameplay was reported as V̇O2 expressed as a percentage of GET, RCP, and V̇O2max, metabolic equivalents (METs), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and percent heart rate max (%HRmax)). Gameplay intensity quantified using GET and RCP values, indicated that playing Beat Saber® elicits moderate intensity physical activity. In conclusion, Beat Saber® can be used to meet physical activities guidelines as defined by CSEP, however, in novice players, Beat Saber® may not be an appropriate mode of physical activity to meet intensity recommendations as defined by CSEP.