Gaming Instead of Training? Exergaming Induces High-Intensity Exercise Stimulus and Reduces Cardiovascular Reactivity to Cold Pressor Test.

INTRODUCTION: The present study assessed if an exercise session in an innovative exergame can modulate hemodynamic reactivity to a cold pressor test (CPT) to a similar extent as a typical moderate endurance training (ET). Furthermore, cardiorespiratory, and affective responses of an exergame session and an ET were compared. METHODS: Twenty-seven healthy participants aged 25 ± 4 years (48% female; BMI 23.0 ± 2.1 kg/m2) participated in this cross-sectional study. All participants completed both an ET on a treadmill and training in the ExerCube (ECT). HR and oxygen consumption were recorded during both training sessions. Before and after both exercise sessions, the hemodynamic reactivity to a CPT was determined. RESULTS: During ECT, HR, oxygen consumption, energy expenditure, and the metabolic equivalent of the task were significantly higher than those obtained during ET (p < 0.001). With regard to the CPT, the participants showed significantly lower responses in peripheral systolic (p = 0.004) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.009) as well as central systolic (p = 0.002) and diastolic BP (P = 0.01) after ECT compared to ET. The same was true for pulse wave velocity (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: The ECT induced a significantly higher exercise stimulus compared to the ET. At the same time, it attenuated hemodynamic stress reactivity. The ECT presents a relevant training stimulus that modulates cardiovascular reactivity to stress, which has been proven as a predictor for the development of hypertension. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN43067716, 14 April 2020, Trial number: 38154.

A Game-Based Approach to Lower Blood Pressure? Comparing Acute Hemodynamic Responses to Endurance Exercise and Exergaming: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

The present randomized crossover study aimed to determine whether an exergaming session in an innovative, functional fitness game could be an effective exercise approach that elicits favorable blood pressure (BP) responses, such as a typical moderate endurance exercise (ET). Therefore, acute hemodynamic responses after a training session in the ExerCube and an ET on a treadmill were assessed and compared. Twenty-eight healthy recreational active participants (13 women; aged 24.8 ± 3.9 years) completed an exergaming session (EX) and an ET in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Before and throughout the 45 min after the training, the peripheral and central BP were measured. After the ET, there was a moderate decrease in both peripheral systolic (-1.8 mmHg; p = 0.14) and diastolic (-0.8 mmHg; p = 0.003), as well as central diastolic (-1.5 mmHg; p = 0.006) pressure compared to the resting value before the exercise. After the EX, there was a significant decrease in peripheral systolic (-6.3 mmHg; p < 0.001) and diastolic (-4.8 mmHg; p < 0.001), as well as central systolic (-5.8 mmHg; p < 0.001) and diastolic (-5.3 mmHg; p < 0.001) pressure compared to baseline. The interaction effects showed significant differences in peripheral and central systolic BP as well as in peripheral diastolic BP (p = 0.05). The EX seems to be an effective training approach that triggers relevant peripheral and central BP-responses, which are more pronounced than after a typical ET. Therefore, the ExerCube can be a time-efficient training tool to improve cardiovascular health.

Acute Effects of Heart Rate-Controlled Exergaming on Vascular Function in Young Adults.

Objective: Acute and regular moderate-intensity endurance exercise (MIEE) is known to positively affect vascular function. The present study assessed if an exercise session in an innovative exergame called the ExerCube can induce similar vascular reactions as an MIEE session. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight healthy recreationally active participants (13 females and 15 males; aged 24.8 ± 3.9 years; with body mass index 23.2 ± 2.3 kg/m2) completed an exergaming session (EGS) in the ExerCube (25 minutes) and an MIEE session on a treadmill (35 minutes, 65%-70% of maximal heart rate [HR]) in a randomized order. Both before and throughout the 45 minutes after the training sessions, pulse wave velocity (PWV), total peripheral resistance (TPR), stroke volume (SV), and HR were recorded. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Board of the Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg (Medical Faculty of the Martin-Luther-Universität 2019-177). Results: There were different hemodynamic responses to both types of exercises. PWV was significantly decreased 45 minutes after the EGS (P < 0.001). No significant changes were detected after MIEE (P = 0.109). TPR was significantly lower after both exercise sessions (P < 0.01). Only the EGS resulted in a significant decrease in SV 15 minutes after exercise (P < 0.001). The HR was significantly (P < 0.05) higher after both exercise sessions. After the EGS, the increase in HR was still significantly higher (P = 0.011) 45 minutes after the session. The interaction effects revealed significant differences in PWV (15 minutes, P = 0.035; 30 minutes, P = 0.004; and 45 minutes, P < 0.001), favoring the EGS. Conclusion: The EGS seems to induce a relevant exercise stimulus that can modulate vascular function. Therefore, this exergame may present an effective tool for prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

The New Way to Exercise? Evaluating an Innovative Heart-rate-controlled Exergame.

Exergames may offer novel opportunities to expand physical activity. Most games, however, only result in low to moderate-intensity activities that are too low to allow relevant physical adjustments. In the present study, the exercise intensity of a new, heart rate controlled, functional fitness game was assessed. 28 subjects (aged 24.8±3.8 yrs; 46% female; BMI 23.2±2.3 kg/m2) were enrolled in this study. VO2max and maximal heart rate (HRmax) were assessed during a maximal graded exercise test on a treadmill and compared with the oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) during a game in the ExerCube.In the ExerCube, the subjects reached a peak HR of 187.43±9.22 bpm, which corresponds to 96.57±3.64% of their HRmax. The mean HR throughout the game was 167.11±10.94 bpm, corresponding to 86.07±4.33% of HRmax. VO2peak reached 41.57±5.09 ml/kg/min during the game in the ExerCube, which corresponds to 84.75±7.52% of VO2max. The mean VO2 consumption during the game reached 32.39±4.04 ml/kg/min, which corresponds to 66.01±5.09% of VO2max. The ExerCube provides a form of vigorous physical exercise. Due to its playful, immersive, and motivating nature, the ExerCube seems to be a promising tool to facilitate physical activity.

Adaptive High-Intensity Exergaming: The More Enjoyable Alternative to Conventional Training Approaches Despite Working Harder.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess psychological and physiological responses to an exergaming session in the ExerCube (EX) and compare them with the responses of a moderate endurance run (ER). Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight healthy adults (13 women) aged 24.8 ± 3.8 years took part in this study. The first test day, participants performed a graded exercise test on a treadmill to determine maximal heart rate (HR) and lactate levels. The following test days 2 and 3, the participants completed an EX session and an ER on a treadmill in a randomized counterbalanced order. HR, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and lactate levels were assessed during both sessions. After the sessions, the participants completed the "Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale" and the "Flow Short Scale." Results: The analysis of variance revealed that enjoyment (P = 0.036), flow (P = 0.042), RPE (P = 0.005), as well as mean and peak HR (P < 0.001) during the EX session were significantly higher compared with the ER. Gender did not affect the differences between the two conditions for mean HR (P = 0.61), maximal HR (P = 0.122), RPE (P = 0.862), flow (P = 0.376) nor enjoyment (P = 0.867). During the EX session, the lactate levels of all participants exceeded the individual lactate threshold (LT). During the ER, lactate values remained below the LT. Conclusion: The ExerCube presents both a physiological relevant exercise stimulus and a joyful gaming experience. Despite the higher exercise intensity achieved during the EX session, enjoyment was significantly higher compared with the ER. Therefore, the EX can be a promising and appealing tool to facilitate physical activity. Trial registration: ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN43067716, April 14, 2020. Trial number: 38154.

Effectiveness of Multi-activity, High-intensity Interval Training in School-aged Children.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based multi-activity HIIT on aerobic fitness (AF) and hemodynamic parameters in children. 46 students were randomized into an intervention group (INT) (N=22) and a control group (CON) (N=24). Throughout a 3-month intervention period, both INT and CON participated in the regular physical education classes (PE) twice a week. Only INT received an instructed HIIT during the first 20 min of the PE. In addition to an AF-test, peripheral (pBP) and central (cBP) blood pressure, augmentation pressure (AP), and aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) were assessed. Significant differences in intervention effects in favor of INT were detected for AF (7.73, P=0.007), peripheral systolic BP (-6.13 mmHg, P=0.038), central systolic BP (-5.19 mmHg, P = 0.041), AP (-2.02 mmHg, P=0.013), and aPWV (-0.19 m/sec, P=0.031). The regular HITT intervention showed beneficial effects on AF, BP, and parameters of vascular stiffness already in children.