Manipulating Self-Avatar Body Dimensions in Virtual Worlds to Complement an Internet-Delivered Intervention to Increase Physical Activity in Overweight Women.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
; 17(11)2020 06 05.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32517117
ABSTRACT
Virtual reality has been found to be a useful tool for positively influencing relevant psychological variables in order to increase physical activity (PA), especially in the overweight population. This study investigates the use of avatars and their physical variations to extend the effectiveness of existing interventions to promote PA. The main objective is to analyze the influence of the avatars' body dimensions on the efficacy of an Internet intervention to increase PA levels and improve other relevant variables (motivation toward PA, enjoyment, anxiety, self-efficacy, and PA goals). A total of 42 overweight women received a brief online intervention, and they were randomly assigned to one of three conditions the "Ideal avatar" (IAC participants are represented by avatars with ideal body dimensions); the "Real avatar" (RAC participants are represented by avatars with participants' current body dimensions); and the "Non avatar" (NAC participants are not represented by avatars). Results showed that the online intervention was effective in increasing PA practice and self-efficacy expectations. However, manipulating the body dimensions of avatars did not improve this intervention, although ideal avatars helped to reduce the anxiety experienced during PA in this population.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Interfaz Usuario-Computador
/
Sobrepeso
/
Realidad Virtual
Tipo de estudio:
Clinical_trials
Límite:
Female
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Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Environ Res Public Health
Año:
2020
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
España