PhD

PhD Thesis

Running in Virtual Reality

Perception vs reality

The current high levels of inactivity are partly due to the low level of participation in physical activity during leisure time and partly to the increase of sedentary activities during occupational time. This means that it is fundamental to integrate Physical Activity as part of a healthy lifestyle into people’s real life. This is because PA enhances health, including both physiological and psychological benefits, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, helping control weight and contributing to mental and overall well-being.
As new technologies become more accessible, they may become useful tools to be integrated into PA programs, enhancing the user’s engagement and aiming at positive effects regarding adherence.
Enhancing the user’s engagement by means of Virtual Reality (VR) could increase the chances of long term adherence to a program, providing a sense of challenge and competition and resulting in a more enjoyable, thus stimulating experience.