Virtual Reality Workouts Proven to Boost Mental Health, New Research Reveals

Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness

In a study conducted in partnership with exercise researcher Dr. Brendon Stubbs, FitXR, a virtual reality (VR) workout platform, has unveiled compelling evidence of the positive impact of VR fitness on both mental and physical health. The randomized controlled trial, released on October 10, 2023, compared the experiences of participants using FitXR to those engaging in standard exercise. The results are eye-opening, with an astounding 91 percent of FitXR users reporting an improvement in their emotional state.

Led by Dr. Brendon Stubbs, the trial comprised 83 adults who were new to the world of VR fitness. It sought to gauge the differences in perceived exertion, mental health, and enjoyment between FitXR workouts and traditional exercise. The findings were unequivocal: FitXR users burned 13 percent more energy (measured in Kcal), perceived their exertion to be 18 percent greater, and reported a 19 percent higher level of enjoyment during their workouts compared to those who engaged in conventional exercise.

Dr. Stubbs commented on the significance of this study, stating, "Only through this randomized, clinical trial is it possible to determine the true benefits of VR fitness, and FitXR can unequivocally say that their product works to improve physical and mental health. This bold step is a seismic shift for the massively expanding VR fitness field and clearly differentiates FitXR as being evidence-backed leaders in the space."

Prior research conducted by Dr. Stubbs emphasized the mental health benefits of even just ten minutes of daily movement, highlighting its effectiveness in promoting both mental and physical well-being. His research conducted at King's College London discovered that individuals engaged in high levels of physical activity were 15 to 16 percent less likely to develop depression in the future compared to their less active counterparts.

Dr. Stubbs explained, "The focus of our research is on how exercise and physical activity make a person feel. It has been proven that daily movement can help build up resistance, reduce the risk of developing adverse mental well-being, and even mental health conditions."

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