Effect of a VR Exergame Intervention on Exercise Motivation and Self-Efficacy
Keywords:
Virtual reality, exergames, exercise motivation, self-efficacy, randomized controlled trial, NigeriaAbstract
This study examined the effects of a virtual reality (VR) exergame intervention on exercise motivation and self-efficacy among healthy adults in Nigeria through a randomized controlled trial design. Thirty participants (aged 19–33 years) were recruited from community fitness centers and universities in Lagos, Nigeria, and randomly assigned to either a VR exergame group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The intervention consisted of eight structured VR exergame sessions, each lasting 75–90 minutes. Assessments of exercise motivation and self-efficacy were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and at a five-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni-adjusted post-hoc tests, employing SPSS version 27. Assumptions of normality, homogeneity, and sphericity were confirmed prior to analysis. Results demonstrated significant time × group interactions for both exercise motivation, F(2,54) = 22.61, p < .001, η² = .45, and self-efficacy, F(2,54) = 21.42, p < .001, η² = .44. Post-hoc tests revealed that the VR group showed significant improvements in motivation from baseline to post-intervention (Mdiff = 1.17, p < .001) and baseline to follow-up (Mdiff = 1.01, p < .001), with no significant decline between post-intervention and follow-up (p = .26). Self-efficacy followed a similar pattern, with significant increases from baseline to post-intervention (Mdiff = 1.18, p < .001) and baseline to follow-up (Mdiff = 1.05, p < .001), with no significant decline at follow-up (p = .38). The control group demonstrated no significant changes across time for either variable. The findings indicate that VR exergames are effective in significantly enhancing exercise motivation and self-efficacy, with sustained effects observed at five-month follow-up. VR-based interventions may offer a powerful and engaging strategy to promote exercise adherence and long-term behavioral change.
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