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Objectives <p>While environmental context is known to influence physiological and psychological responses to exercise, limited research has examined whether a virtual reality environment can elicit similar psychophysiological effects. This study therefore aimed to investigate the acute effects of a nature-based virtual reality (VR) environment on psychophysiological markers during exercise.</p> Design and methods <p>A total of 14 participants (7 women, age 23 ± 1.4&#xa0;years; and 7 men, age 27 ± 3&#xa0;years) were randomly selected from the available population. All participants completed a standardized cycling protocol under two conditions: (1) an experimental condition involving immersion in a nature-based environment using a virtual reality (VR) headset, and (2) a control condition (CO) in a laboratory environment. Serum beta-endorphin and cortisol were measured pre- and post-exercise. Participants also completed the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES).</p> Results <p>Results revealed significant differences between conditions for cortisol, perceived exertion, and enjoyment (PACES) scores. The VR condition led to lower cortisol levels and perceived exertion, and higher enjoyment compared to the control condition. Although β-endorphin concentrations were higher in the VR condition than in the control condition, this difference only approached statistical significance, suggesting a near-significant trend toward greater endorphin release with virtual reality exercise.</p> Conclusion <p>Acute immersion in a VR environment may positively influence psychophysiological responses to exercise by reducing perceived exertion and enhancing enjoyment. These findings highlight the potential of virtual reality as an experimental approach for modulating acute exercise experiences and psychophysiological responses.</p>

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The effects of a nature-based virtual reality environment on psychophysiological responses during exercise

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月9日

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  • Mehrdad Babaie,
  • Fatemeh Khandan,
  • Hamid Reza Bizavali,
  • Abdol Ali Banaiefar

摘要

Objectives

While environmental context is known to influence physiological and psychological responses to exercise, limited research has examined whether a virtual reality environment can elicit similar psychophysiological effects. This study therefore aimed to investigate the acute effects of a nature-based virtual reality (VR) environment on psychophysiological markers during exercise.

Design and methods

A total of 14 participants (7 women, age 23 ± 1.4 years; and 7 men, age 27 ± 3 years) were randomly selected from the available population. All participants completed a standardized cycling protocol under two conditions: (1) an experimental condition involving immersion in a nature-based environment using a virtual reality (VR) headset, and (2) a control condition (CO) in a laboratory environment. Serum beta-endorphin and cortisol were measured pre- and post-exercise. Participants also completed the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES).

Results

Results revealed significant differences between conditions for cortisol, perceived exertion, and enjoyment (PACES) scores. The VR condition led to lower cortisol levels and perceived exertion, and higher enjoyment compared to the control condition. Although β-endorphin concentrations were higher in the VR condition than in the control condition, this difference only approached statistical significance, suggesting a near-significant trend toward greater endorphin release with virtual reality exercise.

Conclusion

Acute immersion in a VR environment may positively influence psychophysiological responses to exercise by reducing perceived exertion and enhancing enjoyment. These findings highlight the potential of virtual reality as an experimental approach for modulating acute exercise experiences and psychophysiological responses.