There is an online option to exercise. Scientists from Japan’s Tohoku University say that exercising in virtual reality improves your health. That is, people who are unable to do heavy exercises can also improve their health by training virtually.
Beneficial for patients with serious diseases
Exercise is good for the complete body, according to researchers. Some people, however, are unable to exercise every day. These include persons in hospitals, those with severe heart problems, and those with neurological impairments. Physical exercise can be harmful for them. In such a situation, training in Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) is a good option.
What is Immersive Virtual Reality?
Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) is a computer system used to create an imaginary world. In this world the user can live his life as he wants. The user feels as if he is actually experiencing the environment.
Scientists invented virtual reality for entertainment, but now researchers in the medical community are investigating its connection to health.
Impact of IVR on physical-mental health
A prior study found that experiencing our own movements in virtual reality alters our bodies. The heartbeat is erratic no matter what occurs to us in the made-up world. Additionally, there are advantages for the brain and memory. These changes are similar to those that occur after physical activity.
New research has similar results. When viewed from a first-person perspective, when humans ran at a speed of 6.4 kilometers per hour in virtual reality, the level of stress and anxiety was significantly reduced in reality. It was like exercising in the real world.
Beneficial for old people too
Researcher Delilah Burin says that Japan’s large population is now getting older and today the performance demand from people is very high, so exercising in virtual reality is a good way to take advantage of it. This will improve the health of all the people.
