A Short Bout of Exercise With and Without an Immersive Virtual Reality Game Can Reduce Stress and Anxiety in Adolescents: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Anxiety and stress are prominent issues for the adolescent population. Physical activity is known to reduce symptoms of anxiety stress; however, many adolescents lack time or motivation exercise regularly, particularly during stressful exam weeks. Virtual Reality (VR) has potential make more enjoyable engaging than alone. We aimed investigate immediate effect a 10-min dodgeball session, with without VR headset, on self-reported stress, cognitive performance in times induce high school, such as Participants were randomly assigned group ( n = 16) where participants immersed virtual environment (exergame), 14) which played simple game one-on-one dodgeball. Executive function was measured using Trail Making Test (TMT) Parts A B. Pediatric Short Form 8a (PASF). Stress Psychological Experiences-Short (PSES). Both groups significantly improved their TMT B reduced scores size ranging from 0.59 1.2 (main p < 0.001 all outcomes). There no significant differences between by interaction any outcome. short bout exercise, VR, school weeks shown be effective reduction enhancement small sample students. High schools looking apply interventions help students manage should consider encouraging them take “time-out” play. The cost-effectiveness exergames inside settings implications academic success investigated future research.