A recent study from Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital has revealed the potential of virtual reality in combating adolescent obesity, a rapidly growing global health concern.

The research, published in Nature Medicine, demonstrates the effectiveness of a novel VR-based exercise system in promoting weight loss, enhancing cognitive function, and improving overall well-being in overweight and obese teenagers.

Obesity rates among children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 have tripled globally between 1990 and 2022, according to data cited by the research. Addressing this issue through sustainable exercise habits has become a critical public health challenge.

In response, researchers developed the Real-world Exercise and VR-based Exercise Research in Education, or REVERIE, a VR-based intelligent exercise intervention system specifically designed for overweight and obese adolescents. It is the world's first system for that purpose.

REVERIE utilizes a Transformer architecture-based virtual coach powered by deep reinforcement learning. This innovative approach provides personalized and empathetic exercise guidance, mirroring the biomechanics and heart rate responses of real-world activities.

A randomized controlled trial involving 227 overweight or obese teenagers compared VR exercise with traditional sports and a control group.

The eight-week intervention involved consistent dietary management for all participants.

The results indicated that VR exercise was equally as effective as real-world exercise in reducing fat and improving metabolic health.

Moreover, VR participants exhibited enhanced motor skills, improved mental well-being, and a greater willingness to exercise.

Notably, the VR group demonstrated improved perception and working memory accuracy.

Brain imaging further revealed that VR exercise engages unique neural mechanisms compared to traditional exercise, leading to improved cognitive function and neuronal efficiency.

The study underscores the potential of VR technology to revolutionize obesity interventions, offering a safe, engaging, and personalized approach to promote sustainable lifestyle changes.

The researchers believe that REVERIE represents a significant step towards creating a comprehensive digital solution for addressing adolescent obesity, fostering not only physical health but also cognitive well-being and a positive attitude towards exercise.

Source: Shanghai Observer