Exploring Virtual Reality Adventure Training Exergaming

The current project aims to design and implement an 8-week Virtual Reality Adventure Therapy Exergaming (V-RATE) intervention focused on veterans. A randomized controlled trial using a repeated measure design with a 1-month follow-up assessment will be employed. The project addresses two specific aims: Aim 1. To examine the effects of an 8-week V-RATE intervention on physical health (i.e., BMI, physical activity, sedentary behavior) among veterans. We hypothesize that after controlling for socio-demographic variables and physical activity history, individuals in the V-RATE group would exhibit more improvement in the physical health indicators after the intervention compared to individuals in the control group. We further hypothesize gains would be maintained or enhanced at 1-month follow-up measure. Aim 2. To examine the effects of an 8-week V-RATE intervention on mental health outcomes (i.e., depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, cognitive function, health-related quality of life), among veterans. We hypothesize that after controlling for socio-demographic variables and physical activity history, individuals in the V-RATE group will exhibit more improvement in the mental health indicators after the intervention compared to individuals in the control group. We further hypothesize gains maintained or enhanced at 1-month follow-up measure.