In a head-to-head between virtual reality boxing and a YouTube-guided boxing exercise, VR boxing takes the win in reducing stress and improving cognitive function among adolescents, shows a new study of high school students.
In an experiment conducted with 42 students between the ages 14 and 18, NYU Steinhardt Associate Professor of Physical Therapy Anat Lubetzky and her co-author Rose Cioffi studied three groups: one to play BOXVR on the Oculus Rift—a virtual reality gaming headset; one to use a guided boxing exercise on YouTube; and a control group. The non-control groups participated in 10-minute exercise sessions, five times a week for three weeks.
The results were published in Games for Health Journal.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated anxiety and stress in adolescents, a population that is already known to show higher levels of stress than adults. We are looking for accessible, healthy, non- pharmaceutical methods to improve the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of adolescents,” said Lubetzky. “This study is an exciting first step. While the sample size was small, and the results are preliminary, the study took place in a school setting and the adolescents who participated in the BOXVR group greatly enjoyed it.”
