Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

The proposed study aims to address the growing trend of sedentary behavior among remote workers, exacerbated by the rapid shift to remote work during and following the pandemic. Recognizing the health risks associated with prolonged inactivity, this study explores the use of Virtual Reality (VR) as a novel solution to encourage physical activity. Objectives include: (1) to assess the acceptability and engagement levels of an 8-week VR exercise intervention and (2) to examine efficacy in increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and exercise enjoyment compared to a control group. The intervention is designed to be conducted in the home setting of remote workers, utilizing VR equipment and programs like the Meta Quest 2 VR headset and Supernatural VR Fitness. 30 participants who work remotely more than 50% of the time and engage in less than 150 minutes of weekly MVPA will be randomized into VR exercise or wait-list control groups, with the former receiving VR equipment and the latter getting access to the intervention after 8-weeks. Acceptability will be defined as satisfaction and intent to continue using the program, while engagement will be quantified by exercise sessions per week. MVPA will be objectively measured via Fitbit devices, and self-reported physical activity and enjoyment will be evaluated through validated questionnaires (International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale). This study is critical to informing future randomized controlled trials and has implications for workplace wellness strategies. It leverages the research infrastructure and existing funding at the University of Victoria, and is pioneering in examining VR's ability for enhancing physical health in remote workers.