A Virtual Knockout: Comparing Affective and Anxiety Responses to VR Boxing and Conventional Cardio

Advances in technology have reduced opportunities for daily physical activity; however, emerging technologies may also create novel pathways for promoting exercise engagement. Purpose: This study compares affective responses before, immediately after, and 20 min following traditional moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise on a treadmill (MICE) and virtual reality boxing (VRB). Methods: Twenty adults (N = 20) completed two counterbalanced 30 min exercise sessions consisting of a standardized warm-up, a 20 min exercise bout, and a cool-down performed during either MICE or VRB. Affective states, including energy, tiredness, tension, calmness, and state anxiety, were assessed before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 20 min post-exercise in each condition. Results: Energy increased, and tiredness decreased immediately following exercise in both conditions; however, energy remained elevated, and tiredness remained lower 20 min after VRB only. Calmness decreased immediately following exercise but returned to baseline after 20 min in both conditions. Tension increased immediately following VRB but returned to baseline after 20 min, whereas no changes were observed following MICE. State anxiety decreased 20 min after VRB (p = 0.027) but did not change following MICE. Conclusion: Both modalities acutely improved affect; however, VRB produced stronger and more sustained psychological benefits, suggesting immersive exercise may promote exercise adherence better.