Virtual Reality Exercise Games for High School Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at greater risk of health-related issues due to obesity and lack of physical activity. This study examined using virtual reality (VR) exergaming to increase the physical activity of high school students with IDD. Four students participated in this multiple probe across participants design. Data were collected on each student’s total amount of time engaged in exercise and heart rate. Results indicate that all students increased the duration and intensity of their physical activity when using the VR exercise gaming (exergaming) intervention. The VR exergaming intervention increased the duration and intensity of the students’ exercise sessions. Results are discussed in terms of applying VR and other emerging technologies to support the exercise health needs of the individual in the study.