Effect of Virtual Reality Exercise Versus Aerobic Training on Performance and Endurance in Physical Therapy Students

Low levels of physical activity and sedentary lifestyle have become a major public health problem contributing to the prevalence of many chronic diseases and reduced life expectancy worldwide, and also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dementia, depression, excessive weight gain, and breast and colon cancer. Physical activity improves functional health and quality of life. (Iva Sklempe Kokic et al., 2019). In Middle East, Insufficient physical activity and sedentary behavior are key risk factors for obesity and other diseases leading to premature mortality. Regular physical activity can improve self-esteem, cognitive performance, and academic achievement in young people. (Sonia Chaabane et al., 2020). University students, due to the time spent in classes, studying or in front of computers, form part of the population most at risk of adopting sedentary behavior. Different studies have shown that the transition to university studies is usually associated to a decrease in physical activity and an increase in sedentary behavior as a result of lifestyle changes, as well as psychosocial factors. (Cotton et al., 2016). Exercise is often perceived as boring and hard, thereby causing adults and students shy away from physical activity -related behaviors after long days of work and/or school. Instead, individuals are more interested in leisure activities, such as video games, Thus, the combination of video games and engaging in physical activity (e.g., virtual reality -integrated exercise) may trigger their interest and improve their physical activity behavior. (Jiali Qian et al., 2020). So, this trial aim to find if the virtual reality exercise as a new modality will make sedentary physical student more interest to adherent to exercise than conventional aerobic training so makes them more physically active which will enhance their academic performance and endurance.