EFFECTS OF VIRTUAL INTERACTIVE CYCLING ON PERCEIVED DURATION AND EXERCISE ENJOYMENT IN SEDENTARY ADULTS

Pedrica Bain, Kyle Reason, Lauren G. Killen, Manly Barksdale, Scott Lyons, FACSM, Matt Green, FACSM, Jean Ann Allen. University of North Alabama, Florence, AL. BACKGROUND: Despite the well-establish benefits of habitual physical activity (PA), 49.1% of American adults do not meet ACSM aerobic activity recommendations. A possible explanation could be common PA barriers such as: perceived lack of time, knowledge, social support, access to resources, or enjoyment. A potential way to overcome these barriers is the use of virtual exercise such as Spin. Although previous research suggests VO2 values during a Spin class are significantly higher than constant load cycling, the perception of a Spin class is unclear. However, when cycling at a high intensity (70% VO2 peak) with music (vs. no music) RPE was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05). In addition to perception of effort, cycling on an interactive gaming bike was significantly more enjoyable (p ≤ 0.05) vs traditional constant load cycling, despite similar acute and session RPE values. Therefore, the distraction of the music and instruction of fitness leader in a Spin class could potentially lead to greater enjoyment and an altered perception of exercise duration. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a simulated Spin class using the Peloton app vs. an intensity matched workload. METHODS: Twenty-four sedentary participants will complete three separate sessions consisting of a VO2 peak cycling test and two exercise sessions. The first cycling session will consist of a 30- minute virtually lead cycling class via the Peloton app where participants may adjust their resistance based on the instructor’s cues and current fitness levels. Wattage will be collected every 30 seconds of the trial and used to create an intensity matched cycling class using Velotron Coaching Software for the second trial. During trials, metabolic data (VO2, VCO2, VE, RER) and HR will be collected every minute while RPE overall, RPE legs, RPE breathing, and lactate will be collected every five minutes. Following both cycling trials, participants will complete a PACES questionnaire to assess exercise enjoyment and will be asked at assess the duration of the session. Between trial comparisons for VO2, HR, wattage, and acute RPE values using separate 2 (condition) x 6 (time point) factorial ANOVAs for each dependent variable. Additionally, paired t-test will be used to compare perceived duration and PACES questionnaire responses. EXPECTED OUTCOME: It is hypothesized that individuals will perceive the virtual Spin session as shorter and more enjoyable compared to matched workload session