Effect of the Virtual Reality-Infused Movement and Activity Program (V-MAP) on Physical Activity and Cognition in Head Start Preschoolers

Bibliographic Data

ID15717874
AuthorsX Gu (0000-0002-8983-9106, The University of Texas at Arlington, corresponding author), Samantha Moss (0000-0001-7612-8228, University of North Texas), Xiaoxia Zhang (0000-0003-4832-9422, West Virginia University), Tao Zhang (0000-0002-4890-1671, University of North Texas), Tracy L Greer (0000-0002-3546-5292, The University of Texas at Arlington)
Year2025
Volume12
Issue9
Pages1228-1228
Publication date2025-09-14
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueChildren (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2227-9067 • E-ISSN: 2227-9067
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/children12091228
PMID41007093
OpenAlexW4414183665
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited53

Background/Objectives: This study examined the efficacy of a physical activity (PA) intervention augmented by a non-immersive Virtual Reality (VR) gaming system (i.e., Virtual Reality-infused Movement and Activity Program; V-MAP) on physical activity (i.e., sedentary behavior, moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA], vigorous PA [VPA]) and cognitive skills (i.e., response error, movement latency and reaction time) in Head Start preschoolers. Methods: Using a repeated-measure with 1-month follow-up design, a sample of 13 Head Start preschoolers (Mage = 67.08 ± 4.32 months; 36.2% boys) engaged in a 6-week V-MAP intervention (30-min session; 8 sessions) that focused on non-immersive VR based movement integration. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) was used to measure cognition; school-based PA and sedentary behavior were assessed by ActiGraph accelerometer. Pedometers were used to monitor real time engagement and implementation over eight intervention sessions. Results : On average, children obtained 1105 steps during the 30-min intervention (36.85 steps/min). There was a significant increase in VPA after the V-MAP intervention, whereas no significant changes in MVPA or sedentary behavior were observed (ps > 0.05). Although we did not observe significant improvement in studied cognitive function variables (ps > 0.05) after the V-MAP intervention, some delayed effects were observed in the follow-up test (Cohen's d ranges from -0.41 to -0.73). Conclusions : This efficacy trial provides preliminary support that implementing V-MAP in recess may help Head Start preschoolers achieve or accumulate the recommended daily 60-min MVPA guideline during preschool years. The findings also provide insights that VR-based PA for as little as 30 min per day may benefit cognitive capability

Activity monitor · Cognition · Head start · Intervention (counseling · Neuropsychology · Physical activity · Sedentary behavior · Test (biology · Virtual reality · Child Development and Education · Children's Physical and Motor Development · Infant Development and Preterm Care

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