Application of metaverse technology to exercise rehabilitation: present and future

Confirmation of the viability of a metaverse yoga class and investigation into the impact on pain, anxiety, and depression associated with low back pain after engaging in virtual yoga sessions

This study aimed to explore the influence of metaverse technology (MT) factors like presence, usability, and enjoyment on patients' satisfaction, with a focus on examining potential mediating effects. In addition, it sought to assess whether the yoga practice as an intervention therapy in MT induces changes in the pain, anxiety, and depression levels of patients experiencing back pain. From the pool of 202 participants, this study chose participants who had reported enduring low back pain over 12 weeks, with a visual analogue scale (VAS) rating of 4 or higher. After completing the questionnaire, patients were randomly assigned to either the control group (COG, n=100) or the yoga exercise group (YEG, n=99). Results showed that the construct validity for questionnaires and a reasonable model fit were confirmed, and that presence showed a statistically significant effect on psychological satisfaction via the mediating path of enjoyment (β=0.592, P=0.001). Following 8 weeks of the yoga practice, the VAS increased for the COG, while it decreased significantly by ~29% for the YEG (P=0.001). YEG also exhibited a decrease in the Oswestry Disability Index by ~17%, anxiety by ~7%, and depression by ~10% (P=0.001). In conclusion, psychological satisfaction in a yoga practice using a metaverse cannot be achieved solely through the sense of presence; enjoyment is necessary for patients' satisfaction. Moreover, it was verified that virtual yoga practice is effective in ameliorating psychological factors resulting from back pain.