Improving Cardiorespiratory and Muscular Function of Korean Firefighters: A Kinect-Based Mixed Reality Device Exercise Intervention Randomized Control Trial.

J Occup Environ Med

From the Division of Sport Science, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea (J.-B.K., Y.-Y.X., C.-B.K., J.-J.P.); Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea (Y.-Y.X.); Department of Sports Science, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, Republic of Korea (D.S.); Department of Physical Education, Institute of Sport Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (W.S., C.G.L.); Institute on Aging, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (W.S.); School of Sport Science, University of Ulsan, Ulsan, Republic of Korea (H.L.); Department of Sports Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea (H.K.); and Department of Preventive Medicine and Genomic Cohort Institute, Yonsei Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea (Y.-S.A.).

Published: February 2024

Objective: This study addresses declining physical fitness among Korean firefighters due to a low exercise participation rate caused by the absence of exercise instructors. The research explores Virtual Mate (VM), a Kinect-based mixed reality device, as a potential solution, but its capacity to replace training instructors in enhancing physical fitness remains uncertain.

Methods: Twenty Korean male firefighters were divided into two groups: the exercise group received an 8-week intervention using VM, while the control group maintained regular physical activity. Cardiopulmonary function and muscle function were measured.

Results: After 8 weeks, the exercise group demonstrated a significant improvement in VO 2peak . Furthermore, there were notable enhancements in the strength and endurance of most knee, shoulder, and trunk flexors and extensors.

Conclusions: Integrating VM into an exercise program can effectively improve cardiorespiratory and muscular function in Korean firefighters.

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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11444360PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003003DOI Listing

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