Exercising with virtual reality is potentially better for the working memory and positive mood than cycling alone

Abstract Although virtual reality (VR) exercise has attracted attention as a factor in exercise habituation due to its mood-enhancing effects, its impact on brain function remains unclear. This study, involving 23 healthy university students, used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to explore how VR exercise affects working memory, a key executive function, and its underlying neural mechanisms. Our findings indicate that a 10-min VR exercise session improved mood (arousal and vitality level) and working memory task performance (3-back task) more effectively than exercise or rest alone. Furthermore, the results confirmed that increased vitality from exercise and VR exercise interventions was associated with improved 3-back task performance. However, specific brain regions contributing to this enhancement remain unidentified. These results highlight VR exercise as the optimal exercise program for enhancing working memory function by increasing vitality level. These insights underscore VR’s potential as a novel exercise modality with benefits extending beyond exercise adherence to potentially preventing dementia and depression. Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.