Digital game addiction is associated with reduced physical activity, increased sedentary behavior, and adverse physical and psychosocial health outcomes in young adults. This study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a physiological biofeedback-integrated virtual reality (VR)-based exercise intervention for young adults at risk of digital gaming addiction. In this prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial, participants will be randomly assigned to either a VR-based aerobic exercise group or a traditional aerobic exercise group. Both groups will participate in supervised exercise sessions twice weekly for 8 weeks. The primary outcome is physical activity level, while secondary outcomes include functional capacity, muscle strength, physiological responses during exercise, digital gaming addiction severity, exercise enjoyment, and intervention usability.
Young adults within the eligible age range specified in the study protocol.
Currently enrolled as a university student.
Playing online digital games for at least 2 hours per day.
Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF) score ≥32.
Presence of cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, musculoskeletal, or other medical conditions that may interfere with safe participation in exercise.
Use of medications that may affect exercise performance or physiological responses.
History of injury or surgery within the previous 6 months that may limit physical activity.
Contraindications to aerobic exercise or virtual reality use.