An adaptive AI-based virtual reality sports system for adolescents with excess body weight: a randomized controlled trial
Authors' conclusion
Collectively, this study demonstrates that the virtual reality sports therapy could provide an empathetic approach to addressing adolescent obesity, offering comprehensive improvements in physical, psychological and cognitive health beyond mere weight loss.
Study context
- Population
- Adolescents with excess body weight
- Participants
- 227 adolescents
- Comparison
- REVERIE VR sports and physical sports vs control
- Primary endpoint
- Fat mass
- Follow-up
- 8 weeks
Methodological detailsrandomized 1:1:1:1:1, 8-week intervention, 6-month follow-up
- Randomized 1:1:1:1:1
- 8-week intervention
- 6-month follow-up
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Mean
−4.28 kg
95% CI −6.35 to −2.22
REVERIE sports
Mean
−5.06 kg
95% CI −7.13 to −2.98
Physical sports
Secondary outcomes
| Outcome | Mean (95% CI) |
|---|---|
| Olfactory test total scoreREVERIE sports vs Physical sports · exploratory analysis | 2.84 (1.15–4.53) |
| Working memory 2-back accuracyREVERIE sports vs Physical sports · exploratory analysis | 10.88% (1.19%–20.56%) |
Liver enzymes and LDL-C
- Decreases in liver enzymes and LDL-C in physical and REVERIE sports vs control
Physical fitness, psychological well-being and sports willingness · 8 weeks; 6-month follow-up
- Improved with physical and REVERIE sports after 8 weeks; maintained at 6-month follow-up with REVERIE sports
Functional MRI and multi-omics
- REVERIE sports enhanced neural efficiency and neuroplasticity; distinct multi-omics changes associated with cognitive improvement
Safety
Minimal injury rates
- Minimal injury rates — Serious adverse events
- 0
Original publication
An adaptive AI-based virtual reality sports system for adolescents with excess body weight: a randomized controlled trial. Nat Med. Published 23 June 2025. doi:10.
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