Evaluating Compliance, Acceptance, and Intensity of a Custom Virtual Reality Exergame for Hospitalized Children with Cancer: A Pilot Study

Exercise improves health outcomes in hospitalized children with cancer but is often limited by various barriers. Virtual Reality (VR)-based exergames offer a promising solution. This study evaluated the acceptance, compliance, and intensity of a custom VR-based exergame program for pediatric cancer patients in a hospital setting. Thirteen children participated, achieving a compliance rate of 68% and an average intensity of 4.92 Metabolic of tasks (MET), meeting recommended moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) levels. The findings suggest that this VR-based exergame is a promising and engaging intervention to promote exercise in children with cancer during treatment, with minimal risk of cybersickness.