Motivation to exercise: how does a virtual cycling stimulus influence performance on a stationary bicycle?

Overview

This research project will use Zwift exercise bikes at the QUT Gardens Point Campus to investigate how different sources of visual information influence physiological (e.g., RPE, HR) and psychological variables (e.g., engagement, enjoyment, motivation, immersion). The visual information will be presented on a large screen in front of the rider. The rider will view themselves on a virtual cycling course where inclines and declines will be mapped to the resistance the rider experiences through the pedal cranks. There is a scholarship available for this project to support the successful applicant during their studies.

Research activities

You will:

• work with the supervisory team (which includes specialists in skill acquisition, exercise physiology, and psychology) to design the experiment
• recruit participants and conduct the experiment at the QUT Virtual Cycling Centre
• collect and analyse quantitative (e.g., heart rate, rating of perceived exertion) and qualitative (e.g. brief interviews) data.
• report the results in a written report (i.e. thesis and scientific journal).

Outcomes

The overall aim of this project is to explore the factors that encourage individuals to engage in physical activity. Specifically, the project will examine how a virtual cycling program can help to motivate relatively sedentary individuals to engage in exercise.

It is hoped that this information will not only help QUT Sport to understand how to best utilise and promote the Virtual Cycling Centre at QUT Gardens Point Campus, but the results are also aimed at providing more general guidance on what motivates people to exercise.

Skills and experience

The student should have an interest and a related degree in health, physical activity, and/or psychology. The project entails working with a range of different people and so the ideal candidate will have good interpersonal skills. Other important attributes include good writing and time management skills, as well as the ability and the passion to invest the necessary time to complete the project to a high standard.

It is anticipated that the results from the project will be published in a journal and presented at a scientific conference.

Scholarships

You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.

Explore our research scholarships

Keywords

• Exercise Science
• Health
• Physical Activity
• Motivation
• Virtual Cycling

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.