The effect of a virtual reality-supported exercise program on fitness center clients' sport motivation and well-being levels

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of implementing a virtual reality-supported exercise program on sport motivation and overall well-being levels among fitness center clients. Method: This study was conducted using a pre-test-post-test control group research design, one of the quantitative research methods. Twenty-four fitness center customers who regularly engage in fitness activities and had not previously used virtual reality technology participated in this study. Participants were divided into two groups: the Virtual Reality–Supported Exercise Group (VRSEG) and the Traditional Method–Supported Exercise Group (TMSEG). The VRSEG completed an eight-week virtual reality–supported exercise program three times per week, while the TMSEG followed a traditional exercise program for the same period. To collect pre-test and post-test data, the Sport Motivation Scale II (SMS-II) and the PERMA (Five-Dimensional Well-Being) Scale were used. The Motivation Scale for Sports II was used to measure participants' levels of motivation in sports, while the PERMA (Five-Factor Well-Being) Scale was used to assess their levels of well-being. Findings: The results revealed that the VRSEG showed significant increases in sport motivation, particularly in the dimensions of integration, intrinsic regulation, identification, and introjection. Moreover, amotivation scores significantly decreased in the VRSEG. In the external regulation dimension , high scores were observed in the TMSEG. Regarding five-dimensional well-being, the VRSEG demonstrated significant improvements in engagement, accomplishment, and positive emotion (p <.05), whereas the TMSEG showed more limited positive changes. Overall, the virtual reality-supported exercise program led to significant enhancements in sport motivation and well-being indicators among fitness center clients. The sub-dimensions of sport motivation—introjection, integration, intrinsic regulation, identification, and amotivation—showed moderate effect sizes. In terms of well-being, the virtual reality-supported program showed medium, high, and very high effects in the dimensions of overall well-being, engagement, accomplishment, and positive emotions. Conclusion: The virtual reality-supported exercise program was found to be more effective than traditional methods in enhancing intrinsic motivation, improving sport motivation, and fostering well-being among fitness center clients. Moreover, the program increased participants' enjoyment and satisfaction with exercise, supported their psychological well-being, and demonstrated strong potential for promoting sustainable physical activity habits. Overall, the results suggested that virtual reality-based exercise interventions can strengthen individuals' positive attitudes toward exercise and improve long-term engagement in physical activity.