The effects of competitiveness and challenge level on virtual reality rowing performance.

Abstract Objectives The aim of the study was to test the effect of rowing against a moderately challenging competitor compared to an extremely challenging competitor on performance and motivation. The effect of trait competitiveness was also examined. Design Sixty-seven male participants were classified as either low (n = 34) or high in competitiveness (n = 33) and assigned to either a moderate or extreme challenge condition. Method Participants initially rowed to set a baseline level of performance. Participants rowed again but were accompanied by an on-screen competitor that was set to a speed higher than the baseline performance to create a moderate (5% higher) or extreme (20% higher) challenge level. Results The pattern of performance differed between the challenge conditions. Participants in the extreme challenge condition showed an initial high level of power output and distance rowed, but subsequently showed a steep decline in performance that persisted until the end of the row. In contrast, participants in the moderate challenge condition showed a lower initial level of performance followed by a more gradual decline. Moreover, these participants showed a trend of increasing performance towards the end of the row, whereas participants facing an extremely challenging competitor showed a trend of decreasing performance. Trait competitiveness did not moderate the pattern of results. Conclusions The findings show that challenge level should be considered in the design of VR-based exercise programs and in matching competitive interactions among exercisers in virtual environments. Highlights • Trait competitiveness influences exercise performance in a virtual environment. • The perceived level of challenge induced by a virtual other influences exercise. • Matching of virtual participants can have positive and negative effects on exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]