Doctoral Candidate Brochure: Gretchen E. Elsey
Doctoral Dissertation Defense
of
Gretchen E. Elsey
For the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Exercise Physiology
Evaluating Virtual Reality's Effects on Task Performance, Physiological Variables, Psychometrics, and Cognition in Healthy College-Aged Individuals
June 5, 2025
1:00 P.M.
MACC Annex, Room 272
Evaluating Virtual Reality's Effects on Task Performance, Physiological Variables, Psychometrics, and Cognition in Healthy College-Aged Individuals
Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging tool for enhancing physical performance and cognitive engagement. This study investigated the effects of VR and traditional physical gameplay on energy expenditure (EE), accuracy, balance, reaction time, enjoyment, perceived exertion, and cognition in healthy, college-aged individuals. 13 participants completed 11 sessions over two weeks, playing VR cornhole at every visit. Physical cornhole gameplay was assessed at baseline, midpoint, and final sessions. A two-way ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of time on EE, with decreases observed from baseline to midpoint and final sessions, but no significant effect of condition (VR vs. physical) or interaction. Heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) did not significantly differ across conditions or time points. Balance and accuracy improved significantly over time, with reductions in sway index and toss error observed between baseline and subsequent sessions. Reaction time showed no significant change. Enjoyment increased significantly from baseline to midpoint but did not differ between game types or across other time points. Cognitive assessments revealed significant improvements over time in Trail Making Test parts A and B, as well as spatial orientation, while no significant changes were observed in Digit Span performance. These findings suggest that VR may serve as an engaging, low-impact training alternative, particularly where traditional physical activity is limited. VR demonstrated comparable or improved enjoyment and psychometric outcomes, indicating its potential for recreational and therapeutic applications.
About the Candidate
Gretchen E. Elsey
M.S., Master of Sport and Exercise Science
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
B.S., Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Grove City College
Gretchen is a Ph.D. Candidate at Kent State University, specializing in Exercise Physiology. Gretchen has had the privilege of instructing undergraduate and graduate students in foundational and advanced concepts within the field of Exercise Science. She is also an active member of the Graduate Student Senate (GSS) and serves as the student representative for the American College of Sports Medicine’s Exercise is Medicine (ACSM-EIM) initiative.
Gretchen has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in the Exercise Science program including, Advanced Physiology of Exercise, Exercise Testing, Introduction to Exercise Science, Practical and Applied Strength and Conditioning, Statistics for the Exercise Scientist, and several laboratory courses. Gretchen has also attended and presented at numerous university, regional, and national conferences over the last three years.
Guided by the mentorship of Dr. Jacob E. Barkley in the Behavioral Science Lab, Gretchen seeks to translate her findings into practical work, low-risk exercise solutions that enhance quality of life. Looking ahead, she plans to continue teaching and researching behavior-change strategies to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
Doctoral Dissertation Committee
Director
Jacob E. Barkley, Ph.D.
Professor
School of Health Sciences
College of Education, Health and Human Services
Members
Angela Ridgel, Ph.D.
Professor
School of Health Sciences
College of Education, Health and Human Services
Meghan Magee, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
School of Health Sciences
College of Education, Health and Human Services
Richard Ferdig, Ph.D.
Professor
School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies
College of Education, Health and Human Services