Sigbjørn Litleskare

• Provan, Sella Aarrestad; Calogiuri, Giovanna; Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Røset, Linda; Pettersen, Henning & Flaten, Ole E. (2024). Participatory Development of a Virtual Reality Exercise Program for People with Chronic Pain. Games for Health Journal. ISSN 2161-783X. 13(4). doi: 10.1089/g4h.2023.0229. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: By describing how a participatory process led to changes in the design of a study of a virtual reality (VR)-guided exercise and mindfulness intervention tailored to people with chronic musculoskeletal pain, this article makes the case for including end user at an early stage when planning research within this field. Methods: A multidisciplinary panel including end-user representatives, researcher, clinicians, and VR developers participated in a 1-day workshop to design a randomized study and a VR-guided intervention. Results: Through the participatory process, changes were made to the original study design with respect to experimental design, duration, content of VR interventions and mode of delivery. Conclusion: This case exemplifies the importance of including end-user participants in the early phases of planning VR interventions for people with chronic pain.

• Calogiuri, Giovanna; Petersen, Evi; Haile, Amelia; Flaten, Ole E.; Fröhlich, Fred & Litleskare, Sigbjørn (2023). The impact of visualization techniques of immersive virtual scenarios in promoting nature connectedness: A blind randomized controlled trial with mixed-methods approach. Journal of Environmental Psychology. ISSN 0272-4944. 90(102102). doi: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2023.102102. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background Little is known on whether and how different visualization techniques used to develop Immersive Virtual Nature (IVN) scenarios influence the users' subjective experience and feelings of nature connectedness. Methods Sixty healthy adults were randomly allocated to walk for 10 min on a treadmill whilst facing a blank wall (control) or being exposed to one of two IVNs (a 360° video or a matching computer-generated scenario) with equal levels of interactivity. The state version of the Connectedness to Nature Scale (CNS) was administered before and after each experimental condition. Moreover, in-depth follow-up interviews were conducted among five participants to investigate their experiences and perceptions during the IVN experience. Results Both IVN scenarios elicited a statistically significant increase in CNS, with no differences between the two scenarios. No statististically significant increase was found in the control condition. From the qualitative analysis, four overarching themes were identified (IVN as present and distinct experience, Impact of technical equipment, Qualities of the IVN landscape, and Affective and physical responses), depicting the facilitators and barriers influencing the IVN experience. Conclusion With equal levels of immersion and interaction, 360° videos and computer-generated IVNs can be equally effective in eliciting increased feelings of nature connectedness. The IVN experience was generally perceived as a distinct experience, not merely a (poor) simulation of actual nature-interactions. However, characteristics of the technology or the virtual environment can influence the overall experience. These findings provide novel insights and further understanding of IVN as a tool in the promotion of nature connectedness.

• Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Sigurjonsson, Thorsteinn Josef; Nilsen, Dag André & Vedøy, Ingeborg Barth (2023). Én form passer ikke alle – høgskoleansattes motiver for og erfaring med kurs i høgskolepedagogikk. UNIPED. ISSN 1500-4538. 46(2), s. 72–85. doi: 10.18261/uniped.46.2.2. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Den praktiske konsekvensen av at det i 2019 kom en forskriftsendring som la større vekt på utdanningsfaglig kompetanse ved opprykk for ansatte i høyere utdanning, var at høgskoler og universiteter igangsatte kurs i høgskolepedagogikk og påla sine ansatte å gjennomføre dette ved ansettelse og opprykk. For å undersøke i hvilken grad dette bidrar til økt opplevd utdanningskvalitet, ble det sendt invitasjon om deltakelse til 850 e-postadresser til vitenskapelig ansatte ved en høgskole i Norge. Totalt 209 personer svarte og utgjorde utvalget i undersøkelsen. Dataene indikerte at mange tar kurset i tilknytning til opprykk og ansettelse, og kun halvparten av dem som har tatt kurset, har gjort dette med motiv om å bedre sin pedagogiske kompetanse. De som har gjennomført kurs i høgskolepedagogikk, er «I noen grad» enig i at kurset bidro til å styrke deres egen pedagogiske kompetanse. Ansatte i høyere stillingskategorier og ansatte fra fakultet med antatt høy pedagogisk kompetanse så mindre verdi i kurset enn andre ansatte. Ansatte opplever også at det finnes bedre løsninger for å øke utdanningskvaliteten ved institusjonen. Studien antyder at forskriften og implementeringen av denne i begrenset grad bidrar til økt utdanningskvalitet, og at det finnes alternative løsninger som antas å være bedre.

• Litleskare, Sigbjørn & Calogiuri, Giovanna (2023). Nature visits during the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway: Facilitators, motives, and associations with sociodemographic characteristics. Frontiers in Public Health. ISSN 2296-2565. 11. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1138915. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to increased mental health issues and reduced well-being. Researchers also reports increased frequency of nature visits during the pandemic, proposing it may mitigate some of these negative consequences. Using the case of Norway, a country with ample access to nature and relatively low levels of pandemic-related restrictions, this study sought to (i) understand how the COVID-19 crisis impacted patterns of nature visits and specific nature-based activities, (ii) examine how these patterns varied among dierent population groups and levels of restrictions, and (iii) explore the motives and facilitators for increased frequency of nature visits. Methods: The data were retrieved from a national cross-sectional survey conducted in June 2021, which was designed to assess participants (n = 1,005, age > 15 years) habits in relation to nature visits and outdoor recreation since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, and associated factors. Results: The results showed that 32 % of participants increased their frequency of nature visits during the crisis, while 11 % experienced a decrease. Multivariate logistic regression revealed significant positive associations between increased frequency of nature visits and longer duration of lockdown restrictions (OR [95% CI] = 2.35 [1.28–4.29] and 4.92 [2.77–8.74] for a few weeks and several months of lockdown, respectively). Increased frequency of nature visits was also more likely among women, younger respondents, and individuals from high-income households. A Cochran’s Q test showed that the most common motive for increased frequency of nature visits was “To be physically active” (74%). The most commonly reported facilitators were the possibility of using natural environments as an alternative to gyms and organized sports alongside having more time available (58 and 49%, respectively). Conclusion: These findings suggest that nature visits provided important opportunities for physical activity during the COVID-19 crisis, but also that the mental health benefits of nature visits during such times may be undercommunicated. This highlights the importance of access to natural environments to promote physical activity and health, but also suggests that campaigns that specifically communicate the beneficial eects of nature visits during lockdowns or similar stressful situations might help people cope with the situation.

• Valsdottir, Thorhildur Ditta; Øvrebø, Bente; Kornfeldt, Thea Martine; Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Johansen, Egil Ivar & Henriksen, Christine [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2023). Effect of aerobic exercise and low-carbohydrate high-fat diet on glucose tolerance and android/gynoid fat in overweight/obese women: A randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Physiology. ISSN 1664-042X. 14. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1056296. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  The study was designed to compare the effects of weight loss induced by a low-carbohydrate-high-fat diet or a normal diet, with and without exercise, on glucose tolerance measured as area under the curve (AUC), and android (A) and gynoid (G) fat distribution. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov; NCT04100356. In total, 57 women classified as overweight or obese (age 40 ± 3.5 years, body mass index 31.1 ± 2.6 kg/m2) were randomly assigned and completed a 10-week intervention using a low-carbohydrate high-fat diet or a normal diet, with or without aerobic interval exercise. An equal deficit of 700 kcal/day was prescribed, either restricting the diet only, or moderately restricting diet and including three 50-min high-intensity bicycle sessions per week. There were thus four groups: normal diet (NORM); low-carbohydrate-high-fat diet (LCHF); normal diet with exercise (NORM-EX); and low-carbohydrate-high-fat diet with exercise (LCHF-EX). Linear mixed models was used to assess differences between groups. With all groups pooled, the intervention resulted in a weight loss of 6.7 ± 2.5% (p < 0.001). The intervention did not result in differences between groups in AUC glucose, nor in fasting glucose or indicis for insulin resistance such as Homeostatic Model Assessment, Matsuda Insulin Sensitivity Index, insulinogenic index and disposition index. Post-intervention android fat was lower in LCHF than NORM (3,223 ± 727 vs. 2,533 ± 535 g, p = 0.041). LCHF reached a lower A/G ratio than NORM (0.94 ± 0.12 vs. 1.04 ± 0.09, p = 0.011) and LCHF-EX (0.94 ± 0.12 vs. 1.09 ± 0.09, p < 0.001) after the intervention. LCHF resulted in lower android fat mass compared to NORM and the lowest A/G ratio compared to the other matched groups, but with no accompanying improvement in AUC glucose. In conclusion, although all groups achieved improvements in glucose tolerance, no superior effect was observed with the LCHF diet, neither with nor without exercise.

• Litleskare, Sigbjørn & Calogiuri, Giovanna (2022). Seasonal Variations in the Effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Nature. Health Environments Research & Design Journal. ISSN 1937-5867. s. 1–14. doi: 10.1177/19375867221127420. Vis sammendrag

  Aim: The aim of this study was to assess whether the outcomes of immersive virtual nature (IVN) varies between seasons. Background: IVN has received increased interest in recent years due to its potential applications within health and design. However, factors influencing people’s responses to IVN are largely unknown. Seasons affect a variety of human processes and behaviors including levels of affect and blood pressure, also in the context of human–nature interactions. These seasonal variations might influence how people interact and respond to IVN, especially since IVN allow for representations of nature that are not representative of the current real-life season. Methods: A secondary analysis of data retrieved from two previous studies, which included three IVN conditions, was conducted. All IVNs represented late spring conditions. Measures included perceived environmental restorativeness, affect, enjoyment, heart rate, and blood pressure. A meta-analytic approach was used to assess whether there were consistent differences between participants who were exposed to the IVN in spring/summer (early June to mid-September) and autumn/winter (mid-September to December) across the three different conditions. Results: There was a consistent effect of season only for one component of affect (fatigue), with larger reductions in fatigue when exposed to IVN during autumn/winter compared to spring/summer. No other significant effects of season were observed. Conclusion: IVNs are feasible to use across all seasons but might be more effective in reducing the feeling of fatigue during autumn and winter compared to other seasons.

• Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Fröhlich, Fred; Flaten, Ole E.; Haile, Amelia; Johnsen, Svein Åge Kjøs & Calogiuri, Giovanna (2022). Taking real steps in virtual nature: a randomized blinded trial. Virtual Reality. ISSN 1359-4338. s. 1–17. doi: 10.1007/s10055-022-00670-2. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Studies show that green exercise (i.e., physical activity in the presence of nature) can provide the synergistic psychophysiological benefits of both physical exercise and nature exposure. The present study aimed to investigate the extent to which virtual green exercise may extend these benefits to people that are unable to engage in active visits to natural environments, as well as to promote enhanced exercise behavior. After watching a video validated to elicit sadness, participants either performed a treadmill walk while exposed to one of two virtual conditions, which were created using different techniques (360° video or 3D model), or walked on a treadmill while facing a blank wall (control). Quantitative and qualitative data were collected in relation to three overarching themes: “Experience,” “Physical engagement” and “Psychophysiological recovery.” Compared to control, greater enjoyment was found in the 3D model, while lower walking speed was found in the 360° video. No significant differences among conditions were found with respect to heart rate, perceived exertion, or changes in blood pressure and affect. The analysis of qualitative data provided further understanding on the participants’ perceptions and experiences. These findings indicate that 3D model-based virtual green exercise can provide some additional benefits compared to indoor exercise, while 360° video-based virtual green exercise may result in lower physical engagement.

• Calogiuri, Giovanna; Keegan, Brendan J.; Birkheim, Siv Lena; Rydgren, Tore Litlere; Flaten, Ole E. & Fröhlich, Fred [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2022). A mixed-methods exploration of virtual reality as a tool to promote green exercise. Scientific Reports. ISSN 2045-2322. 12. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-09622-x. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  The salutogenic effects of green exercise are widely recognised, yet many individuals do not engage in this health-related behaviour. Using a convergent mixed methods approach, this study explored the impact of Virtual Reality (VR) mediated nature exposure on the decision-making process relating to green exercise. Three experimental trials were conducted (overall n = 136), in which healthy adults were exposed to different VR scenarios reproducing a virtual walk in an existing urban green area. Participants reported medium-high rating of intent to visit the location. Significant pre-to-post increments in future green exercise intention were observed after the VR exposure, though a significance difference was not achieved in comparison with a control condition. Qualitative analysis revealed the impact of the VR experience on behaviour regulation, and highlighted the pivotal role of anticipated emotional benefits. Despite scepticism, the VR experience was effective in arousing curiosity to explore natural environments, which was associated with environmental perceptions, nostalgic and socio-cultural perspectives.

• Calogiuri, Giovanna; Litleskare, Sigbjørn & Fröhlich, Fred (2021). Physical Activity and Virtual Nature: Perspectives on the Health and Behavioral Benefits of Virtual Green Exercise. I Brymer, Eric; Rogerson, Mike & Barton, Jo (Red.), Nature and Health : Physical Activity in Nature. Routledge. ISSN 9781003154419. doi: https:/doi.org/10.4324/9781003154419. Vis sammendrag

  The world is progressively becoming disconnected from real or authentic nature due to urbanization, degradation of natural environments, and a general reduction in time spent outdoors. At the same time, virtual reality (VR) technology is becoming more and more accessible to consumers. This chapter will explore ways in which virtual nature can not only act as a tool to supplement nature experiences for people for whom access to real nature is limited (or impossible), but also how it may be used as a strategy to enhance the health benefits of physical activity. Focusing on so-called immersive virtual nature (IVN), the chapter provides an overview of VR technology, how this tool emerged in the broader landscape of technological nature, and how it can be combined with physical activity (virtual green exercise). Then, applying the “green exercise concept,” a conceptual model explaining in what way (and to what extent) IVN can augment the health benefits of physical activity is presented. Eventually, a series of recommendations are provided regarding how to design interventions and research that involve IVN.

• Litleskare, Sigbjørn (2021). The relationship between postural stability and cybersickness: It's complicated - An experimental trial assessing practical implications of cybersickness etiology. Physiology and Behavior. ISSN 0031-9384. 236. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113422. Vis sammendrag

  Virtual reality (VR) is known to cause cybersickness, and studies report that deteriorations of postural stability coincides with the onset cybersickness. It is unclear whether these deteriorations are the cause or a consequence of cybersickness. Thus, it is also unclear whether measures of postural stability may either predict susceptibility (cause) or objectively measure (consequence) the malaise. To examine whether deteriorations of postural stability can either predict or objectively measure cybersickness, healthy active adults (n = 50) were exposed to one of two different 10 min 360˚VR videos. Postural stability was assessed, using a force platform, before exposure with eyes open (baseline) and eyes closed, during the first and last minute of exposure, and approximately 10 min after exposure. The deterioration of postural stability from baseline to the first minute of exposure was larger in participants who reported cybersickness, compared to those who did not, for both total trace length (p = 0.017) and standard deviation velocity (p = 0.008). However, there was substantial individual variation and overlap between sick and well participants. Deteriorations of postural stability from baseline to the eyes closed condition did not differ between sick and well participants (trace length, p = 0.270; standard deviation velocity, p = 0.112). There was a significant correlation between the severity of cybersickness and the change of postural stability from the first to the last minute of VR exposure for trace length (rs=0.32, p = 0.027), but not standard deviation velocity (rs=0.20, p = 0.187). The deteriorations had returned to baseline levels 10 min after exposure. These findings suggest that deteriorations of postural stability was both a predictor and objective measure at a group level. However, the large individual variation, substantial overlap between sick and well participants, and the limited strength of correlations suggest that deterioration of postural stability has limited practical value as both a predictor and objective measure. These findings emphasize the complicated nature of the relationship between cybersickness and postural stability.

• Valsdottir, Thorhildur Ditta; Øvrebø, Bente; Falck, Thea Martine; Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Johansen, Egil Ivar & Henriksen, Christine [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2020). Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat Diet and Exercise: Effect of a 10-Week Intervention on Body Composition and CVD Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Women—A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. ISSN 2072-6643. 13(1). doi: 10.3390/nu13010110. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  We assessed the effect of weight-loss induced with a low-carbohydrate-high-fat diet with and without exercise, on body-composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular risk factors. A total of 57 overweight and obese women (age 40 ± 3.5 years, body mass index 31.1 ± 2.6 kg∙m−2) completed a 10-week intervention using a low-carbohydrate-high-fat diet, with or without interval exercise. An equal deficit of 700 kcal∙day−1 was prescribed, restricting diet only, or moderately restricting diet and adding exercise, producing four groups; normal diet (NORM); low-carbohydrate-high-fat diet (LCHF); normal diet and exercise (NORM-EX); and low-carbohydrate-high-fat diet and exercise (LCHF-EX). Linear Mixed Models were used to assess between-group differences. The intervention resulted in an average 6.7 ± 2.5% weight-loss (p < 0.001). Post-intervention % fat was lower in NORM-EX than NORM (40.0 ± 4.2 vs. 43.5 ± 3.5%, p = 0.024). NORM-EX reached lower values in total cholesterol than NORM (3.9 ± 0.6 vs. 4.7 ± 0.7 mmol/L, p = 0.003), and LCHF-EX (3.9 ± 0.6 vs. 4.9 ± 1.1 mmol/L, p = 0.004). Post intervention triglycerides levels were lower in NORM-EX than NORM (0.87 ± 0.21 vs. 1.11 ± 0.34 mmol/L, p = 0.030). The low-carbohydrate-high-fat diet had no superior effect on body composition, V˙O2peak or cardiovascular risk factors compared to a normal diet, with or without exercise. In conclusion, the intervention decreased fat mass, but exercise improved body composition and caused the most favorable changes in total cholesterol and triglycerides in the NORM-EX. Exercise increased cardiorespiratory fitness, regardless of diet.

• Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Enoksen, Eystein; Sandvei, Marit; Støen, Line; Stensrud, Trine & Johansen, Egil Ivar [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2020). Sprint interval running and continuous running produce training specific adaptations, despite a similar improvement of aerobic endurance capacity—a randomized trial of healthy adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH). ISSN 1661-7827. 17(11). doi: 10.3390/ijerph17113865. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  The purpose of the present study was to investigate training-specific adaptations to eight weeks of moderate intensity continuous training (CT) and sprint interval training (SIT). Young healthy subjects (n = 25; 9 males and 16 females) performed either continuous training (30–60 min, 70–80% peak heart rate) or sprint interval training (5–10 near maximal 30 s sprints, 3 min recovery) three times per week for eight weeks. Maximal oxygen consumption, 20 m shuttle run test and 5·60 m sprint test were performed before and after the intervention. Furthermore, heart rate, oxygen pulse, respiratory exchange ratio, lactate and running economy were assessed at five submaximal intensities, before and after the training interventions. Maximal oxygen uptake increased after CT (before: 47.9 ± 1.5; after: 49.7 ± 1.5 mL·kg−1·min−1, p < 0.05) and SIT (before: 50.5 ± 1.6; after: 53.3 ± 1.5 mL·kg−1·min−1, p < 0.01), with no statistically significant differences between groups. Both groups increased 20 m shuttle run performance and 60 m sprint performance, but SIT performed better than CT at the 4th and 5th 60 m sprint after the intervention (p < 0.05). At submaximal intensities, CT, but not SIT, reduced heart rate (p < 0.05), whereas lactate decreased in both groups. In conclusion, both groups demonstrated similar improvements of several performance measures including VO2max, but sprint performance was better after SIT, and CT caused training-specific adaptations at submaximal intensities.

• Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Macintyre, Tadhg & Calogiuri, Giovanna (2020). Enable, Reconnect and Augment: A New ERA of Virtual Nature Research and Application. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH). ISSN 1661-7827. 17(5), s. 1–19. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17051738. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Being exposed to natural environments is associated with improved health and well-being, as these environments are believed to promote feelings of “being away” from everyday struggles, positive emotional reactions and stress reduction. Despite these positive effects, humanity is becoming increasingly more distanced from nature due to societal changes, such as increased urbanization and the reduced accessibility of natural environments. Technology is also partly to blame, as research suggests that people replace nature contact with increased screen time. In this cross-section between nature and technology, we find technological nature which is progressing towards a point where we may be capable of simulating exposure to real nature. Concerns have been raised regarding this technology, as it is feared it will replace real nature. However, research suggests that virtual nature may have a more positive impact on society than a mere replacement of real nature, and this review propose several areas where virtual nature may be a beneficial addition to actual nature (Enable), help people reconnect with the real natural world (Reconnect) and “boost” human-nature interactions (Augment). Based on the current research and theoretical framework, this review proposes guidelines for future research within these areas, with the aim of advancing the field by producing high quality research

• Litleskare, Sigbjørn & Calogiuri, Giovanna (2019). Camera Stabilization in 360° Videos and Its Impact on Cyber Sickness, Environmental Perceptions, and Psychophysiological Responses to a Simulated Nature Walk: A Single-Blinded Randomized Trial. Frontiers in Psychology. ISSN 1664-1078. 10, s. 1–15. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02436. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Immersive virtual environments (IVEs) technology has emerged as a valuable tool to environmental psychology research in general, and specifically to studies of human–nature interactions. However, virtual reality is known to induce cyber sickness, which limits its application and highlights the need for scientific strategies to optimize virtual experiences. In this study, we assessed the impact of improved camera stability on cyber sickness, presence, and psychophysiological responses to a simulated nature walk. In a single-blinded trial, 50 participants were assigned to watch, using a head-mounted display, one of two 10-min 360° videos showing a first-person nature walk: one video contained small-magnitude scene oscillations associated with cameraman locomotion, while in the other video, the oscillations were drastically reduced thanks to an electric stabilizer and a dolly. Measurements of cyber sickness (in terms of both occurrence and severity of symptoms), perceptions of the IVE (presence and perceived environmental restorativeness), and indicators of psychophysiological responses [affect, enjoyment, and heart rate (HR)] were collected before and/or after the exposure. Compared to the low-stability (LS) condition, in the high-stability (HS) condition, participants reported lower severity of cyber sickness symptoms. The delta values for pre–post changes in affect for the LS video revealed a deterioration of participants’ affect profile with a significant increase in ratings of negative affect and fatigue, and decrease in ratings of positive affect. In contrast, there were no pre–post changes in affect for the HS video. No differences were found between the HS and LS conditions with respect to presence, perceived environmental restorativeness, enjoyment, and HR. Cyber sickness was significantly correlated with all components of affect and enjoyment, but not with presence, perceived environmental restorativeness, or HR. These findings demonstrate that improved camera stability in 360° videos is crucial to reduce cyber sickness symptoms and negative affective responses in IVE users. The lack of associations between improved stability and presence, perceived environmental restorativeness, and HR suggests that other aspects of IVE technology must be taken into account in order to improve virtual experiences of nature.

• Calogiuri, Giovanna; Litleskare, Sigbjørn & Macintyre, Tadhg (2019). Future-thinking through technological nature: connecting and disconnecting. I Donnelly, Aoife & Macintyre, Tadhg (Red.), Physical Activity in Natural Settings: Green and Blue Exercise. Routledge. ISSN 978-1138894310. s. 279–298. doi: 10.4324/9781315180144-15. Vis sammendrag

  With a focus on so-called immersive virtual environments, this chapter explores ways in which technological nature can not only act as a tool to supplement nature experiences for people for whom access to real nature is limited, but furthermore we propose it as a strategy to reconnect people to the natural world. We contextualize this technology and summarize evidence on the extent to which it can measure-up to real nature. We then propose some insights relative to its potential applications.

• Calogiuri, Giovanna; Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Fagerheim, Kaia Anette; Rydgren, Tore Litlere; Brambilla, Elena & Thurston, Miranda (2018). Experiencing Nature Through Immersive Virtual Environments: Environmental Perceptions, Physical Engagement, and Affective Responses During a Simulated Nature Walk. Frontiers in Psychology. ISSN 1664-1078. 8. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02321. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  By combining physical activity and exposure to nature, green exercise can provide additional health benefits compared to physical activity alone. Immersive Virtual Environments (IVE) have emerged as a potentially valuable supplement to environmental and behavioral research, and might also provide new approaches to green exercise promotion. However, it is unknown to what extent green exercise in IVE can provide psychophysiological responses similar to those experienced in real natural environments. In this study, 26 healthy adults underwent three experimental conditions: nature walk, sitting-IVE, and treadmill-IVE. The nature walk took place on a paved trail along a large river. In the IVE conditions, the participants wore a head-mounted display with headphones reproducing a 360° video and audio of the nature walk, either sitting on a chair or walking on a manually driven treadmill. Measurements included environmental perceptions (presence and perceived environmental restorativeness – PER), physical engagement (walking speed, heart rate, and perceived exertion), and affective responses (enjoyment and affect). Additionally, qualitative information was collected through open-ended questions. The participants rated the IVEs with satisfactory levels of ‘being there’ and ‘sense of reality,’ but also reported discomforts such as ‘flatness,’ ‘movement lag’ and ‘cyber sickness.’ With equivalent heart rate and walking speed, participants reported higher perceived exertion in the IVEs than in the nature walk. The nature walk was associated with high enjoyment and enhanced affect. However, despite equivalent ratings of PER in the nature walk and in the IVEs, the latter were perceived as less enjoyable and gave rise to a poorer affect. Presence and PER did not differ between the two IVEs, although in the treadmill-IVE the negative affective responses had slightly smaller magnitude than in the sitting-IVE. In both the IVEs, the negative affective responses were mainly associated with cyber sickness, whereas PER was positively associated with enjoyment. From the qualitative analysis, it emerged that poor postural control and lack of a holistic sensory experience can also hinder immersion in the IVE. The results indicate that IVE technology might in future be a useful instrument in green exercise research and promotion, but only if image quality and cyber sickness can be addressed.

• Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Vaktskjold, Arild & Barene, Svein (2017). A cross-sectional study to examine the association between self-reported sleep and the frequency, duration and intensity of exercise. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. ISSN 0022-4707. 58(11), s. 1635–1641. doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.17.07878-1. Vis sammendrag

  BACKGROUND: Insufficient sleep is associated with increased risk of several health concerns. Although physical activity is generally considered to improve sleep, the influence of different levels of exercise frequency, duration and intensity respectively, has not been sufficiently examined to allow specific recommendations to the general population. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the association between different levels of the three cardinal characteristics of exercise and sleep disturbance. METHODS: Data were collected through a Norwegian comprehensive self-report survey. A total of 3763 respondents (46 % males, 54 % females) with an average age of 47.9 years (range 15-93) completed the questionnaire, whereof 13.7 % were categorised as poor sleepers. The exercise characteristics and sleep disturbance were measured on a 6 to 8 and a 4-item Likert scale, respectively. RESULTS: Respondents reporting intermediate levels of exercise frequency, duration and intensity, respectively, had a significantly lower occurrence of sleep disturbance compared to respondents with a sedentary lifestyle. No statistical difference in sleep disturbance was observed between respondents performing exercise corresponding to the lowest and highest levels of the three exercise characteristics and those who were sedentary. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of positive association between the lowest and highest levels of the cardinal exercise characteristic and reduction in sleep disturbance revealed in the present study support a recommendation of intermediate levels of exercise frequency, duration and intensity for preventing sleep disturbance in the general population

• Sandvei, Marit; Jeppesen, Per Bendix; Støen, Line; Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Johansen, Egil Ivar & Stensrud, Trine [Vis alle 12 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2012). Sprint interval running increases insulin sensitivity in young healthy subjects. Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry. ISSN 1381-3455. 118(3), s. 139–147. doi: 10.3109/13813455.2012.677454. Vis sammendrag

  High intensity cycling training increases oxidative capacity in skeletal muscles and improves insulin sensitivity. The present study compared the effect of eight weeks of sprint interval running (SIT) and continuous running at moderate intensity (CT) on insulin sensitivity and cholesterol profile in young healthy subjects (age 25.2 ± 0.7; VO2max 49.3 ± 1.2 ml·kg−1·min−1). SIT and CT increased maximal oxygen uptake by 5.3 ± 1.8 and 3.8 ± 1.6%, respectively (p < 0.05 for both). Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed before and 60 h after the last training session. SIT, but not CT, reduced glucose area under curve and improved HOMA β-cell index (p < 0.05). Insulin area under curve did not decrease significantly in any group. SIT, but not CT, reduced LDL and total cholesterol. In conclusion, sprint interval running improves insulin sensitivity and cholesterol profile in healthy subjects, and sprint interval running may be more effective to improve insulin sensitivity than continuous running at moderate intensity.

Se alle arbeider i Cristin

• Litleskare, Sigbjørn (2024). Medisinsk evakuering i arktisk miljø. [Internett]. Forsvaret.no.
• Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Tjomsland, Arild & Calogiuri, Giovanna (2023). Teknologi og natur: Digitale løsninger som fremmer helse og velvære gjennom naturopplevelser.
• Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Fröhlich, Fred & Calogiuri, Giovanna (2023). VR Showcase.
• Flaten, Ole E.; Brambilla, Elena; Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Fröhlich, Fred & Calogiuri, Giovanna (2023). GoGreenRoutes VR experiential Showcase in Umeå.
• Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Flaten, Ole E.; Fröhlich, Fred & Calogiuri, Giovanna (2023). GoGreenRoutes VR experiential Showcase in Tallinn.
• Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Flaten, Ole E.; Fröhlich, Fred & Calogiuri, Giovanna (2023). GoGreenRoutes VR experiential Showcase in Lahti.
• Calogiuri, Giovanna; Litleskare, Sigbjørn & Fröhlich, Fred (2023). Presentation: Digital Innovations, WP6 and WP7 Panel [WP6].
• Calogiuri, Giovanna & Litleskare, Sigbjørn (2023). B4-05F: Nature visits during the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway . Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. ISSN 1403-4948. 50(2), s. 7–8. doi: 10.1177/14034948231190243. Vis sammendrag

  During the COVID-19 lockdowns, natural environments supported physical activity in the Norwegian population. Access to natural environments should be granted and promoted. Background: The overarching situation surrounding the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been linked to increased mental health challenges in the population. Research has reported an increased frequency of nature visits during this period. However, this varied largely across different countries as well as individuals' sociodemographic characteristics, access to natural environments, and the restrictions to which they were subjected. Focusing on the case of Norway, a country with ample access to nature and relatively lose pandemic-related restrictions, this study sought to i) examine possible changes in the frequency of nature visits during the pandemic, ii) investigate how changes in nature visits varied in different population groups depending on the extent of the lockdown, and iii) explore the motives and facilitators underlying increased nature visits. Methods: Data were retrieved from a national cross-sectional survey conducted in June 2021 by Ipsos MMI on behalf Norsk Friluftsliv, an umbrella organization of outdoor recreation in Norway. The survey contained information on nature visits and related beliefs after the announcement of the first lockdown (March 2020) for a sample representative of the Norwegian adult population (age ≥15 yr.; n = 1005). Results: There was an overall increased frequency of nature visits, with 32% of respondents reporting that they visited nature more frequently, while 11% reported less frequent visits and 57% reported unchanged habits. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the likelihood of reporting increased nature visits increased with increasing extent of the lockdown (OR [95% CI] = 2.35 [1.28–4.29] and 4.92 [2.77–8.74] for “A few weeks” and “Several months”, respectively, compared to “Almost non-existent”). Moreover, increased nature visits were more likely among women (1.83 [1.35–2.47]) and younger adults (15-34 yr.; 1.91 [1.32–2.75]), while no associations were found with respect to educational level, household income, or residential centrality. Among those who reported increased nature visits, the most common motives were "To keep physically active" (74%) and "Meeting friends and family" (48%), while the most frequently reported facilitators were the possibility of using natural environments as an alternative to gyms and organized sports (58%) alongside having more time available (49%). Conclusions: In Norway, nature visits provided opportunities for physical activity during the COVID-19 crisis, alleviating the health and wellbeing challenges associated with restricted access to gyms and sports facilities, social distancing, and generally increased stress. The findings corroborate the public health significance of policies protecting and facilitating access to natural environments.

• Litleskare, Sigbjørn (2023). Virtuaalselt linnalooduse keskele. [TV]. Linnameedia.
• Barene, Svein; Krustrup, Peter; Litleskare, Sigbjørn & Holtermann, Andreas (2023). A 4-year follow-up study from the 40-weeks Football and Zumba workplace intervention study among female hospital employees in Norway.
• Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Solbakken, Tor; Pettersen, Sigurd & Sigurjonsson, Thorsteinn Josef (2023). The Effects of Cold-Water Training on Grip Strength and Perceived Competence among Students .
• Brambilla, Elena; Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Flaten, Ole E.; Fröhlich, Fred & Calogiuri, Giovanna (2022). Test VR – opplev en fantastisk verden. Privat arrangement ved Asker International School.
• MacIntyre, Tadhg E.; Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Calogiuri, Giovanna; Fröhlich, Fred & Flaten, Ole E. (2022). Virtual Laboratories to Test Configurations of Nature and Greenspace: A Protocol for a Novel Application of Virtual Nature. Vis sammendrag

  Access to green space has been shown to be critical to health outcomes in cities but to date we know little about the key features and configuration of natural elements that are most salient. Virtual Reality (VR) technology can potentially provide a digital laboratory to evaluate the relative contribution of different natural stimuli and configurations of nature to well-being, cognition and nature connectedness. In virtual environments it is possible using methodologies advanced by the GoGreenRoutes H2020 project to manipulate real settings (e.g. from Open Street Maps) by adding digital trees and natural stimuli. VR can provide at least some of the stimuli we perceive in outdoor natural environments (e.g. tree canopy cover). and aid the evaluation of their relative contribution to a range of outcomes. Recently, VR was used to test 9 different pavilion designs in urban parks to assess user preferences to provide an evidence-based health design. We present a protocol which will advance prior research by using computer generated virtual environments of urban green space. Evidence from experts (e.g. landscape architects) and expanded-experts (e.g. park users) and the extant literature will inform the design features and properties which will be embedded in a customizable scenario (an urban park), which can be edited to generate different configurations of nature (e.g., tree density, biodiversity variety, built elements, etc.). Lab-based experiments will be conducted with convenience samples to investigate a range of psychological and physiological responses (e.g. HRV) to different configurations of nature, in order to determine how different configurations can facilitate a range of outcomes. For instance, setting that promote psychological resilience rather than simply reducing stress could be determined. This study could help refine park design and potentially impact the quality of green space, access to which has been demonstrated to be integral to health and well-being outcomes.

• Brambilla, Elena; Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Flaten, Ole E.; Fröhlich, Fred & Calogiuri, Giovanna (2022). Test VR – opplev en fantastisk verden. Privat arrangement ved Akademiet Realfagsskole Drammen.
• Calogiuri, Giovanna; Brambilla, Elena; Flaten, Ole E.; Fröhlich, Fred & Litleskare, Sigbjørn (2022). Bli med å teste virtuell virkelighet på Hamar . Vis sammendrag

  Vil du prøve VR-teknologi? Besøk studiested Hamar for å teste den virtuelle virkeligheten som er utviklet gjennom forskningsprosjektet GoGreenRoutes. Gjennom prosjektet har forskere fra Høgskolen i Innlandet og Universitetet i Sørøst-Norge utviklet et konsept for virtuell virkelighet. Alle interesserte er velkomne til å prøve vår toppmoderne VR showcase før den skal på rundtur i Europa. Her kan du: prøve et toppmoderne VR utstyr og utforske et virtuelt miljø lære om hvordan teknologi kan bidra til å forsterke menneskers tilknytting til naturen se i praksis hvordan vi kan bruke forskning til å støtte utviklingen av helsefremmende teknologi Konseptet skal benyttes i seks «Cultivating Cities» (Umea, Lathi, Talling, Burgas, Versaiiles, og Limerick) til våren, som en kampanje for å: øke bevisstheten om urbanisering og miljøutfordringer formidle fordeler med fysisk aktivitet i naturen fremkalle innbyggernes følelser av tilknytning og tilhørighet til lokale steder Prosjektet er støttet av EU (Grant Agreement No 869764). Ta en titt på utviklingen av konseptet (Youtube) Vel møtt i hovedbygget på Høgskolen i Innlandet - Hamar, se Google Maps. Forskere i prosjektet Prof. Giovanna Calogiuri (prosjektleder), Seksjon for Folkehelse, Høgskolen i Innlandet, prosjektleder Høgskolelektor Sigbjørn Litleskare, Seksjon for idrett og kroppsøving, Høgskolen i Innlandet Førsteamanuensis Fred Fröhlich, Spillskolen, Høgskolen i Innlandet Stipendiat Ole E. Flaten, Spillskolen, Høgskolen i Innlandet Stipendiat Elena Brambilla, Senter for Helse og Teknologi, Universitet i Sørøst-Norge

• Calogiuri, Giovanna; Brambilla, Elena; Flaten, Ole E.; Fröhlich, Fred & Litleskare, Sigbjørn (2022). Bli med å teste virtuell virkelighet på Elverum . Vis sammendrag

  Vil du prøve VR-teknologi? Besøk studiested Elverum for å teste den virtuelle virkeligheten som er utviklet gjennom forskningsprosjektet GoGreenRoutes. Du finner oss i hovedbygget på Terningen Arena, se Google Maps. Gjennom prosjektet har forskere fra Høgskolen i Innlandet og Universitetet i Sørøst-Norge utviklet et konsept for virtuell virkelighet. Alle interesserte er velkomne til å prøve vår toppmoderne VR showcase før den skal på rundtur i Europa. Her kan du: prøve et toppmoderne VR utstyr og utforske et virtuelt miljø lære om hvordan teknologi kan bidra til å forsterke menneskers tilknytting til naturen se i praksis hvordan vi kan bruke forskning til å støtte utviklingen av helsefremmende teknologi Konseptet skal benyttes i seks «Cultivating Cities» (Umea, Lathi, Talling, Burgas, Versaiiles, og Limerick) til våren, som en kampanje for å: øke bevisstheten om urbanisering og miljøutfordringer formidle fordeler med fysisk aktivitet i naturen fremkalle innbyggernes følelser av tilknytning og tilhørighet til lokale steder Prosjektet er støttet av EU (Grant Agreement No 869764). Ta en titt på utviklingen av konseptet (Youtube) Forskere i prosjektet Prof. Giovanna Calogiuri (prosjektleder), Seksjon for Folkehelse, Høgskolen i Innlandet, prosjektleder Høgskolelektor Sigbjørn Litleskare, Seksjon for idrett og kroppsøving, Høgskolen i Innlandet Førsteamanuensis Fred Fröhlich, Spillskolen, Høgskolen i Innlandet Stipendiat Ole E. Flaten, Spillskolen, Høgskolen i Innlandet Stipendiat Elena Brambilla, Senter for Helse og Teknologi, Universitet i Sørøst-Norge

• Calogiuri, Giovanna; Brambilla, Elena; Flaten, Ole E.; Fröhlich, Fred & Litleskare, Sigbjørn (2022). Test VR – opplev en fantastisk verden - Universitetet i Sørøst-Norge.
• MacIntyre, Tadhg E.; Calogiuri, Giovanna; Setti, Annalisa; Brambilla, Elena & Litleskare, Sigbjørn (2022). An Unnatural Laboratory? How virtual reality can help us test the key features of natural environments and promote psychological well-being. Vis sammendrag

  Technological nature, or digital simulations of nature, are progressing towards a point where we may be capable of realistically simulating exposure to real nature. Concerns have been raised regarding this technology, as it is feared it could be used to limit access to real nature and only exacerbate the challenge of ‘green poverty’ (i.e. inequitable access to green space) already apparent in cities. However, virtual nature may have a more positive impact by helping people readily reconnect to nature, supporting their prior human-nature interactions and interestingly, by providing a laboratory scenario in which we can more closely control variables to assess human-nature interactions. This presentation focuses on how this latter function can ‘augment’ our current understanding of human-nature interactions and illustrative applied examples are provided. Despite almost three decades of research on our environmental preferences, researchers may have overlooked the possibility that different natural settings evoke distinct psychological outcomes. Examining how people respond to natural environments, as compared with other indoor or outdoor environments, is a complex. Conducting rigorous research requires that possible confounders are eliminated or controlled for may be more possible in a virtual environment. For example, manipulating the composition (proportions of different types of natural elements) and spatial configuration (e.g., degrees of fragmentation and connectivity with other green spaces) and other relevant natural attributes (e.g. tree canopy cover, vegetation structure, species composition or biodiversity across a range of typologies) in virtual reality can help evaluate what impact the ‘nature of nature’ has upon diverse psychological outcomes. Potential adverse outcomes including perceived lack of safety can also be explored. In the ‘authentic nature’ versus ‘virtual nature’ debate, the latter may not be a worthy rival, but may instead be complimentary in elucidating factors which are critical to the positive impact on psychological and psychophysiological variables.

• Calogiuri, Giovanna; Keegan, Brendan J.; Birkheim, Siv Lena; Rydgren, Tore Litlere; Flaten, Ole E. & Fröhlich, Fred [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2022). Virtual reality to promote visitation of actual natural environments – An exploratory mixed-methods study. Vis sammendrag

  Objective: The salutogenic effects of human-nature interactions, especially in form of active visits to natural environments (i.e., green exercise), are well known. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as an effective supplement behaviour-change interventions, and may be therefore valuable in promoting green exercise. The purpose of this study was to shed light on the potential of VR as a tool to promote green exercise, as well as apprise possible underlying mechanisms and factors influencing the impact of VR on the decision-making process. Methods: In three experimental trials, healthy adults (overall n = 136) viewed an existing urban green area through a fully immersive head-mounted display. Six experimental conditions were tested, which were characterized by different levels of scene-stability (un-stabilized vs. stabilized through electronic gimble or post-production editing) and physical exertion (sitting vs. walking on a manually-driven treadmill). The Intention to perform green exercise questionnaire (INT-GE) was administered before and after the VR exposure, while Intent to visit the actual location was assessed after the exposure. Qualitative data were collected among a sub-set of participants (n = 65). Results: INT-GE increased significantly after all the stabilized VR conditions, but not after a control or the un-stabilized VR conditions. The ratings of intent to visit the actual location tended to be higher in the stabilized VR conditions than the un-stabilized ones. Qualitative analysis revealed the impact of VR on behaviour regulation, highlighting the pivotal role of anticipated emotional benefits. Despite some scepticism, VR aroused curiosity to explore natural environments, which was associated with nostalgic and socio-cultural underpinnings. Conclusions: These findings indicate that VR has the potential to promote green exercise by triggering curiosity and anticipated emotional benefits, though the quality of the VR product may influence its impact. More research is needed in order to establish how to best design VR interventions within green exercise promotion.

• Provan, Sella Aarrestad & Litleskare, Sigbjørn (2022). Skal finne ut om studenter endrer vekt og livsstil. [Internett]. NRK.
• Provan, Sella Aarrestad & Litleskare, Sigbjørn (2022). Forsker på om førsteårsstudenter legger på seg. [Radio]. NRK.
• Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Brambilla, Elena & Kollstrøm, Sigrid (2021). Virtuell natur: VR som helsefremmende strategi.
• Calogiuri, Giovanna; Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Haile, Amelia; Flaten, Ole E. & Fröhlich, Fred (2021). KAN VIRTUELLE NATUROPPLEVELSER ØKE FØLELSEN AV TILHØRIGHET TIL NATUREN? EN «MIXED-METHODS» STUDIE. Vis sammendrag

  Problemstilling Hvilket potensiale har virtuell virkelighet (VR) som verktøy for å øke menneskers følelser av tilhørighet til natur? Perspektiv og bakgrunn Med økende urbanisering står vi ovenfor en økende risiko for at mennesker blir gradvis frakoblet fra naturen, både fysisk og psykologisk. VR blir benyttet som et verktøy for livsstilsendringer i ulike settinger, men det er foreløpig lite forskningsbasert kunnskap om VR kan benyttes som et verktøy for å øke menneskers følelser av tilhørighet til naturen. Metode I et randomisert kontrollert eksperiment [1] gikk en gruppe friske voksne på en tredemølle i 10 minutter mens de fikk se virtuell natur (en gåtur ved Glomma, i Elverum) i et VR headset. To ulike typer VR ble testet: en 360° video (n = 20) og en tredimensjonal modell (n = 19). En kontrollgruppe gikk på tredemølla uten VR (n = 21). Før og etter eksperimentet ble deltakeres tilhørighet til naturen målt [2]. Studien inkluderte også målinger av trivsel, fasinasjon, intensjon til å besøke stedet i virkeligheten, og deltakeres bakgrunnsinformasjon. I tillegg ble kvalitative data samlet inn. Resultater Begge VR-variantene var assosiert med en signifikant økning i tilhørighet til natur sammenlignet med kontroll. Økningen var positivt korrelert med deltakeres trivsel under VR, fasinasjon, og intensjon til å besøke stedet i virkeligheten. Det var også en signifikant og positiv korrelasjon med deltakernes fysisk aktivitetsnivå. Den kvalitativ analysen identifiserte følgende temaer: 1) Påvirkning av Teknisk utstyr; 2) Presens i VR- en distinkt opplevelse; 3) 3) Virtuelt landskap; 4) Psyko-fysiske effekter; 5) Potential. Konklusjoner VR har potensiale til å fremme økt følelse av tilhørighet til naturen som igjen kan øke intensjonen til å oppsøke og ivareta ekte naturområder. Referanser 1. GreenVR – Developing and testing health-promoting VR systems. A pilot study connected to a H2020 proposal https://app.cristin.no/projects/show.jsf?id=624906 2. Mayer, F. S., et al. (2009). Why Is Nature Beneficial? The Role of Connectedness to Nature. Environ Behav, 41(5), 607-643.

• Calogiuri, Giovanna; Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Haile, Amelia; Johnsen, Svein Åge Kjøs; Flaten, Ole Einar & Fröhlich, Fred (2020). Taking real steps in virtual nature – Developing and testing a virtual green exercise installation: rationale and protocol. Vis sammendrag

  Immersive Virtual Nature has emerged as a promising tool within clinical as well as health-promotion settings. Combining this technology with physical activity (e.g., walking on a treadmill), thus creating installations for so-called virtual green exercise (VGE), might extend its application to new contexts, such as physical rehabilitation and physical activity promotion, as well as help advancing green exercise research. Unfortunately, developing VGE installations with high restorative value is not an easy task, and challenges such as cyber-sickness may negatively influence the users’ experience. The purpose of the GreenVR project is to i) develop a highly immersive VGE installation and compare two innovative techniques to create VGE settings; and ii) investigate the extent to which VGE can provide psychological, physiological, and behavioural benefits. The VGE installation consisted of a manually driven treadmill connected to a high performance computer and VR-system. One VGE setting was developed as a 360° video, while the other was created as a 3D digital model. Both VGE settings reproduced the same natural environment –a walking path by the river Glomma in Elverum (Norway). A single-blind RCT (ISRCTN ID: 14275608) was designed, with 60 healthy adult volunteers being randomly allocated to one of three conditions: treatment-1 (VGE exposure via 360° video), treatment-2 (VGE exposure via 3D model), control (walking on treadmill without VGE exposure). In each condition, the participants first viewed a brief video-clip designed to elicit negative emotions. Assessment was conducted at three time-points: Baseline (i.e., before the negative emotions elicitation), Pre-exposure (i.e., before the treatment/control), and Post-exposure (i.e., at completion of the treatment/control). Measurements included: presence, cyber sickness, perceived restorativeness of the virtual environments, perceived exertion, blood pressure, heart rate, enjoyment, affect, nature connectedness, and future green exercise intention. Additionally, qualitative information was collected through open-ended questions and by conducting in-depth interviews with a sub-set of participants. The study was approved by the Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REC ID: 134663). We will present the VGE installation as well as preliminary findings.

• Birkheim, Siv Lene; Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Rydgren, Tore Litlere; Thurston, Miranda & Calogiuri, Giovanna (2019). (Fra) virtuell (til) virkelighet: Kan VR motivere til besøk i naturen? I Heimdal, Lasse (Red.), Forskning i friluft 2018 : friluftsliv gjennom 150 år. Norsk Friluftsliv. s. 220–223.
• Bergum, Håkon Boye; Litleskare, Sigbjørn & Calogiuri, Giovanna (2019). Færre kamerabevegelser kan redusere cyber sickness . [Internett]. forskning.no.
• Calogiuri, Giovanna; Macintyre, Tadhg & Litleskare, Sigbjørn (2019). Book launch - Physical Activity in Natural Settings: Green and Blue Exercise.
• Calogiuri, Giovanna; Litleskare, Sigbjørn & Macintyre, Tadhg (2019). (From) virtual (to) reality: Can virtual experiences help people reconnect with nature? . Vis sammendrag

  Introduction. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a potentially valuable tool in the field of lifestyle-change interventions. Specifically, it might be used to encourage people to engage in ‘active visits’ to natural environments. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the potential of VR as a tool for eliciting enhanced engagement with real natural environments. Methods. Two explorative studies were carried out (overall n = 76). In both studies, the participants underwent (in different experimental conditions) a ‘virtual nature walk’, consisting in viewing, through a fully immersive head-mounted display, a 360o video showing a nature walk in first-person perspective. After each exposure, the participants reported their agreement with the following statement: “After doing this ‘virtual walk’, I would like to visit that place in the reality”. Measurements of presence (Nichols et al, 2000), perceived environmental restorativeness (Hartig et al., 1997), enjoyment and affect (Lox et al., 2000) were also collected. In addition to these measurements, in Study 1 data from open-ended questions were collected to obtain in-depth insight into participants’ perceptions, and in Study 2 future green exercise intention (Flowers et al., 2017) was measured pre- and post-exposure. Results. Large inter-individuals differences were observed in relation to the participants’ willingness to visit the real natural environment after the VR exposure, with no significant differences across experimental conditions. On the other hand, future green exercise intention significantly increased from pre- to post-exposure. Significant and positive correlations were found among the participants’ willingness to visit the real natural environments, future green exercise intention, perceived environmental restorativeness, presence and enjoyment. The findings of the thematic analysis were in keeping with the quantitative findings, and highlight possible mechanisms through which VR might persuade people to visit real natural environments. In particular, the following major themes emerged: Attitudes towards VR technology, Negative impact of VR-related factors, Affective responses regulating intention, Fascinating and novel virtual environment triggers curiosity. Conclusions. VR technology has the potential to encourage people to engage more in green exercise or ‘active visits’ in natural environments. More studies are needed in order to better understand how to optimize VR-based persuasive messages that aim to reconnect people with the real natural world. References Flowers, E. P., Freeman, P., & Gladwell, V. F. (2017). Int J Environ Res Public Health, 14(10). Hartig, T., et al. (1997). Scandinavian Housing & Planning Research, 14(4), 175-194. Lox, C. L., et al. (2000). Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science, 4(2), 79-95. Nichols, S., Haldane, C., & Wilson, J. R. (2000). 52(3), 471-491.

• Litleskare, Sigbjørn & Calogiuri, Giovanna (2019). The Impact of Camera stabilization in 360 videos of a simulated natural walk.
• Litleskare, Sigbjørn & Calogiuri, Giovanna (2019). Improved camera stabilization in 360˚ videos prevents cyber sickness, but doesn’t make virtual green exercise as good as the real thing: A single blinded randomized trial.
• Birkheim, Siv Lene; Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Rydgren, Tore Litlere; Thurston, Miranda & Calogiuri, Giovanna (2018). (FRA) VIRTUEL (TIL) VIRKELIGHET: KAN VIRTUELLE NATUROPPLEVELSER MOTIVERE MENNESKER TIL Å BESØKE NATUROMRÅDER? Vis sammendrag

  Perspektiv og bakgrunn. Naturområder har et stort folkehelsepotensiale siden det kan gi en rekke helsefordeler og samtidig legge til rette for fysisk aktivitet. VR har dukket opp som et verdifullt verktøy innen livsstilsendrede tiltak og det kan brukes for å motivere folk til å besøke ekte naturområder. Så er problemstilling i denne studien: -Hvilket potensiale har virtuell virkelighet (VR) som verktøy for å motivere mennesker til å besøke naturområder? -Vil kombinasjonen av VR og fysisk aktivitet (dvs å gå på en tredemølle) gi et større motiverendeeffekt enn å se på VR uten fysisk aktivitet? Metode. Denne studien er en del av et større prosjekt som undersøker opplevelser av virtuelle friluftsaktiviter (Calogiuri et al., 2018). I et eksperiment gjennomgikk en gruppe friske voksne en ‘sittende-VR’ og en ‘tredemølle-VR’. VR-briller ble brukt for å vise en 360o video av en gåtur ved Glomma. Etter hvert eksperiment ble følgende variabler samlet inn: opplevd motivasjon for å besøke naturområdet i virkeligheten (‘motiverende effekt’), trivsel, humør, opplevd nærvær i den virtuelle verdenen, og miljøets restorativ kvalitet (‘fascinasjon’ og ‘komme vekk’). I tillegg ble kvalitative data samlet inn for dypere innsikt i deltakernes oppfatninger og meninger. Resultater. Det var stor variasjon i den motiverende effekten blant deltagerne, men det var ingen signifikant forskjell mellom de to VR-forholdene (tredemølle/sittende). En korrelasjonsanalyse viste signifikante sammenheng mellom den motiverende effekten opplevd nærvær (‘realisme’ og ‘være der’), miljøets restorativ kvalitet (‘fascinasjon’ og ‘komme vekk’) og, kun i tredemølle intervensjonen, trivsel. I tråd med de kvantitative funnene, viste den kvalitative analysen at dårlige videokvalitet og fakta at flere ble svimmel og uvel var avgjørende for opplevelsen av VR og potensiale til å motivere folk til å besøke naturområder. Videre mente deltakerne at en VR video med mer fascinerende naturområder ville vært positivt for den motiverende effekten. På den annen side, selv om opplevde deltakerne at VR ikke kunne gi ‘ekte’ naturopplevelser, gjorde VR deltakerne nysgjerrige på miljøet og de fikk lyst til å gå ut og oppleve naturen. Konklusjoner. Funnene antyder at VR kunne ha en potensiale som verktøy for å motivere mennesker til å besøke ekte naturområder. Videoer med høy realisme og fascinerende naturområder kunne fører til en større motiverende effekt. Det er ikke klart om kombinasjonen av VR og fysisk aktivitet kan fører til et større motiverendeeffekt. Derimot er «cybersykdom» en stor utfordring. Det er behov for videre forskning med oppfølgingsmålinger av deltagernes atferd for å vurdere i hvilken grad VR kan fører til at man besøke naturområder. Referanser Calogiuri, G., Litleskare, S., Fagerheim, K. A., Rydgren, T. L., Brambilla, E., & Thurston, M. (2018). Experiencing Nature through Immersive Virtual Environments: Environmental Perceptions, Physical Engagement, and Affective Responses during a Simulated Nature Walk. Front Psychol, 8(2321). doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02321

• Calogiuri, Giovanna & Litleskare, Sigbjørn (2018). VR og friluftsaktiviteter: Naturopplevelser i virtuell virkelighet: utvikling og validering av et innovativt konsept innen friluftsaktivitet- og helsefremmingforskning.
• Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Vaktskjold, Arild & Barene, Svein (2018). A cross-sectional study to examine the association between self-reported sleep and the frequency, duration and intensity of exercise.
• Calogiuri, Giovanna & Litleskare, Sigbjørn (2018). Kan VR gi de samme helsefordelene man får ute i naturen? I Calogiuri, Giovanna & Knudsen, Per Egil (Red.), Institutt for Folkehelse - ÅRBOK 2017-2018. Høgskolen i Hedmark. s. 33–35.
• Calogiuri, Giovanna; Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Birkheim, Siv Lene & Thurston, Miranda (2018). (FROM) VIRTUAL (TO) REALITY: CAN VIRTUAL EXPERIENCES OF NATURE ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO VISIT NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS? Vis sammendrag

  Introduction Visiting natural environments has been shown to be beneficial for people’s health: not only can being in nature facilitate physical activity, it can also promote psychophysiological restoration from stress. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a potentially valuable tool in the field of lifestyle-change interventions. Specifically, it might also be used to encourage people to engage in ‘active visits’ to natural environments. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the potential of VR as a tool for eliciting enhanced motivation for visiting real natural environments. Methods This study is part of a larger project investigating the effectiveness of VR in reproducing ‘green-exercise’ outcomes (Calogiuri et al., 2017). Twenty-six healthy adults (46% females; 26±8 yo; BMI: 23.12±5.03) were exposed, in a randomized cross-over design, to two VR conditions: one while sitting on a chair and one while walking on a manually driven treadmill. The VR technology consisted of a head-mounted display with headphones reproducing a first-person 360o video and sound of a nature walk. After each condition, the participants reported their motivation for visiting the natural environment shown in the VR video (‘motivational effect’; ME), alongside measurements of enjoyment and affect. Additional measurements included presence, perceived environmental restorativeness (PER), and background characteristics (sex, age, BMI, and exercise levels). Moreover, data from open-ended questions were analysed thematically to give in-depth insight into participants’ perceptions. Results The ME did not significantly differ between the sitting and the treadmill condition, although enjoyment and positive affect were significantly higher in the treadmill. The ME was significantly and positively correlated with ‘realism’, PER and (in the treadmill) enjoyment, whereas no significant correlation was found with affect or any of the background characteristics. In both conditions, a mediational analysis showed an indirect effect of ‘realism’ on ME via the PER component ‘fascination’. The qualitative data corroborated the quantitative findings, but also revealed large inter-individual differences in participants’ perceptions of the VR experience as well as the extent to which they thought it could influence people’s motivation. Discussion VR technology might have the potential to encourage people to engage in ‘active visits’ to natural environments, especially if the VR is highly realistic and shows environments with high restorative value. Because of better affective responses, administering the VR in concomitance with treadmill-based walking might have a stronger effect on future behaviour. In order to explore these associations further, future studies should apply intervention designs with follow-up assessments. References Calogiuri, G., et al. (2017) Frontiers in Psychology 8, 2321

• Calogiuri, Giovanna & Litleskare, Sigbjørn (2017). VR og friluftsaktiviteteter: Naturopplevelser i virtuell virkelighet: utvikling og validering av et innovativt konsept innen friluftsaktivitet- og helsefremmingsforskning.
• Litleskare, Sigbjørn; Fagerheim, Kaia; Holthe, Gaute Ringstad; Rydgren, Tore Litlere; Brambilla, Elena & Calogiuri, Giovanna (2017). Nature experiences in Immersive Virtual Environments (IVE): a new concept for green-exercise and health promotion research. Vis sammendrag

  Introduction Green exercise (any physical activity [PA] in presence of nature) provides additional health benefits compared to PA alone. Immersive Virtual Environments (IVE) offers potential benefits to research focused on understanding how individuals perceive and respond to different environments, and could therefore be a useful supplement in green exercise research, as it may provide a valid tool to conduct green exercise research indoors. IVE has emerged has a valuable option in environmental and behavioural studies (Smith, 2015), and in the field of health treatment and lifestyle-change interventions (Fox & Bailenson, 2009). Experiences of PA in IVE could also impact future PA adherence through mechanisms of reinforcement and enhanced self-efficacy. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate an IVE protocol to study the psychophysiological effects of IVE-based green exercise, and explore its potential for physical activity promotion. Methods The first phase of the study aims to define appropriate procedures to develop IVE videos, and find a safe and reliable manner to expose the participants to the IVE whilst walking on a manually driven treadmill (Woodway Curve). A 360° camera (Samsung Gear 360) and a custom made stabilizing device will be used to record the video, while a smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S7), VR-kit (Samsung Gear VR SM-R323) and headphones will be used to present the IVE. Pilot tests will be performed to evaluate and possibly adjust the protocol. In the second phase of the study, 60 college students will undergo three conditions: I) walk in a physical environment, II) walk with IVE, and III) sedentary IVE experience. The participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups, undergoing all the three conditions either in a natural environment or in a built environment. Affective responses, perceived environmental potential for restoration, perceived exertion, heart rate, blood pressure and walking speed will be measured in concomitance with each condition. Perceived presence will be also measured after the IVE condition. Focus group interviews will be carried out with a selection of participants, in order to have a more in-depth understanding of the participants’ perceptions. Results The study started the 1st January 2017. Preliminary findings will be presented at the 22th ECSS conference. These includes experiences from the pilot study and between groups comparison of quantitative data. Discussion This study will contribute to a better understanding of how IVE can supplement green exercise studies and PA promotion programs. Further studies might extend such knowledge to other fields, such as athletic performance, physical education and post-injury rehabilitation. References Fox J & Bailenson JN (2009) Media Psychology 12, 1-25.

• Chroni, Stiliani & Litleskare, Sigbjørn (2016). Optimization in sport: An integrated course for preparing future coaches.
• Pettersen, Sigurd & Litleskare, Sigbjørn (2015). Koordinasjon, bevegelighet og basisferdigheter.
• Calogiuri, Giovanna; Fröhlich, Fred; Flaten, Ole E. & Litleskare, Sigbjørn (2023). Technological Substrate for the GOGREEN VR Showcase: GOGREEN VR Showcase. Høgskolen i Innlandet. ISSN 978-82-8380-424-9. Vis sammendrag

  This report was developed as a part of the research project ‘GoGreenRoutes'. More specifically, the report describes the activities of Task 6.4. (WP6), which aims to create a Virtual Reality (VR) Experiential Showcase to raise awareness about urbanization’s environmental challenges, convey benefits of activity in nature, and elicit feelings of attachment to local places, which will be displayed in all collaborating cities. We first provide the overarching rationale for the task, with a brief overview of general concepts connected to VR technology and its potential to mediate and promote nature experiences. We will then describe in detail the procedures and instruments used to develop the VR scenario, as well as the hardware used to deliver it. Finally, we present a summary of three “kick-off events” conducted in three Norwegian cities, which had the purpose of launching the Showcase and to test it in the context of public events.

• Litleskare, Sigbjørn (2022). Virtual green exercise - developing a new concept for health promotion . Universitetet i Sørøst-Norge/Universitetet i Søraust-Noreg. ISSN 978-82-7206-695-5.

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