General-purpose fitness trackers often struggle to accurately estimate calorie burn in virtual reality (VR) exercise due to the unique muscle activation patterns and movements involved in VR gameplay. This makes it difficult for users to effectively track their fitness progress and compare the intensity of different VR games.

The Virtual Reality Institute of Health and Exercise (VRHI) provides objective, research-backed ratings of VR games based on metabolic testing to determine realistic calorie expenditure. VRHI conducts metabolic testing using research-grade equipment and publishes VR Exercise Ratings that allow users to easily understand a game's likely level of calorie burn by comparing it to common non-VR forms of exercise. The VR Health Exercise Tracker app allows users to accurately track heart rate and calories burned in VR, personalize calorie predictions per game, and discover new VR games that provide good exercise.

VR Exercise Ratings based on observed Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) scores during lab testing

Calorie expenditure estimates based on user weight, with comparisons to common activities

VR Health Exercise Tracker app for iOS and Android

Heart rate tracking and calorie calculation using Bluetooth heart rate monitors

Game ratings based on oxygen consumption testing and heart rate assessment

Publicly available methodology for assessing and assigning VR Exercise Ratings

Media kit with high-resolution VR Exercise Ratings badges for developers

The primary audience includes VR game developers seeking to promote the health benefits of their games, as well as consumers interested in using VR for exercise and accurately tracking their calorie expenditure.

The VR Health Exercise Tracker app is free to use.