Physiological and psychological responses during indoor exercise show correlations with luminous environment parameters at different stages of exercise, providing data support for constructing a 'human-centered' fitness lighting environment.
Key Findings
Methods
The study established a controlled laboratory exercise protocol simulating badminton via somatosensory games across six distinct stages.
40 participants total: 22 males and 18 females aged 18–50 years
Six exercise stages: resting 1, warming up, exercising 1, resting 2, exercising 2, and relaxing
Total experiment duration was approximately one hour
Different luminous environments were established within the laboratory setting
Methods
Continuous physiological measurements including heart rate (HR), skin conductance level (SCL), and electroencephalogram (EEG) data were recorded throughout the experiment.
Measurements were taken continuously across all six exercise stages
HR, SCL, and EEG were used as physiological indicators of response to the luminous environment
These measures were complemented by psychological self-report instruments
Methods
Psychological assessments using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) were administered at specific exercise stages.
PANAS and KSS were completed during the warming-up and relaxing stages
These instruments captured subjective psychological responses to different luminous environments
The approach integrated sports psychology measures with physiological monitoring
Results
Correlations were found between physiological and psychological responses and the luminous environment at different stages of exercise.
Results indicate that the luminous environment influenced both physiological indicators (HR, SCL, EEG) and psychological measures (PANAS, KSS)
The correlations varied across the different exercise stages
The study integrated architectural optics, sports psychology, and exercise physiology in its analytical framework
Conclusions
A parameter system for the light environment in indoor fitness exercises was established based on the experimental findings.
The parameter system is intended to provide a theoretical foundation and data support for constructing a 'human-centered' fitness lighting environment
The study used a combination of real light environments and somatosensory interaction technology to simulate exercise under controlled lighting conditions
This approach was described as an innovative solution for conducting controlled lighting experiments in indoor settings
Li X, Zhao W, Bai X. (2026). Goal-directed human factor experiment on the non-visual effect of luminous environment on indoor exercise.. Scientific reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-40560-0