Immersive Virtual Reality Environment Research Articles

Immersive virtual reality for chronic neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury: a pilot, randomized, controlled trial.

Neuropathic pain (NP) poses significant challenges for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), often inadequately managed by current interventions. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) has emerged as a promising approach for pain modulation, yet robust evidence is lacking. This pilot study investigated the analgesic effects of different IVR environments (scenic, somatic) compared with a control environment, and explored psychomotor properties influencing pain attenuation. Twenty-two participants with NP caused by SCI were randomized into 3 IVR environments: somatic (n = 8), scenic (n = 7), and control (n = 8), undergoing 3 weekly sessions over 4 weeks with baseline, postintervention, and one-month follow-ups. There was a significant interaction effect between VR environment and time point on Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory scores (F(4,37.0) = 2.80, P = 0.04). Scenic VR participants exhibited reduced scores postintervention and at follow-up, with no significant changes in somatic VR or control environments. Similar trends were observed in secondary measures, such as Neuropathic Pain Scale and pain numeric rating scale. Enjoyment and presence were associated with decreased pain-change scores (F(1, 252) = 4.68, P = 0.03 for enjoyment; F(1, 223.342) = 7.92, P = 0.005 for presence), although not significantly influenced by VR environment or time point. Both environments showed reduced pain outcomes, underscoring the need for personalized IVR pain therapies and informing further technology development for NP management.

A virtual reality experimental setup to explore volitional control in lower limb prostheses

Abstract Active leg prostheses can provide individuals with an amputation with motion support and thereby enable better participation in societal life. However, their versatility of use is still constrained, particularly with respect to volitional control by the user. Promising volitional control methods like employing muscle and joint model simulations to mimic human motor control are actively researched. However, experimental paradigms currently either include costly hardware setups or are limited to very simplistic virtual setups. For rapid control prototyping and facilitating the involvement of healthy participants, we propose an immersive virtual reality environment, focusing on ankle prostheses. Based on a theoretical discussion and a pilot study, we outline the potential of this method for agile development of lower limb volitional controllers.

Can improving climate change perception lead to more environmentally friendly choices? Evidence from an immersive virtual environment experiment

Rational decision theory assumes that individuals have perfect knowledge of the consequences of their choices and actions. However, this assumption often fails to align with reality, particularly in the context of environmental degradation, where the impacts of actions can be distant in both time and space. Will an enhanced perception of those impacts encourage pro-environmental choices?To explore this question, we designed and conducted an experiment in an immersive virtual reality environment (IVE). After an initial training phase, participants were asked to choose between using a tumble dryer or a clothesline to dry their laundry. Participants in the treatment group received exaggerated feedback during the training phase, experiencing a simulated sudden outbreak of a thunderstorm when they used the dryer. In contrast, participants in the control group did not receive any feedback. The experiment was conducted at two Italian universities, Siena and Pisa, with a total of 270 subjects.The methodological finding is that even less elaborated IVEs can still be effective as experimental tools. The substantive finding is that exposure to exaggerated feedback in an IVE significantly increased the likelihood of choosing a more environmentally friendly action, such as using a clothesline, which involves lower energy consumption.

A baropodometric analysis of postural therapy supported by immersive virtual reality

Virtual Reality (VR) can support postural therapies through proprioceptive assistance and engaging interactive features. Plantar pressure measurements are critical for accurate and individualized diagnosis of gait and posture. In a previous work, we developed an immersive VR environment to support postural therapy and conducted a user study. This study expands on previous research and aims to investigate the impact of postural therapy supported by immersive VR technology, compared to a traditional method. Our analysis utilizes unexplored baropodometric data collected during supervised therapy sessions in our prior work. Based on our current understanding, this study represents the pioneering exploration of combining baropodometric analysis with immersive VR technology to support postural therapy. In the experiment, healthy students (n = 22) with an average age of 12 years were randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The experimental group underwent the therapeutic intervention using immersive VR, while the control group followed the same protocol without VR assistance. Baropodometric data were collected before and after the sessions and analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. Both groups showed postural improvements after the intervention, particularly in reducing foot pressure imbalances between the left and right feet; however, a statistical analysis indicated that VR-assisted therapy demonstrated more noticeable improvements in baropodometric parameters regarding weight and rearfoot weight distributions, as well as maximum foot pressure. Our findings reinforce the potential of integrating VR technology and baropodometric parameters to enhance therapeutic outcomes. This combination can serve as a complementary tool in clinical and research contexts, with the aim of improving diagnosis and treatment in postural therapy.

Training Graduate Students’ Shaping Skills in an Immersive Virtual Reality Environment

Graduate students need a wide range of professional skills, and shaping is one of the critical skills they must learn. This study trained graduate students to acquire shaping skills in an immersive virtual reality environment using the Portable Operant Research Teaching Lab (PORTL). To date, no known study has (a) evaluated the effectiveness of shaping skills training for graduate students or (b) attempted to teach these skills in a virtual environment. We used a single-case A-B design across participants with three graduate students who learned shaping skills in an immersive virtual reality environment using the PORTL curriculum. The shaping skills comprised creating a teaching plan, setting up for a session, delivering reinforcement, and evaluating a session. For all participants, training resulted in improvement in shaping skills. Participants also maintained the shaping skills for a minimum of two weeks. Further, the effect of the training generalized to a novel confederate learner for all participants. Additionally, participants showed high satisfaction with learning shaping skills in an immersive virtual reality (iVR) environment.

Influence of Distraction Factors on Performance in Laparoscopic Surgery in Immersive Virtual Reality: Study Protocol of a Cross-Over Trial in Medical Students and Residents-DisLapVR.

Working in an operating room (OR) is physically and mentally challenging: the operation itself demands the surgeon's full attention, while time and cost efficiency constraints, daily planning, and emergency care interfere with the procedure. Thus, multitasking becomes an integral surgical competence. This study aims to examine the effect of disruptions during surgery in a highly immersive virtual reality (IVR) operation environment combined with a virtual reality (VR) laparoscopy simulator. This study aims to identify distractions in the OR and their importance in the clinical setting. An IVR environment was created using a high-resolution, stereoscopic 360° video of the OR. Different distractions were identified, classified as auditory, visual, or audio-visual, and recorded accordingly. The surrounding was combined with a VR laparoscopic simulator. Participants-medical students and surgical residents-received proficiency-based training in basic laparoscopic skills and were blinded to the aim of the experiment. Following a cross-over design, each participant received a unique order of virtual distraction factors while performing tasks on the laparoscopic simulator. During the experiment, subjective passing of time, stress, heart rate, and visually induced motion sickness are recorded. After the experiment, validated questionnaires for usability, immersion, and stress were completed, as well as subjective evaluation of the distractions. The questionnaires used included the system usability scale, Self-Assessment Manikin score, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index, and the immersion rating scale as described by Nichols. Performance in the laparoscopic tasks in relation to distractions will be evaluated by the Wilcoxon test and ANOVA for continuous variables. Subgroup analyses in regard to age, gender, and expertise (medical students vs surgical residents) are planned. The described trial started in August 2022 and is ongoing. By July 2024, a total of 30 medical students and 9 surgeons have completed the study. We present a study protocol aiming to identify the impact of different disruptions in OR during laparoscopic training in IVR. Hence, it may lead to an improved awareness of distractions and facilitate accommodations toward an improved work environment. Prior research leads to the hypothesis that the performance of a more experienced surgeon is less impacted by distractions than the performance of inexperienced surgeons and medical students. Furthermore, we investigate which type of distraction has the largest impact on performance. With this knowledge, specific multitasking training can be devised, which may be particularly useful in medical education, for which VR might play a leading role. Additionally, workplace surroundings in the OR can be optimized with this knowledge. German Registry for Clinical Trials DRKS00030033; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00030033. DERR1-10.2196/59014.

Enhancing Visual Perception in Immersive VR and AR Environments: AI-Driven Color and Clarity Adjustments Under Dynamic Lighting Conditions

The visual fidelity of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) environments is essential for user immersion and comfort. Dynamic lighting often leads to chromatic distortions and reduced clarity, causing discomfort and disrupting user experience. This paper introduces an AI-driven chromatic adjustment system based on a modified U-Net architecture, optimized for real-time applications in VR/AR. This system adapts to dynamic lighting conditions, addressing the shortcomings of traditional methods like histogram equalization and gamma correction, which struggle with rapid lighting changes and real-time user interactions. We compared our approach with state-of-the-art color constancy algorithms, including Barron’s Convolutional Color Constancy and STAR, demonstrating superior performance. Experimental results from 60 participants show significant improvements, with up to 41% better color accuracy and 39% enhanced clarity under dynamic lighting conditions. The study also included eye-tracking data, which confirmed increased user engagement with AI-enhanced images. Our system provides a practical solution for developers aiming to improve image quality, reduce visual discomfort, and enhance overall user satisfaction in immersive environments. Future work will focus on extending the model’s capability to handle more complex lighting scenarios.

Multimodal Feedback Methods for Advancing the Accessibility of Immersive Virtual Reality for People With Balance Impairments Due to Multiple Sclerosis.

Maintaining balance in immersive virtual reality (VR) environments poses a significant challenge for users, particularly affecting those with pre-existing balance disorders. This study investigates the efficacy of multimodal feedback-comprising auditory, vibrotactile, and visual stimuli-in mitigating balance issues within VR. A sample of 68 participants, divided equally between individuals with balance deficits related to multiple sclerosis and those without, was evaluated. The research explored the impact of various feedback conditions on balance performance. The results demonstrated that the multimodal feedback condition significantly enhanced balance control compared to other conditions, with statistical analysis confirming this improvement (p<.001). These findings underscore the potential of integrated sensory feedback in addressing balance-related difficulties in VR, thereby improving the overall accessibility and user experience for individuals affected by balance impairments. This research contributes valuable insights into optimizing VR environments for enhanced stability and user comfort.

FORMULATING DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR AN IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY ENVIRONMENT IN MUSLIM FUNERAL MANAGEMENT EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA

In Malaysia, Islamic funeral rites hold deep cultural and religious significance. Upon a person's passing, specific rituals rooted in Islamic traditions are observed. However, despite the importance of these practices, many students especially teenagers in Malaysia lack of knowledge and understanding about Islamic funeral management and practices. A preliminary study conducted among 27 teenagers aged 21 to 25 from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) revealed significant gaps in understanding key aspects such as Taharah (ritual washing), Solat Jenazah (funeral prayer), and Kafan (shrouding). This lack of knowledge could have implications for the preservation and practice of Islamic traditions within younger generations. With the rapid integration of digital technologies, there is need to find alternative way, and this refer to the utilization of Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) Technology in addressing this problem. To bridge this gap, the study proposes formulating design guidelines for an IVR environment focused on Islamic funeral management education in Malaysia. This research aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) by promoting quality education through digital innovation. The objectives include identifying core components for the IVR environment, developing comprehensive design guidelines, and validating these guidelines through expert review. The study employs the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM), encompassing stages such as awareness, suggestion, development, evaluation, and conclusion. The significance lies in exploring innovative, interactive approaches for teaching Islamic funeral practices, offering an immersive learning experience that enhances student engagement, comprehension, and retention. Ultimately, this research contributes to the development of IVR applications that support effective, technology-based education in alignment with the MADANI Economy vision.

The Effects of Physiotherapy Programmes, Aided by Virtual Reality Solutions, on Balance in Older Women: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Background: Modern technologies are being applied to maintain and improve the functional performance of older adults. Fully immersive virtual reality (VR) combined with a scope of dual-task (DT) activities may effectively complement conventional physiotherapy programmes for seniors. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a fully immersive virtual reality (VR) environment combined with a scope of dual-task activities regarding balance in older women. Methods: Eighty women were recruited to the study protocol and, following randomisation, allocated to two equally sized groups, one pursuing conventional OTAGO exercises, the other one the VR-solutions-aided exercise programme combined with a scope of DT activities. Physiotherapy sessions spanned 6 weeks, each one lasting 60 min, three times a week, in both groups. Results: Homogeneity analysis of both study groups indicated no statistically significant differences at the first measurement point. After the intervention, both study groups achieved significantly improved scores on all tests. The VR + DT group obtained better results in dual-task gait and single-leg standing, whereas the greatest difference was observed during SLS CL (1.52 s vs. 2.33 s-difference 0.81 s 53.2% change, p = 0.001). The OTAGO group performed better in the TUG single-task gait (11.35 s vs. 12.60 s, p < 0.001) and in the Berg balance scale. Conclusions: The VR + DT training is effective in improving individual balance as well as in reducing fall risks. VR-assisted physiotherapy should complement conventional physiotherapy programmes (e.g., OTAGO). The benefits of applying VR solutions indicate that older women might well use this form of activity regularly under the guidance of a therapist or a family member.

Rehabilitation exoskeleton system with bidirectional virtual reality feedback training strategy

AbstractVirtual reality (VR) technology revitalises rehabilitation training by creating rich, interactive virtual rehabilitation scenes and tasks that deeply engage patients. Robotics with immersive VR environments have the potential to significantly enhance the sense of immersion for patients during training. This paper proposes a rehabilitation robot system. The system integrates a VR environment, the exoskeleton entity, and research on rehabilitation assessment metrics derived from surface electromyographic signal (sEMG). Employing more realistic and engaging virtual stimuli, this method guides patients to actively participate, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of neural connection reconstruction—an essential aspect of rehabilitation. Furthermore, this study introduces a muscle activation model that merges linear and non‐linear states of muscle, avoiding the impact of non‐linear shape factors on model accuracy present in traditional models. A muscle strength assessment model based on optimised generalised regression (WOA‐GRNN) is also proposed, with a root mean square error of 0.017,347 and a mean absolute percentage error of 1.2461%, serving as critical assessment indicators for the effectiveness of rehabilitation. Finally, the system is preliminarily applied in human movement experiments, validating the practicality and potential effectiveness of VR‐centred rehabilitation strategies in medical recovery.

AffectiVR: A Database for Periocular Identification and Valence and Arousal Evaluation in Virtual Reality

This study introduces AffectiVR, a dataset designed for periocular biometric authentication and emotion evaluation in virtual reality (VR) environments. To maximize immersion in VR environments, interactions must be seamless and natural, with unobtrusive authentication and emotion recognition technologies playing a crucial role. This study proposes a method for user authentication by utilizing periocular images captured by a camera attached to a VR headset. Existing datasets have lacked periocular images acquired in VR environments, limiting their practical application. To address this, periocular images were collected from 100 participants using the HTC Vive Pro and Pupil Labs infrared cameras in a VR environment. Participants also watched seven emotion-inducing videos, and emotional evaluations for each video were conducted. The final dataset comprises 1988 monocular videos and corresponding self-assessment manikin (SAM) evaluations for each experimental video. This study also presents a baseline study to evaluate the performance of biometric authentication using the collected dataset. A deep learning model was used to analyze the performance of biometric authentication based on periocular data collected in a VR environment, confirming the potential for implicit and continuous authentication. The high-resolution periocular images collected in this study provide valuable data not only for user authentication but also for emotion evaluation research. The dataset developed in this study can be used to enhance user immersion in VR environments and as a foundational resource for advancing emotion recognition and authentication technologies in fields such as education, therapy, and entertainment. This dataset offers new research opportunities for non-invasive continuous authentication and emotion recognition in VR environments, and it is expected to significantly contribute to the future development of related technologies.

Prediction of Attention Groups and Big Five Personality Traits from Gaze Features Collected from an Outlier Search Game.

This study explores the intersection of personality, attention and task performance in traditional 2D and immersive virtual reality (VR) environments. A visual search task was developed that required participants to find anomalous images embedded in normal background images in 3D space. Experiments were conducted with 30 subjects who performed the task in 2D and VR environments while their eye movements were tracked. Following an exploratory correlation analysis, we applied machine learning techniques to investigate the predictive power of gaze features on human data derived from different data collection methods. Our proposed methodology consists of a pipeline of steps for extracting fixation and saccade features from raw gaze data and training machine learning models to classify the Big Five personality traits and attention-related processing speed/accuracy levels computed from the Group Bourdon test. The models achieved above-chance predictive performance in both 2D and VR settings despite visually complex 3D stimuli. We also explored further relationships between task performance, personality traits and attention characteristics.

Evaluation of the influence of training in an immersive virtual reality environment on sports skills in table tennis

Evaluation of the influence of training in an immersive virtual reality environment on sports skills in table tennis

Application of BIM and Virtual Reality of System Integration Design and Development in Medical Building Projects: A Case Study in China

Design outcomes in the Medical Building Projects (MBPs) must satisfy the demand of the medical staff and stakeholders. However, they often do not have the relevant engineering expertise, so the design team is prone to misunderstandings when communicating with them using traditional two-dimensional (2D) Computer-Aided Design (CAD) drawings. The medical staff may not readily visualize and understand the design and then provide feedback to the designer through professional medical requirements or advice, which results in the need to redesign and carry out additional work during the design phase, thus delaying the progress of the MBPs. To address these challenges, this study aims to develop an integrated system based on BIM, advanced rendering engines, and VR technology for use in non-immersive and immersive VR environments. Moreover, in this study, the integrated system was applied to the infection-building project of the People's Hospital of Qingbaijiang District, Chengdu City, and semi-structured interviews were distributed to 16 engineers, designers, contractors, and medical staff who had been involved in the whole project to validate the practicality and effectiveness of the integrated system. The results indicate that this system integration is an efficient visual communication and simulation tool in medical design. Key advantages include enhanced communication efficiency between the design team and medical stakeholders, improved visual interaction, and streamlined decision-making processes within a 3D VR/BIM environment. The successful implementation of this integrated system is expected to significantly aid design teams and stakeholders in effectively managing medical design tasks in future projects.

Redefining Spectral Data Analysis with Immersive Analytics: Exploring Domain-Shifted Model Spaces for Optimal Model Selection.

Modern developments in autonomous chemometric machine learning technology strive to relinquish the need for human intervention. However, such algorithms developed and used in chemometric multivariate calibration and classification applications exclude crucial expert insight when difficult and safety-critical analysis situations arise, e.g., spectral-based medical decisions such as noninvasively determining if a biopsy is cancerous. The prediction accuracy and interpolation capabilities of autonomous methods for new samples depend on the quality and scope of their training (calibration) data. Specifically, analysis patterns within target data not captured by the training data will produce undesirable outcomes. Alternatively, using an immersive analytic approach allows insertion of human expert judgment at key machine learning algorithm junctures forming a sensemaking process performed in cooperation with a computer. The capacity of immersive virtual reality (IVR) environments to render human comprehensible three-dimensional space simulating real-world encounters, suggests its suitability as a hybrid immersive human-computer interface for data analysis tasks. Using IVR maximizes human senses to capitalize on our instinctual perception of the physical environment, thereby leveraging our innate ability to recognize patterns and visualize thresholds crucial to reducing erroneous outcomes. In this first use of IVR as an immersive analytic tool for spectral data, we examine an integrated IVR real-time model selection algorithm for a recent model updating method that adapts a model from the original calibration domain to predict samples from shifted target domains. Using near-infrared data, analyte prediction errors from IVR-selected models are reduced compared to errors using an established autonomous model selection approach. Results demonstrate the viability of IVR as a human data analysis interface for spectral data analysis including classification problems.

Hands-on training: Effects on virtual presence, learning-centered emotions, cognitive load and learning outcome when learning with virtual reality

The effect of highly immersive virtual reality (VR) on learning is mixed, partly due to technical challenges with VR equipment like head-mounted displays (HMDs) and control devices. These can distract learners from the learning environment and its relevant learning material within. This challenge might cause lower virtual presence, higher negative emotions, and extraneous cognitive (working memory) load; all of which have a negative impact on learning outcome. This study investigates whether hands-on training of the interface improves virtual presence, learning emotions, cognitive load and learning outcomes when learning about chemistry in an immersive VR environment. Seventy-six eighth graders participated in a between-subjects design (hands-on training vs. no training). The results show that pupils with hands-on training (n = 38) showed significantly higher virtual presence, lower extraneous cognitive load and higher learning outcomes than those without any initial hands-on training (n = 38). However, no significant differences in pupils’ learning emotions and in intrinsic and germane cognitive load were found. Implications for the design of highly immersive VR environments are discussed from both a cognitive and an affective perspective.

RETRACTED: Huamanchahua et al. Kinematic of the Position and Orientation Synchronization of the Posture of a n DoF Upper-Limb Exoskeleton with a Virtual Object in an Immersive Virtual Reality Environment. Electronics 2021, 10, 1069

The journal is retracting the article, “Kinematic of the Position and Orientation Synchronization of the Posture of a n DoF Upper-Limb Exoskeleton with a Virtual Object in an Immersive Virtual Reality Environment” [...]

The IntegraPark Study: An Opportunity to Facilitate High-Intensity Exercise with Immersive Virtual Reality in Parkinson's Disease Patients.

high-intensity exercise is a feasible and effective modality in the early stages of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, there are only a few studies that have carried out this type of intervention in customizable immersive virtual reality (IVR) environments. We explore the feasibility and effects of IVR-based high-intensity training through rowing and cycling exercises on the functional capacity, quality of life, and progression of PD. a total of 12 participants (61.50 ± 10.49 years old; 41.7% female, 58.3% male; stages I-III) were part of the study, which consisted of interventions of rowing and cycling in an IVR commercial exergame (25 min; twice per week for 14 weeks). The main variables measured were functional capacity, handgrip strength, functional mobility (TUG), functional lower-limb strength (FTSST), aerobic capacity (2-min step test), quality of life (PDQ-39), and Parkinson's disease progression (MDS-UPDRS). the results showed a general improvement in handgrip strength in both hands (p = 0.008; d = 0.28), FTSST (p = 0.029; d = 0.96), and TUG times (p = 0.152; d = 0.22). Aerobic capacity, assessed by a 2-min step test, showed enhanced scores (p = 0.031; d = 0.78). Related to the PDQ-39, all dimensions of the scale were enhanced, highlighting activities of daily living (p = 0.047; d = 0.29) and bodily discomfort (p = 0.041; d = 0.37). Finally, the main symptoms of the disease were reduced, with an improvement in the parameters that show a better incidence of disease progression, such as Part IA and IB (p = 0.013; d = 0.29 and p = 0.021; d = 0.25, respectively), Part II (p = 0.021; d = 0.23), Part III (p = 0.040; d = 0.39), and Part IV (p = 0.013; d = 0.39). the therapeutic exercise (rowing and cycling), when carried out at a high intensity and in a personalized IVR scenario, appear to be a feasible and safe modality for patients with stages I-III of PD, improving their functional capacity, quality of life, and disease progression.

Examining the Effects of Embodiment on Working Memory Performance in VR

This study investigates the impact of immersive virtual reality (VR) environments on working memory task performance and the role of embodiment in VR. Sixteen participants engaged in N-back tasks presented either on a computer screen or in VR. Participants were assigned to one of four conditions: non-VR, VR without mimicking, VR with mimicking, or VR with mimicking and virtual mirror. Statistical analyses revealed no significant differences in sense of embodiment or task performance among the VR conditions. Additionally, there were no significant changes in working memory performance across conditions. While the findings suggest that variations in VR setups may not affect embodiment or task performance, the study’s preliminary nature emphasizes the need for larger sample sizes for more conclusive results. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore the effects of VR interventions on cognitive outcomes.