Immersive Virtual Reality Research Articles

The effect of balance training using touch controller-based fully immersive virtual reality devices on balance and walking ability in patients with stroke: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Fully immersive virtual reality (FIVR) removes information from the real world and replaces it with computer-generated data, creating the impression of being in a genuine virtual world. To evaluate the effects of balance training using touch controller-based FIVR devices on balance and walking abilities in patients with stroke. The participants were randomly categorized into the FIVR group (n = 18) and control group (n = 18). The control group received conventional therapy for 5 sessions, 30 minutes per week, for 5 weeks. The FIVR group practiced additional touch controller-based FIVR balance training for 3 sessions of 30 minutes per week for 5 weeks and changes in balance and walking ability were measured for both groups. Touch controller-based FIVR balance training significantly improved the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and, timed up-and-go (TUG) test results (P < .01). There was also significant improvement in gait abilities, including gait velocity, step length of the affected side, stride length, and single limb support of the affected side (P < .01). Touch controller-based FIVR balance training improved balance and gait in patients with stroke. These results indicate that touch controller-based FIVR balance training is feasible and suitable for patients with stroke, providing a promising avenue for rehabilitation.

A novel mixed reality remote collaboration system with adaptive generation of instructions

Mixed Reality (MR) remote collaboration supports a shared workspace and various non-verbal communication cues that enable remote experts to express ideas in an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) space to guide local workers in industrial physical tasks by creating Augmented Reality (AR) instructions, such as remote assembly/disassembly guidance, emergency maintenance, and training. However, due to the information non-symmetrical caused by geographical distribution, it can be challenging and high-workload for remote experts to create clear and detailed AR instructions for local workers to match spatial relationships with the local workspace, while comprehensively considering the situation information (e.g., task-related objects and partner’s environment) in complex industrial physical tasks. Advances in ambient intelligence bring ideas for building a new remote collaboration framework that supports the adaptive generation of instructions. In the study, we developed a novel MR remote collaboration prototype system, which can automatically and adaptively generate clear, detailed, and standardized AR instructions based on remote experts’ simple and intuitive interactions and local contextual information to assist remote experts in guiding local workers to complete industrial physical tasks, especially industrial assembly tasks. The effect of two interfaces on industrial assembly tasks involving relatively complex process information and environments was explored in a user study: one was a baseline solution that uses a typical MR remote collaboration interface to support remote experts to create instructions (RECI) using popular non-verbal communication cues in the shared local 3D stereoscopic scene, and the other was our novel interface that additionally supported the adaptive generation of instructions via context awareness (AGICA) on top of the typical interface. The result of the user study showed that AGICA significantly improves collaboration performance, reduces errors and workload, and enhances usability and user experience compared to RECI. This demonstrates that supporting the adaptive generation of instructions is a feasible way to enhance MR remote collaboration in industrial assembly tasks with relatively complex process information and environments. Our research findings have a certain guiding significance for the design of MR remote collaboration systems in such tasks.

Suitability, usability and safety of fully immersive Virtual Reality applications for motor and cognitive rehabilitation in stroke patients preliminary data.

Suitability, usability and safety of fully immersive Virtual Reality applications for motor and cognitive rehabilitation in stroke patients preliminary data.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality training in non-specialized medical procedures for caregivers and students: a brief literature review

An evaluation of the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality training in non-specialized medical procedures for caregivers and students: a brief literature review

Safety and Privacy in Immersive Extended Reality: An Analysis and Policy Recommendations

Extended reality (XR) technologies have experienced cycles of development—“summers” and “winters”—for decades, but their overall trajectory is one of increasing uptake. In recent years, immersive extended reality (IXR) applications, a kind of XR that encompasses immersive virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) environments, have become especially prevalent. The European Union (EU) is exploring regulating this type of technology, and this article seeks to support this endeavor. It outlines safety and privacy harms associated with IXR, analyzes to what extent the existing EU framework for digital governance—including the General Data Protection Regulation, Product Safety Legislation, ePrivacy Directive, Digital Markets Act, Digital Services Act, and AI Act—addresses these harms, and offers some recommendations to EU legislators on how to fill regulatory gaps and improve current approaches to the governance of IXR.

Transforming science education with virtual reality: an immersive representations model

ABSTRACT Immersive virtual reality (IVR) offers significant transformative potential for science education by supporting learning experiences that deeply engage students and improve their understanding of scientific concepts. Despite considerable interest, research on the use of IVR in science education is still in its formative stage. Currently, there is a substantial gap in a tool that can help stakeholders evaluate key elements of immersive software for science education contexts. This research addresses this gap by conceptualising and applying a framework designed to assist educators, researchers, and designers in assessing essential components of an immersive science application. The framework highlights three key components: IVR technological affordances, the exploration of science within IVR, and scientific representations. These components are synthesised into the Immersive Representations Model (IRM). Employing screen capture methodology, we evaluated the application and significance of the IRM. This study pioneers a structured approach to evaluating immersive technologies in science education.

Improving Quality of Life in Bipolar Disorders with an Immersive Virtual Reality Remediation Training Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT).

Background: Health-related quality of life (H-QoL) is a critical measure in bipolar disorder (BD). Recent trials using virtual reality (VR) have shown potential in improving H-QoL. However, VR's effect on the H-QoL of people with BD needs to be further explored. Methods: This study involved a secondary analysis of a feasibility randomized controlled trial, focusing on "quality of life". Participants (aged 18-75) diagnosed with bipolar disorder were randomized into two groups. The experimental group used the CEREBRUM VR app, while the control group received the usual care. Quality of life was assessed using the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Results: A total of 39 individuals in the experimental group and 25 in the control group represent the final samples. The results showed a greater improvement in the SF-12 total score in the experimental group (8.7%) compared to the control group (F = 66.851 p < 0.0001), specifically in the dimension of physical activity limitation, emotional impact, concentration, pain, calmness, energy levels, discouragement, and social activities. Conclusions: This study demonstrated an improvement in QoL for individuals with BD following a VR intervention. As a feasibility study, this secondary outcome needs to be confirmed by further phase III studies. If confirmed, VR could offer valuable rehabilitation tools and insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of BD.

Effectiveness of immersive virtual reality in teaching empathy to medical students: a mixed methods study

Empathy in healthcare has been associated with positive outcomes such as increased patient satisfaction and reduced medical errors. However, research has indicated a decline in empathy among medical professionals. This study examined the effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) for empathy training in medical education. A convergent mixed methods pretest posttest design was utilized. Participants were 1st-year medical students who engaged in an empathy training IVR educational intervention around a scenario depicting older adults struggling with social isolation. Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) questionnaire was administered before and after the intervention to measure the change in empathy levels. Data were analyzed using a paired sample t-test on the pre-/post-test JSE empathy scores to assess the change in empathy scores. Nineteen qualitative semi structured interviews were conducted immediately after the IVR experience and follow-up interviews were conducted six months later. Qualitative data collected from the interviews’ transcripts were analyzed using a thematic and content analysis approach to capture individual experiences. Students (n = 19) scored 5.94 points higher on the posttest JSE questionnaire compared to pretest (p < 0.01) indicating an improvement in empathy levels. Qualitative analysis showed that the IVR training was well received by the students as a valuable empathy-teaching tool. Immersion, presence, and embodiment were identified as the main features of IVR technology that enhanced empathy and understanding of patients’ experiences. The debriefing sessions were identified as a key element of the training. IVR-based training could be an effective teaching tool for empathy training in medical education and one that is well received by learners. Results from the study offer preliminary evidence that using IVR to evoke empathy is achievable.

Integrating the Last Planner System and Immersive Virtual Reality: Exploring the Social Mechanisms Produced by Using LPS in Projects

Integrating the Last Planner System and Immersive Virtual Reality: Exploring the Social Mechanisms Produced by Using LPS in Projects

Enhancing Archaeological Research Through Immersive Virtual Reality.

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly employed in archaeology to showcase reconstructions of ancient sites to the general public, yet its utilization for professional purposes by archaeologists remains less common. To address this gap, we introduce a VR application specifically designed to streamline the storage and access of critical data for archaeological studies. This application provides experts with an immersive visualization of excavation sites and related information during the postexcavation analysis phase. The application interface facilitates direct interaction with 3-D models generated through photogrammetry and modeling techniques, enabling detailed examination of collected data and enhancing research activities. We applied this system to the case study of excavations at the Temple of Juno in Agrigento, Italy. In addition, we present the findings of a pilot user study involving archaeologists, which evaluates the effectiveness of immersive technologies for professionals in documenting, preserving, and exploring archaeological sites, while also driving potential future developments.

Exploring Relations Between Unique Patient Characteristics and Virtual Reality Immersion Level on Anxiety and Pain in Patients Undergoing Venipuncture: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Control Trial.

Virtual reality (VR) is a well-researched digital intervention that has been used for managing acute pain and anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing various medical procedures. This study focuses on investigating the role of unique patient characteristics and VR immersion level on the effectiveness of VR for managing pediatric pain and anxiety during venipuncture. The purpose of this study is to determine how specific patient characteristics and level of immersion during a VR intervention impact anxiety and pain levels for pediatric patients undergoing venipuncture procedures. This study is a secondary data analysis of 2 combined, previously published randomized control trials on 252 pediatric patients aged 10-21 years observed at Children's Hospital Los Angeles from April 12, 2017, to July 24, 2019. One randomized clinical trial was conducted in 3 clinical environments examining peripheral intravenous catheter placement (radiology and an infusion center) and blood draw (phlebotomy). Conditional process analysis was used to conduct moderation and mediation analyses to assess the impact of immersion level during the VR intervention. Significant moderation was found between the level of immersion and anxiety sensitivity when predicting postprocedural anxiety (P=.01). Patients exhibiting the highest anxiety sensitivity within the standard of care yielded a 1.9 (95% CI 0.9-2.8; P<.001)-point elevation in postprocedural anxiety relative to individuals with high immersion levels. No other significant factors were found to mediate or moderate the effect of immersion on either postprocedural anxiety or pain. VR is most effective for patients with higher anxiety sensitivity who report feeling highly immersed. Age, location of the procedure, and gender of the patient were not found to significantly impact VR's success in managing levels of postprocedural pain or anxiety, suggesting that immersive VR may be a beneficial intervention for a broad pediatric population. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04268901; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04268901.

УСТОЙЧИВОСТЬ БАЗОВОГО ИСКАЖЕНИЯ МЕНТАЛЬНОЙ РЕПРЕЗЕНТАЦИИ ТЕЛА ЧЕЛОВЕКА ПОСЛЕ СЕРИЙ ПОГРУЖЕНИЙ В ВИРТУАЛЬНУЮ РЕАЛЬНОСТЬ

The article examines the stability of the basic distortion of bodysize mental representation after a series of immersions in virtual reality (VR), as well as their individual psychological conditionality. It was previously found that during immersion in VR, statistically significant distortions (additional exaggerations) of the body sizes arise in mental representation. Moreover, during a series of repeated immersions in VR, patterns of change in the basic (habitual for the respondent) distortion of the mental representation of body size were established. The issue of long-term sustainability of the identified distortions is considered in this study. Empirical data are presented on the basic distortion of the mental representation of the body in two homologous experimental samples of respondents (Group 1, n = 31, 27F, 4M, 20.1 ± 0.72 years, BMI 22.42 ± 3.75; Group 2, n = 33, 26F, 7M, 19.62 ± 1.21 years, BMI 20.76 ± 3.55). Involving two stratified samples over a two-year period, the study made it possible to compare the distortions in the mental representation of the body size after VR immersions, and also to verify their reproducibility among different respondents. First measurements were made before a series of VR immersions, and the final ones several months after their completion. It has been established that in the long term, the basic distortion of body size mental representation is stable and does not differ from the original one. This phenomenon is typical of both samples of respondents. Individual psychological correlates of basic distortion have been established. In particular, the level of expression of the factor of emotional lability of respondents is associated with its intensity.

Immersive Virtual Reality Decreases Work Rate and Manipulates Attentional Focus During Self-Regulated Vigorous Exercise

ABSTRACT To determine the effect of immersive virtual reality use on finishing time of a vigorous-intensity self-regulated exercise task, and on relevant psychological variables. Healthy untrained adults (N = 21; 10 men/11 women; age = 22.9 ± 7.2 years; BMI = 24.0 ± 4.5 kg/m2) completed 1500-m exercise bouts on a rowing ergometer in a counterbalanced and randomized order, with and without use of a headset-delivered virtual reality fitness program. Heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, affective valence, and attentional focus were collected every 300 m, in addition to finishing time. Data were analyzed with repeated measures as appropriate. Intensity of both exercise bouts was considered vigorous according to heart rate results (>77% maximal heart rate). Finishing time was faster in the control condition (449.57 ± 82.39 s) than in the virtual reality condition (463.00 ± 91.78 s), p = .007. Compared to the control condition, the virtual reality condition was characterized by a more external attentional focus (52.38 ± 18.22 vs. 38.76 ± 17.81, p < .001). No differences were observed for remaining variables as a result of condition (p > .05 for all). When a headset-delivered VR program was used during a self-regulated vigorous-intensity exercise task, participants were 13.6 seconds (~3%) slower than in a control condition. Attentional focus was manipulated to be more external with VR use, which may have ultimately distracted from the exercise objective. Recommendations for selecting an appropriate virtual reality experience for a given exercise task are discussed.

Exploring the Integration of Visual Assembly Process Among the 3C Manufacturing Firms in China

The study delved into the visual assembly process planning and information systems within the context of the ever-evolving manufacturing landscape. The manufacturing sector had witnessed a shift from traditional assembly methods, often plagued by inefficient manual processes, to a more technologically advanced approach involving 3D visualization and information systems. The aim of this study was to improve assembly processes' efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility. Incorporating insights from existing literature, the study outlined the significance of visual assembly process planning using immersive virtual reality and virtual reality technology in enhancing assembly efficiency and product quality. Additionally, the study emphasized the impact of digital assembly based on virtual assembly process planning on productivity and quality. These technologies optimized the assembly process, reduced errors, and improved product quality, with practical applications for the manufacturing industry. Nonetheless, challenges, including system integration issues, had hindered the seamless integration of assembly systems and technologies, affecting efficiency and quality. To overcome these challenges, a comprehensive plan was presented. This plan spanned various aspects of manufacturing, such as organizational structure, product diversification, workforce optimization, technology integration, quality enhancement, and cost reduction, culminating in profitability enhancement. The research provided valuable insights for academia and practice, offering a promising path to optimizing production processes, improving assembly efficiency and quality, and reducing carbon emissions. In the face of global climate change, the integration of visual assembly processes in 3C manufacturing enterprises held the potential to enhance competitiveness and contribute to sustainable development.

Development and Effects of Adult Nursing Education Programs Using Virtual Reality Simulations.

A virtual-reality-simulation-based nursing education program incorporating an information processing model helps nursing students develop their learned knowledge as nursing behavior and develop their ability to cope with complex clinical challenges. The purpose of this study is to develop a nursing education program using an immersive virtual reality simulation app for clinical situations based on an information processing model and identify the effects. A non-quantitative control group pretest-post-test design was employed. The programs were developed using the ADDIE model and an information processing model. In order to verify the effectiveness of the program, six adult nursing learning issues were taught to the experimental group over 6 weeks. The nursing education program in this study provides comprehensive experiential learning through advanced virtual simulation, significantly enhancing nursing students' performance confidence, critical-thinking abilities, and problem-solving skills across a wide range of clinical scenarios. By repeatedly engaging with diverse learning topics related to adult nursing, this program not only equips students with essential practical skills but also contributes to the overall improvement of patient safety and the quality of medical care.

The Effects of Training with Immersive Virtual Reality Devices on Balance, Walking and Confidence in Chronic Stroke Patients

The Effects of Training with Immersive Virtual Reality Devices on Balance, Walking and Confidence in Chronic Stroke Patients

The Effects of Training with Immersive Virtual Reality Devices on Balance, Walking and Confidence in Chronic Stroke Patients

The Effects of Training with Immersive Virtual Reality Devices on Balance, Walking and Confidence in Chronic Stroke Patients

Validation of the ViGaTu Immersive Virtual Reality Endoscopy Training System for Physicians and Nurses.

Endoscopy simulators are primarily designed to provide training in interventions performed during procedures. Peri-interventional tasks such as checking patient data, filling out forms for team time-out, patient monitoring, and performing sedation are often not covered. This study assesses the face, content, and construct validity of the ViGaTu (Virtual Gastro Tutor) immersive virtual reality (VR) simulator in teaching these skills. 71 nurses and physicians were invited to take part in VR training. The participants experienced an immersive VR simulation of an endoscopy procedure, including setting up the endoscopic devices, checking sign-in and team time-out forms, placing monitoring devices, and performing sedation. The actions performed by the participants and their timing were continuously recorded. Face and content validity, as well as the System Usability Scale (SUS), were then assessed. 43 physicians and 28 nurses from 43 centers took a mean of 27.8 min (standard deviation ± 14.42 min) to complete the simulation. Seventy-five percent of the items for assessing face validity were rated as realistic, and 60% of items assessing content validity and usefulness of the simulation for different learning goals were rated as useful by the participants (four out of five on a Likert scale). The SUS score was 70, demonstrating a high degree of usability. With regard to construct validity, experienced endoscopy staff were significantly faster in setting up the endoscope tower and instruments than beginners. This multicenter study presents a new type of interdisciplinary endoscopy training system featuring peri-interventional tasks and sedation in an immersive VR environment.

Learning cleanroom microfabrication operations in virtual reality – An immersive and guided learning experience

This paper details the design and development of an immersive and self-guided Virtual Reality training system (iSGVRTS) for learning cleanroom microfabrication operations, with a specific emphasis on the photolithography process, within a college-level semiconductor laboratory curriculum. It presents the thorough construction of the iSGVRTS environment as well as the incorporation of integrated instructional methodologies. To assess the impact of the iSGVRTS intervention, pre-and post-tests were administered to evaluate learners' performance. The implementation of iSGVRTS yielded a notable enhancement for learners in laboratory operational proficiency, evidenced by improvements in task correct rates, reduction in procedural errors, and knowledge acquisition. Moreover, post-session interviews revealed learners’ reported increased confidence, a heightened sense of presence, manageable cognitive load, and positive feedback regarding the immersive learning experience.

Increasing the immersivity of 360° videos facilitates learning and memory: implications for theory and practice

AbstractRecent years have seen an increase in the use of immersive virtual reality (IVR) technology in education and training. Studies examining the efficacy of IVR-based interventions have shown improved performance compared to traditional training programmes; however, little is known about whether such improvements can be detected at the level of individual cognitive abilities. The present study sought to examine the effect of IVR on memory using an incidental learning paradigm. Undergraduate volunteers viewed a three-minute 360° video clip under immersive and non-immersive conditions—respectively, using a Head Mounted Display (HMD) or a 2D flat screen monitor—followed by a surprise recall task. Although both devices supported active exploration of the scene in 360°, recall was significantly improved for learners in the immersive condition. These findings suggest that IVR has a facilitative effect on cognition, and that learners may naturally engage with IVR-delivered content without any special instruction or preparation.