Impact Of Virtual Reality Training Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of the Impact of Virtual Reality Training and Conventional Physiotherapy on Balance and Gait in Older Adults with Parkinson's Disease

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition predominantly manifesting in motor impairments, notably in balance and gait. Recent advancements have highlighted Virtual Reality (VR) training as a potent alternative or adjunct to conventional physiotherapy (CPT) for the rehabilitation of these motor disturbances in PD patients. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of VR training and CPT in ameliorating balance and gait issues in older adults diagnosed with PD. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 56 patients with PD were assigned either to VR training or to CPT. The VR training entailed immersive and interactive exercises specifically designed for balance and gait enhancement using VR technology. Conversely, CPT consisted of traditional exercises targeting similar motor skills. Standardized assessments for balance and gait were administered both prior to and following the intervention to all participants. Results: The intervention demonstrated that VR training led to more pronounced improvements in balance and gait parameters as compared to CPT. Notably, the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) exhibited an improvement of 4.2 seconds in the VR group versus 3.6 seconds in the CPT group, a difference statistically significant (p<0.05). Similarly, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores increased by 12.4 points in the VR group and 10.8 points in the CPT group, again showing a significant advantage for VR (p<0.05). The Mini-BESTest scores improved by 2.6 points in the VR group compared to 2.1 points in the CPT group, reinforcing the superiority of VR (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study conclusively finds that VR training surpasses CPT in enhancing balance and gait in older adults with PD. Offering an immersive, engaging, and tailored therapeutic environment, VR training emerges as a potent modality for augmenting rehabilitation outcomes in this demographic.

Task type matters: The impact of virtual reality training on training performance

AbstractBackgroundVirtual reality (VR) is becoming increasingly accessible and being utilized in various organizations to meet education and training needs. Despite its potential, research regarding VR applications has focused on measuring the effectiveness of VR programs relative to non‐VR programs; consequently, the ways in which VR programs are effective remain unclear.ObjectivesRecognizing this research gap, this study examined whether task type‐dependent differences in training outcomes exist between VR training and non‐VR training groups.MethodsTo examine the effects of VR technology for training purposes in a military setting, we conducted a quasi‐experiment focusing on how the effects vary based on task characteristics. A total of 90 military personnel were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (VR) or a control group (non‐VR). After completing their respective training, the two groups participated in four tasks simulating real battle scenarios and designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the VR‐based training. We analysed primary data collected through survey instruments and performance evaluation using a one‐way between‐group analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and supplementary interview data using thematic analysis.Results and ConclusionsThe quantitative analysis showed that the VR group performed better than the control group on three tasks in which communication, interaction and immediate situational judgements were critical. No difference was found between the two groups in the other task, which involved the routine operation of physical objects. Additional interview data revealed the extent to which trainees perceived the VR training as effective in understanding in‐situ conditions, preparing and practising their own and their team's reactions to emergent situations and in manipulating virtual objects.ImplicationsOur findings provide insight into VR technology's potential to enhance human performance in various training contexts. VR is specifically effective in training that aim to improve immediate judgement and group coordination. Our findings provide useful information for those seeking to design and develop training environments that maximize the effects of VR.

Impact of virtual reality training on mastoidectomy performance: a prospective randomised study

PurposeThe opportunities for surgical training and practice in the operating room are in decline due to limited resources, increased efficiency demands, growing complexity of the cases, and concerns for patient safety. Virtual reality (VR) offers a novel opportunity to enhance surgical training and provide complementary three-dimensional experience that has been usually available in the operating room. Since VR allows viewing and manipulation of realistic 3D models, the VR environment could enhance anatomical and topographical knowledge, in particular. In this study, we explored whether incorporating VR anatomy training improves novices’ performance during mastoidectomy over traditional methods.MethodsThirty medical students were randomized into two groups and taught mastoidectomy in a structured manner. One group utilized a VR temporal bone model during the training while the other group used more traditional materials such as anatomy books. After the training, all participants completed a mastoidectomy on a 3D-printed temporal bone model under expert supervision. Performance during the mastoidectomy was evaluated with multiple metrics and feedback regarding the two training methods was gathered from the participants.ResultsThe VR training method was rated better by the participants, and they also needed less guidance during the mastoidectomy. There were no significant differences in operational time, the occurrence of injuries, self-assessment scores, and the surgical outcome between the two groups.ConclusionOur results support the utilization of VR training in complete novices as it has higher trainee satisfaction and leads to at least as good results as the more traditional methods.

The Impact of Virtual Reality Training on Learning Gymnastic Elements on a Balance Beam with Simulated Height

Abstract Virtual reality (VR) is a tool used in sports to train specific situations under standardized conditions. However, it remains unclear whether improved performances from VR training can be transferred into real world (RW). Therefore, the current study compares beginner training of balance beam tasks in VR (simulated balance beam height, n = 17) with similar training in RW (n = 15). Both groups completed 12 training sessions (each 20 min) within six weeks in their respective environment. The training aimed to learn the one leg full turn on a balance beam with a height of 120 cm. Criteria were defined to analyze the movement quality before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses showed similar improvements in movement quality in RW for both training groups after the intervention (p < .05). These results indicate that the skills adapted in VR could be transferred into RW and that the VR training was as effective as the RW training in improving the movement quality of balance beam elements. Thereby, VR provides the advantages of a reduced risk of injury due to a simulated beam height, a faster beam height adjustment, and spacial independence from specific gyms.

An experimental study of the impact of virtual reality training on manufacturing operators on industrial robotic tasks

Despite the recent increase in Virtual Reality (VR) technologies employed for training manufacturing operators on industrial robotic tasks, the impact of VR methods compared to traditional ones is still unclear. This paper presents an experimental comparison of the two training approaches, with novice operators performing the same manufacturing tasks with a VR robot and with a real robot. The hardware selected is an ABB IRB 120 industrial robot, a HTC Vive head mounted display to operate it, besides a corresponding VR model developed in Unity. Twenty-four students performed two actions — drawing and “pick and place” -– in tasks with increasing difficulty, with both the VR model and the real robot. Completion time and task pass rate are adopted to estimate the learning efficiency, while a questionnaire evaluates the users’ satisfaction. The results show that students using VR overall need less elapsed time to complete all tasks, and they record a higher pass rate. The questionnaire answers show that 83% of participants find the VR model helpful in familiarizing with the real robot, and 75% are in favor of using the virtual tool for training novice operators. Users also report that moving the real robot is more complex than the virtual one; adjusting the speed is harder and the possibility of causing damage is worrisome, whereas the VR robot feels safer to operate and easier to drive. The majority of students are satisfied with the design of the tasks, and feel content with the experience. The main finding is that learning from a VR model allows to master driving a real robot quickly and easily. VR training is more useful than conventional methods because it reduces the learning time, allows for training without hindering production, lowers the risk perception, and improves safety for operators and industrial equipment.

The impact of virtual reality training on laparoscopic surgical skills; A prospective blinded controlled trial

Background. Laparoscopic surgery has gained popularity in the last few decades replacing open standard techniques in several procedures. While its use and scope expand, a standardized method of training and assessment in laparoscopic skills is lacking. Aim. To assess the effect of virtual reality (VR) training on laparoscopic surgical skills. Materials and Methods. It is a prospective, controlled study conducted at Sagar Hospital’s skill lab and Shanthi Hospital and Research Centre (SHRC). We included 27 post graduates in general surgery. They were divided into two groups. One group underwent training in VR Simulator for one week, 30 minutes each day. The second group received no training. Their proficiency while mobilizing the Gallbladder from its liver bed was assessed using a validated scale by a single blinded observer. Results. The statistical analysis was done using a non-parametric test (Mann-Whitney U test). Residents who underwent training in VR simulator got better scores in Overall rating and also in individual parameters when compared with the control group (P = <0.05). Conclusions. Laparoscopic surgical skills can be increased by using proficiency-based VR simulator training and it can be transferred to actual operations. VR simulators are a valid tool for laparoscopic surgical skills training.

The Impact of Virtual Reality Training on the Quality of Real Antromastoidectomy Performance.

Background: The aim of this paper is to analyze the results of virtual reality (VR) antromastoidectomy simulation training and the transferability of the obtained skills to real temporal bone surgery. Methods: The study was conducted prospectively on a group of 10 physicians, and was composed of five VR simulation training sessions followed by live temporal bone surgery. The quality of performance was evaluated with a Task-Based Checklist (TBC) prepared by John Hopkins Hospital. Additionally, during every VR session, the number and type of mistakes (complications) were noted. Results: The quality of performance measured by the TBC increased significantly during consecutive VR sessions. The mean scores for the first and fifth sessions were 1.84 and 4.27, respectively (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the number of mistakes in consecutive VR sessions was gradually reduced from 11 to 0. During supervised surgery, all the participants were able to perform at least part of an antromastoidectomy, and the mean TBC score was 3.57. There was a significant strong positive correlation between the individual results of the fifth VR session and the individual results of supervised surgery in the operating room (rp = 0.89, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Virtual reality for temporal bone training makes it possible to acquire surgical skills in a safe environment before performing supervised surgery. Furthermore, the individual final score of virtual antromastoidectomy training allows a prediction of the quality of performance in real surgery.

Impact of Virtual RealityTraining on Real-World Hockey Skill: An Intervention Trial

Impact of Virtual RealityTraining on Real-World Hockey Skill: An Intervention Trial

131 Impact of Virtual Reality Training in Patients After HIP Arthroplasty on Pressure Distribution in Standing and Walking

Abstract Introduction Patients after hip arthroplasty (THR) load the feet asymmetrically during standing or walking. Many reports indicate effectiveness of the Virtual Reality (VR) training in reeducation of postural stability, gait parameters and symmetry. The aim of this study was to assess if VR training programme based on non-walking exercises improve gait parameters or change foot pressure distribution. Materials and methods 56 patients after THR were randomly assigned to an experimental group (30 people) and a control group (26 people). The control group (CG) attended a standard post-operative rehabilitation programme, while 12 sessions of VR training were added to the standard programme in the experimental group (EG). Each patient performed standing with eyes opened and gait test on Zebris FDM-T treadmill. We calculated spatio-temporal parameters, foot pressure distribution and CoP displacement. The results were considered significant for p &amp;lt;0.05. Results In the static tests, the force on the forefoot and the rearfoot of the operated limb increased in EG (p&amp;lt;0.05). The force on the non-operated-side foot decreased and the force of the foot on the operated side increased in CG (p &amp;lt;0.05). No differences were found in the CoP movement in both groups. Most of the gait parameters improved significantly in both groups (p&amp;lt;0.05). However, EG obtained superior results in comparison to CG (p &amp;lt;0.05) after rehabilitation with regard to step time in the operated limb, stride time, cadence and maximum force in the midfoot area in the operated limb. Conclusions 1. The significantly better gait performance parameters obtained in the experimental group indicate a better movement capacity in these patients. This suggests that using VR in motor re-education in patients after THR may enhance the effects of rehabilitation. 2. Further studies are necessary to assess the influence of VR training on pressure distribution both in static and dynamic tests.

Virtual reality training improves junior residents’ operating room performance: Results of a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study of the complete laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract Introduction: Previous studies evaluating the effect of virtual reality (VR) training on operating room performance have only analyzed the latter portion of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), while including many residents beyond their second year of training. The aim of this study was to better understand the impact of VR training on subjects with limited laparoscopic surgical experience during completion of an entire laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: Twelve surgical residents (PGY 1 & 2) were randomized to either standard training (n = 6) or VR training (n = 6). In the VR training group subjects were required to reach expert established performance criterion levels on the manipulation diathermy task of the Minimally Invasive Surgical Trainer (MIST-VR). All subjects then performed a video-recorded LC under the supervision of a surgeon blinded to training status. Recordings were assessed by two blinded surgeon investigators using scores based on expert-defined errors with inter-rater reliability >0.9. Results: VR trained subjects completed the full LC 20% faster than controls (39 min. vs. 31 min.), made half as many errors while exposing cystic structures (5.3 vs 10), and one-third fewer errors in dissecting the gallbladder (5.5 vs. 8.2). Overall, controls made 40% more errors (11.7 vs 19.7, p Conclusions: Criterion based VR training to expert performance levels for junior surgical residents results in fewer intra-operative errors and greater performance consistency during the entire laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure.