Virtual Reality-Based Training Program Research Articles

Developing Independent Skills Using a Virtual Reality-Based Training Program for Children with Down Syndrome

Children with Down syndrome (DS) have difficulties developing independent skills (IS), which affects their ability to carry out daily tasks and social interaction. To develop these children’s skills and enhance their independence, this study aimed to develop the IS of children with moderate DS through a training program based on virtual reality (VR). The study sample consisted of 18 male students with DS at the “Obour Day Care” Center in Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Their ages ranged from 8–12 years (mean age = 9.45, standard deviation ± 1.47). The study took a quasi-experimental approach, and the research tools were the Independence Skills Scale (ISS) prepared by Badawi (2018) and a training program developed by the researcher. The results showed a statistically significant difference between the mean ranks of the first experimental group (to which the VR program was applied) on the ISS for the pre- and post-measurements in favor of the post-measurement (z = -2.207, p = 0.027). There was also a statistically significant difference between the mean ranks of the second experimental group (to which the regular program was applied) on the ISS in the pre- and post-measurements in favor of the post-measurement (z = -2.201, p = 0.028). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean ranks of the control group (which was not exposed to any intervention) on the ISS in the pre- and post-measurements (z = -0.647, p = 0.518). In addition, there were statistically significant differences between the mean ranks of the three groups on the ISS in the post-measurement (x2 = 15.284, p < 0.001) in favor of the first experimental group, followed by the second experimental group. Based on the results, it is recommended that a training program based on VR be integrated into various training and educational programs targeting children with moderate DS, in order to enhance their independence and develop their skills.
 
 Received: 2 January 2024 / Accepted: 27 February 2024 / Published: 5 March 2024

The Effects of a Virtual Reality-Based Training Program for Adolescents With Disruptive Behavior Problems on Cognitive Distortions and Treatment Motivation: Protocol for a Multiple Baseline Single-Case Experimental Design.

BackgroundSerious disruptive behavior among adolescents is a prevalent and often persistent problem. This highlights the importance of adequate and effective treatment to help adolescents with disruptive behavior problems react less hostile and aggressive. In order to create a treatment environment in which behavioral change can be enhanced, treatment motivation plays an essential role. Regarding treatment itself, a focus on challenging self-serving cognitive distortions in order to achieve behavioral change is important. Street Temptations (ST) is a new training program that was developed to address both treatment motivation and cognitive distortions in adolescents with disruptive behavior problems. One of the innovative aspects of ST is the use of virtual reality (VR) techniques to provide adolescents during treatment with visually presented daily social scenarios to activate emotional engagement and dysfunctional cognitions. By using the VR scenarios as an integral starting point of ST’s sessions and transferring the power of the VR experience into playful and dynamic exercises to practice social perspective–taking, adolescents are encouraged to reflect on both their own behavior and that of others. This focus on reflection is grounded in ST’s main treatment mechanism to influence treatment motivation and cognitive distortions, namely, mentalizing (ie, reflective functioning).ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to describe the research protocol to evaluate the effects of ST on treatment motivation and cognitive distortions. We take a closer look at the use of ST and the methodology used, namely, the repeated single-case experimental design (SCED).MethodsThe effects of ST are studied through a multiple baseline SCED, using both quantitative and qualitative data. In total, 18 adolescents from secure residential youth care facilities and secondary special education schools are randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 different baseline conditions. Throughout the baseline phase (1, 2, or 3 weeks), intervention phase (4 weeks), and follow-up phase (1, 2, or 3 weeks), daily measurements on treatment motivation and cognitive distortions are conducted. Secondary study parameters are assessed before baseline, after intervention, and after follow-up. Qualitative data are collected after intervention, as well as at 3 months and 6 months after the intervention.ResultsData collection for this study started in November 2021 and is planned to be completed by August 2023. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.ConclusionsST aims to improve the disruptive behavior problems of adolescents. This study will be the first to gain insights into the effectiveness of ST. The strengths of this study include its thorough and individually focused design (SCED), the focus on a residential as well as a secondary special education setting, and the ecological validity. The implications for practice are discussed.Trial RegistrationCentral Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects NL75545.029.20. Netherlands Trial Register NL9639; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/9639International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/33555

Effect of Virtual Reality-based Training Program on Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Effect of Virtual Reality-based Training Program on Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Effect of Virtual Reality-based Training Program on Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Effect of Virtual Reality-based Training Program on Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Development and Validation of a Virtual Reality-Based Training Program for Promoting Subjective Well-Being.

ObjectiveEnhancing subjective well-being is an effective way to improve mental health. This study aimed to validate a virtual reality-based interactive feedback program as an intervention tool for promoting subjective well-being. MethodsThirty-six males participated in this program, consisting of three tasks constructed based on the theories of positive psychology: ‘Experience-based problem recognition task’, ‘Future self-based success story expression task’, and ‘Strength expression task’. Participants rated visual analog scores associated with each of the tasks’ contents. The concurrent validity of task scores was evaluated by correlations with the psychological scale scores. ResultsThe total task score was positively correlated with scores of Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) emotional well-being and psychological well-being, Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale, Dispositional Hope Scale agency dimension and pathways dimension, and Life Orientation Test Revised, but not with MHC-SF social well-being scores. After controlling for the effects of the other task scores, the task scores had linear relationships with certain psychological assessments. ConclusionSince the task scores are closely related to indicators of well-being, self-esteem, hope, and optimism, the program contents are well associated with certain aspects of subjective well-being and thus may be available for training that improves subjective well-being through interactive feedback.

Safety and Fidelity in Electroconvulsive Therapy (SAFE ECT): A Novel Virtual Reality-Based Training Program in Electroconvulsive Therapy (Phase 1).

Safety and Fidelity in Electroconvulsive Therapy (SAFE ECT): A Novel Virtual Reality-Based Training Program in Electroconvulsive Therapy (Phase 1).

뇌졸중 환자에서 상지 회복을 위해 컴퓨터-인간 연동을 이용한 가상현실 기반 훈련 프로그램

본 연구는 뇌졸중 환자의 상지 재활에 사용되는 컴퓨터-인간 연동을 이용한 가상현실 기반 훈련 프로그램 중재의 효과를 알아보고자 하였다. 2015년 2월까지 Medline 데이터베이스에서 뇌졸중 환자의 상지 재활을 위한 가상 현실 중재를 다루는 무작위 대조군 임상 연구들을 검색하였다. PEDro 스케일이 연구의 질을 사정하기 위해 사용되었다. 선정된 8개의 연구가 분석되어졌다. PEDro 스케일은 5 부터 8/10까지 다양했다. 모든 연구들은 가상현실 기반 훈련 그룹에서 상지 기능 회복에 유의한 결과를 보였다. 본 연구는 뇌졸중 환자의 상지 회복을 위해 사용되는 가상 현실 기반 훈련 프로그램의 적용이 다양하고 예측할 수 없는 실행으로 구성된 과제 지향적이고 점진적인 학습을 제공함을 통해 특히 배움에 효과가 있음을 보여주었다. 본 연구에서는 가상현실 훈련 프로그램을 뇌졸중 환자의 상지 기능 재활에 탁월한 학습 효과를 기대할 수 있으며 과제-지향과 등급화된 학습을 제공하는데 효과적이다. 【To identify virtual reality (VR) interventions used for upper extremity rehabilitation in stroke patients. The Medline database was searched up to February 11, 2015. Randomized controlled and clinical trials that included a VR intervention for upper extremity rehabilitation in stroke patients were included. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies. In total, 8 studies were included. PEDro scores varied from 5 to 8/10. All studies showed significant improvement in outcomes in favor of the VR group. This review suggests that VR applications used for upper extremity rehabilitation in stroke patients predominantly mediate learning through providing task-oriented and graduated learning with variable and unpredictable practice.】