Virtual Reality Program Research Articles

가출 청소년의 사회적응성 향상을 위한 쉼터의 개선과 가상현실(VR) 프로그램 활용 방안

This study has exploration of Virtual Reality Program element for adjustment resilience of review the readiness of independent living of runaway youths at the youth shelters under the assumption that there haven’t been enough studies about the readiness for successful independent living of the runaway youth at those shelters. The purpose of this research is to present fact that the runaway youth have experienced youth misconduct for satisfying their needs and is to emphasis the necessity of youth shelter to protect the runaway youth for prevention of their misconduct and is to present the roles of youth shelter for the runaway youth misdeeds prevention and the right guidance through the facility extension of youth shelter the public relations and service improvement. Especially, this study has focused on the extent of the readiness of the runaway youth, the relevance with sub-variables and influencing factors for independent living at those mid & long-term shelters. community activities and supports from community showed all meaningful relevance to all self-management. this study have been research literature research and Focus group interview of 5 to Youths Shelter manager. Youths Shelters are operated according to three models building a systematic network among shelters and the development of professional expertise are vital to the success of shelters. Shelters of each model type should be characteristically developed. This thesis shows that Viral Reality technique which make a per son be able to look, feel, hear and inter action in the computer generated situation can over come some of the difficulties inherent in the traditional treatment of phobias. Youths Shelter needed appreciated of the various establishment a peculiarity and they connectivity and exploration of Virtual Reality therapy, program, network for the improvement and synergy effect.

Efficacy of a Virtual Reality Program in Pediatric Surgery to Reduce Anxiety and Distress Symptoms in the Preoperative Phase: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Virtual reality (VR) experience is the most adopted form of video-gaming to reduce preoperative anxiety. This prospective randomized clinical trial aimed to examine the feasibility and efficacy of preoperative VR experience in children undergoing elective surgery. Materials and Methods: All patients older than 13 years and scheduled for elective surgery between March and June 2021 were enrolled. Preoperative VR experience consisted in watching a 5-minute video using a head-mounted display. Four parameters were evaluated and compared between the two groups: (1) patient heart rate (HR) before anesthesia; (2) patient evaluation of preoperative anxiety using facial affective scale (FAS); (3) anesthesiologist evaluation of preoperative anxiety using FAS; and (4) subjective stress scoring using a 5-item Likert-type scale. Results: A total of 40 patients (23 boys) with a median age of 14.5 years (range 12-17) participated in the study. The patients were randomized in two groups, each of 20 patients, according to preoperative VR experience: VR group (G1) and control group (G2). No adverse events related to VR occurred. The patient median HR was significantly lower in G1 (72 bpm) than in G2 (101 bpm) (P = .001). The very relaxed/relaxed face selection rate using FAS was significantly higher in G1 than in G2, in both patient and anesthesiologist evaluations (P = .001). Finally, the subjective patient scoring of operating room experience was significantly greater in G1 [4.6 ± 0.4] than in G2 [2.15 ± 1.07] (P = .001). Conclusions: Our preliminary results showed that VR is safe and effective to relieve anxiety and improve relaxation in the preoperative period in pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery. The VR experience resulted in decreased overall anxiety and increased overall positive affect during the preoperative period in VR group compared with the control group. Further studies are needed to investigate this technology in the postoperative phase and on a larger patient cohort.

Designing a virtual reality programming environment for quantum computers

AbstractQuantum computation based on quantum physics is spreading rapidly with many interdisciplinary studies from machine learning to genetics. After the unveiling of real quantum computers, this process has been rising almost exponentially. We are about to experience an effect with quantum computers similar to the effect created by the process from the first electromechanical computers to very large‐scale integrated circuit computers. In the programming of quantum computers, we are in a similar place to programming classical computers at an early stage. There are various models in quantum computing, and the most widely used model is quantum gates. Therefore, an easy and practical understanding of the behavior of the gates used in the programming of quantum computers is of great importance. To realize this process, a virtual reality (VR)‐based teaching platform of quantum computer programming called QU‐VR Education Tool was designed by using Unity 3D VR. In the creation of this design, IBM's so‐called Quantum Composer platform and Microsoft Quantum Katas were taken as a reference. In this study, the design process and usage of a novel VR‐based platform are presented in detail.

Three-Month Follow-Up Results of a Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of 8-Week Self-Administered At-Home Behavioral Skills-Based Virtual Reality (VR) for Chronic Low Back Pain

Prior work established post-treatment efficacy for an 8-week home-based therapeutic virtual reality (VR) program in a double-blind, parallel arm, randomized placebo-controlled study. Participants were randomized 1:1 to 1 of 2 56-day VR programs: 1) a therapeutic immersive pain relief skills VR program; or 2) a Sham VR program within an identical commercial VR headset. Immediate post-treatment results demonstrated clinically meaningful and superior reduction for therapeutic VR compared to Sham VR for average pain intensity, indices of pain-related interference (activity, mood, stress but not sleep), physical function, and sleep disturbance. The objective of the current report was to quantify treatment effects to post-treatment month 3 and describe durability of effects. Intention-to-treat analyses revealed sustained benefits for both groups and superiority for therapeutic VR for pain intensity and multiple indices of pain-related interference (activity, stress, and newly for sleep; effect sizes ranged from drm = .56–.88) and physical function from pre-treatment to post-treatment month 3. The between-group difference for sleep disturbance was non-significant and pain-interference with mood did not survive multiplicity correction at 3 months. For most primary and secondary outcomes, treatment effects for therapeutic VR showed durability, and maintained superiority to Sham VR in the 3-month post-treatment period. PerspectiveWe present 3-month follow-up results for 8-week self-administered therapeutic virtual reality (VR) compared to Sham VR in adults with chronic low back pain. Across multiple pain indices, therapeutic VR had clinically meaningful benefits, and superiority over Sham VR. Home-based, behavioral skills VR yielded enduring analgesic benefits; longer follow-up is needed.

Take-Pause: Efficacy of mindfulness-based virtual reality as an intervention in the pediatric emergency department.

Emergency department (ED) visits are known to be anxiety-ridden and stress-provoking experiences especially in the pediatric population. Distraction techniques have been used as a means to reduce anxiety and stress thereby facilitating care in the ED and making the visit less unpleasant. Our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an active and immersive distraction technique, using a mindfulness-based virtual reality (VR) program (Take-Pause), to alleviate anxiety in pediatric ED patients. A prospective, randomized, single-blinded study, evaluating ED patients aged 13-17years with a chief complaint of acute pain was conducted. Patients were randomized either to the active distraction intervention (VR group), utilizing the VR headset for 5min, or to the passive distraction intervention (iPad group), playing on an iPad for 5min. The primary outcome was a difference in the change in anxiety scores on the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory between the two groups. Secondary outcomes included a difference in pain scores, respiratory rate, and heart rate between the groups. A total of 110subjects were enrolled. At 15min, the mean anxiety score for the VR group improved by 10 points versus 6 points in the iPad group (p<0.001; 95% confidence interval= 0.44 to 7.6). There was no statistical significance in the reduction of pain scores (p=0.953) and respiratory rates (p=0.776) between the groups. Patients enrolled in both groups did not experience any adverse effects. Take-Pause, offering an active and immersive distraction technique, is more effective than a passive distraction approach to lower anxiety levels in adolescent ED patients.

Development and Effects of a Nursing Education Program Using Virtual Reality for Enhancing Clinical Decision-Making Ability in Respiratory Disease Nursing Care

Purpose: This study was conducted to develop and examine the effects of a nursing education program using virtual reality to enhance clinical decision-making ability in respiratory disease nursing care by assessing students’ confidence in performance, clinical decision-making ability, practice flow, class evaluations, and simulation design evaluations.Methods: This study was developed based on the Jeffries simulation model and 5E learning cycle model, blending a virtual reality simulation and high-fidelity simulation. The participants were 41 third-year nursing students with no virtual reality and simulation education experience. The experimental group (n=21) received the virtual reality program, while the control group (n=20) received traditional simulation education. Data were collected from March 8 to May 28, 2021 and analyzed using SPSS version 27 for Windows.Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the experimental group and the control group post-intervention in confidence in performance (F=4.88, p=.33) and clinical decision-making ability (F=18.68, p＜.001). The experimental group showed significant increases in practice flow (t=2.34, p=.024) and class evaluations (t=2.99, p=.005) compared to the control group.Conclusion: Nursing education programs using virtual reality to enhance clinical decision-making ability in respiratory disease nursing care can be an effective educational strategy in the clinical context.

Virtual Reality Program in Cybercrime Investigation: A Pilot Study Examining Search and Seizure of Digital Evidence Practice.

Cybercrimes are developing at a rapid pace, forcing investigative methods to follow suit through the implementation of integrated virtual reality (VR) techniques. The current study discusses preliminary findings from the utilization of VR training in cyber investigations, particularly in search and seizure procedures. Using a three-stage training, students were assessed on the use of a VR program through pre- and post-testing and in-depth interviews. These findings indicated that VR training helped students understand and reinforce concepts, procedures, and techniques of cyber investigation. These findings signified how pivotal it is to integrate VR training in academia and forensic departments. Cybercrime investigation training is expected to both quickly and efficiently incorporate technological and industrial advancements accompanying the Fourth Industrial Revolution so that newly discovered and sophisticated cybercrimes can be prevented as soon as possible. Ultimately, the training will aid investigators in creating efficient and effective countermeasures while alleviating burdens on the investigation.

3D Organon VR Anatomy: A Virtual Anatomy Medical Education Tool

3D Organon VR Anatomy is a virtual reality program that allows individuals to interact with anatomy in a 3D environment. This column provides a brief overview of the product and its potential uses within a medical library.

Assessment of Contemporary Virtual Reality Programs and 3D Atlases in Neuroanatomical and Neurosurgical Education

Statement of Significance The utilization of innovative technologies in medical education has received increasing attention in both undergraduate and graduate medical curricula. Understanding spatial, physiological, and pathological aspects of neuroanatomy are important for medical students and residents, alike. As virtual reality applications and platforms become more accessible to educators, learners, and the general public, such technology now represents a feasible modality of neuroanatomical education. This qualitative observational study compares and evaluates five programs based on the accessibility, breadth of content, and utility for various learner populations. Objective: Virtual reality (VR) is a growing technology of interest in medical education, particularly as the millennial generation has become the primary learners. We sought to compare the five available and affordable neuroanatomical programs with objective comparisons of the neuroanatomy, format, and target audience. Methods: The following programs were included: Sharecare VR, Organon VR, The Neurosurgical Atlas 3D Operative Neuroanatomy, BioDigital 3D Human Anatomy, 3D Brain. These programs were selected based on their price ($0-30) and platform (HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, iOS, Google Chrome). The following neuroanatomical categories were assessed: CNS, Cranial Nerves, PNS Skull, and Spine. Neuroanatomical level of detail was scored from 0 (absence of structure) to 3 (operative anatomy). Points were provided if programs included explanations of neuroanatomical relevance, models of pathology &amp; physiology, references, and quiz features. These scores were tallied and compared. Results: The Neurosurgical Atlas and BioDigital scored highest (22 points each), followed by Organon VR (11), 3D Brain (9), and Sharecare VR (6). The Neurosurgical Atlas had the most detail with a score of 3 in each neuroanatomical category. BioDigital included more, but simpler, models. 3D Brain included simple CNS models, but useful explanations and references. Disappointingly, the VR-exclusive programs had entertainment-only models (Score = 1). Conclusions: The Neurosurgical Atlas is the most relevant and detailed model of neuroanatomy and is most appropriate for resident- or attending-level anatomic review. The remaining programs lacked detailed neuroanatomy limiting their potential for a neurosurgical audience.

Bim and vr: development of a software module for the integration of building information modelling and virtual reality

Introduction. Based on the trends, the growing interest in VR technology in construction can be traced. This relatively new technology is rapidly replacing traditional visualization methods, providing users with an enhanced digital experience. The aim of the work is to analyze the application of virtual reality technology in construction, based on the analysis, determine how to improve integration and find new ideas for the application of technologies.Methods and materials. As a result of the analysis of previous studies, it was revealed that there are no methods for transferring data from the VR system to the BIM software. In connection with the identified problem, the goal of this scientific work is to improve the integration of VR and BIM technologies by automatically transferring data from a virtual reality program to the original information model.Results. In the course of the work, a project was created based on a BIM model made in the Autodesk Revit software package and imported into the Unreal Engine 4 game engine to create an interactive virtual environment. A new approach to the creation and presentation of a project sketch using virtual reality technology is considered - a method of intuitive design in a virtual environment.Discussion and conclusion. The software module is at the stage of early development; nevertheless, it has prospects for development into a full-fledged application available to any user. The paper provides the main directions for the continuation of the application development.

Quantification of the Interventional Approaches Into the Pterygopalatine Fossa by Solid Angles Using Virtual Reality

Virtual reality is increasingly used in medicine for diagnostics, for visualisation of complex structures and for preoperative planning. In interventional radiology, minimally invasive approach could be described with a target point representing the desired needle tip position and an array of all possible trajectories leading to it resembling irregular “cone” or “pyramid”. We present a pilot study of planning a minimally invasive posterior infrazygomatic and suprazygomatic approaches into the pterygopalatine fossa using a solid angle as a measure of size of the approach in five virtually reconstructed heads. The minimally invasive approaches were planned by manually drawing the edges of “pyramids” that described each approach in 3D using virtual reality program Tracer. For each head, a transverse diameter was measured and for each approach a solid angle size, average edge length and estimated area on the skin from where the target point could be reached were calculated. We found that, the solid angle of posterior infrazygomatic approach was significantly larger than suprazygomatic approach (p&lt;0.001). Furthermore, the transverse head diameter and solid angle in posterior infrazygomatic approach were negatively correlated (ρ=-0.55, p=0.0002), while transverse head diameter and the estimated area on the skin from where the target point could be reached in the suprazygomatic approach were positively correlated (ρ=0.37, p=0.0206). In conclusion, our findings provide important preliminary evidence on the feasibility of evaluating and comparing different minimally invasive approaches using virtual reality systems, and affirm the validity of solid angle as a measure of the size of the approach.

Resource Use During Pediatric Venipuncture With Virtual Reality: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.

Virtual reality (VR) therapy is growing in use and popularity during pediatric medical procedures. Currently, data that describe the hospital resources used during pediatric procedures with off-the-shelf VR games that are not tailored to medical procedures are lacking. In this study, we aimed to characterize procedural resources associated with VR use during venipuncture in a pediatric emergency department. This was a secondary analysis of a 2-arm randomized, controlled pilot trial with an external group. Resource use was evaluated in 3 groups: child life (CL)-supported VR engagement, CL support without VR, and a reference group that received no intervention (ie, no CL and no VR). The study sample (N = 55) included the following: 15 patients randomly assigned to VR, 20 patients randomly assigned to CL, and 20 patients in the reference group. There was a significant difference in procedure duration, with the VR group exhibiting the longest duration compared with the CL and reference groups (P = .01). Longer procedure times associated with VR use during venipunctures (4-6 minutes on average) may be attributed to pauses to troubleshoot VR games not tailored for medical procedures. Although they are inexpensive and accessible, nontailored VR games may warrant the need for dedicated staff to provide restraint and/or assistance to navigate the VR application. In this study, we offer a protocol on the application of nontailored VR games for pediatric procedures. For those considering a VR program in an inpatient setting, the benefits of pain/anxiety reduction must be weighed against the resources needed, including device costs, staff availability, and increased procedure duration.

Feasibility of a virtual reality-based approach to improve behavioral weight management outcomes

BackgroundBehavioral weight loss interventions promote clinically significant weight loss over 12 months, but weight regain remains problematic and a substantial proportion of participants do not achieve long-term weight loss maintenance. Novel methods are needed that instill habit strength for sustaining weight control behaviors long term. Virtual reality (VR) has the potential to provide opportunities within behavioral treatment for patients to practice desired weight control behaviors in the frequency and magnitude necessary to build durable habits. A pilot randomized trial was done to test the feasibility integrating virtual reality (VR) into standard behavioral weight loss treatment.MethodsParticipants were 15 adults (43 years; 46.7% Hispanic), with overweight or obesity who were randomly assigned to a 4-week Standard Behavioral Weight Loss plus Non-Weight-Related VR app (i.e., Control Group) or Standard Behavioral Weight Loss plus Weight-Related VR app (i.e., Intervention Group). The Intervention’s VR tool was designed to enable practice of behavioral skills taught in weekly group meetings, including managing social and home environmental cues for eating and activity.ResultsParticipants were recruited over 3 months, and retention at the final assessment visit was high (86.6%). The VR footage and resulting app were rated as highly realistic (6.7 on a 10-point scale), and the VR program overall was rated as highly satisfactory (3.6 on a 4-point scale). Adverse effects of eye strain and motion sickness were minimal (~ 2 on a 7-point scale). As expected, the intervention and control groups both lost weight and unadjusted means (SD) averaged 3.4% (2.7) and 2.3% (3.6), respectively, over the 4 weeks. Overall, participants reported preferring a VR approach above traditional weight loss programs (rating of 5 on a 7-point scale).ConclusionsFuture research is needed to develop and test the feasibility of using VR for other weight control skills with a larger sample size and longer evaluation period to determine if VR can improve standard behavioral weight loss outcomes by intensifying practice opportunities and building habit strength for weight loss maintenance.Trial registrationNCT04534088; date of registration: 09/01/2020, retrospectively registered.

"Disruptive Technology" in Spine Surgery and Education: Virtual and Augmented Reality.

Technological advancements are the drivers of modern-day spine care. With the growing pressure to deliver faster and better care, surgical-assist technology is needed to harness computing power and enable the surgeon to improve outcomes. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) represent the pinnacle of emerging technology, not only to deliver higher quality education through simulated care, but also to provide valuable intraoperative information to assist in more efficient and more precise surgeries. To describe how the disruptive technologies of VR and AR interface in spine surgery and education. We review the relevance of VR and AR technologies in spine care, and describe the feasibility and limitations of the technologies. We discuss potential future applications, and provide a case study demonstrating the feasibility of a VR program for neurosurgical spine education. Initial experiences with VR and AR technologies demonstrate their applicability and ease of implementation. However, further prospective studies through multi-institutional and industry-academic partnerships are necessary to solidify the future of VR and AR in spine surgery education and clinical practice.

Comparison of the usability and flow experience of an exercise promotion virtual reality programme for different age groups

ABSTRACT Population aging has become a common phenomenon worldwide, and various virtual reality (VR) applications are emerging. In this study, a VR exercise software programme was designed and compared with conventional exercise equipment in terms of the differences in usability and immersion perceived by middle-aged, older, and young adults. A VR software programme for dumbbell stretching exercise was designed, and 62 participants were invited. The participants were divided into a middle-aged and older adult group and a young adult group. Each participant used the designed software and physical dumbbells to complete three tasks. The results revealed that (1) software usability and immersion differed significantly between middle-aged and older adults and young adults; (2) the mean interface learnability score of the young adults was significantly higher than that of the middle-aged and older adults; and (3) the mean scores of the overall immersion and the four indicators for the VR exercise were higher than those for the physical exercise, regardless of whether the scores were examined among all participants or for the two age groups separately. The results of this study may provide designers within insights into the development VR software for older adults.

469-P: Health Care Providers’ Experiences with a Virtual Reality Program Focused on Diabetes, Social Determinants of Health, and Appalachian Culture

The prevalence of diabetes in southeastern Appalachian Ohio is 19.9%, nearly double the national average of 10.5%. Here, people are more likely to be diagnosed late, have limited access to healthcare, and lower health literacy. Moreover, people in southeastern Ohio are more likely to be unemployed, food insecure, have lower educational achievement, and limited access to transportation. These social determinants of health (SDoH) contribute to the diabetes disparities observed in the region. One approach to address these disparities is to develop tailored continuing education for healthcare providers. We developed a 3-hour cinematic virtual reality (cine-VR) program to educate providers about diabetes, SDoH, and Appalachian culture. We conducted 20 in-depth interviews with providers (age=43.8±11.8 years; 90.0% female; 95.0% white, 20.0% nurses) to explore their experiences with the cine-VR program. Three researchers independently coded the interviews, resolved discrepancies, and agreed on themes. Qualitative analysis revealed three themes: 1) Feeling Like You Are in the Room: Providers commented on the realism of cine-VR. They had access to the whole environment via a 360-degree headset and felt fully immersed in the simulations as if they were in the room with the patient. 2) Empathizing with People’s Stories: Providers identified with the content in the cine-VR, specifically the clothing, cars, houses, and the notion of “taking care of everyone else but yourself.” They understood the patient’s frustrations, disappointments, and competing priorities. 3) Highlighting the Strengths of Appalachia: Providers noted the program’s emphasis on family, caregiving, loyalty, and generosity, and how these cultural values can be utilized in diabetes care. These qualitative findings demonstrate the value of culturally tailored digital storytelling as engaging content for providers to learn about diabetes, SDoH, and Appalachian culture. Disclosure E. A. Beverly: None. C. Love: None. M. Love: None.

Effects of user experiences on continuance intention of using immersive three-dimensional virtual reality among institutionalized older adults.

To evaluate the acceptance of three-dimensional virtual reality programs and to explore the factors influencing the acceptance of the programs among the institutionalized older adults. A cross-sectional explanatory study. A total of 71 residents completed the program successfully. They were invited to join a 9-week program included eight activities related to horticultural therapy in a virtual environment. Data were collected by structured questionnaires from August 2018 to February 2019. Ten association hypotheses were derived from the literature review. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to examine the proposed hypotheses. Program acceptance was defined as virtual reality practices and continuous usage intention. Frequency of practice was about 12 times during 9-week free-trial period, and the score of continuance usage intention was 13.06 (maximum value of 15). The findings indicated that virtual reality practices were significantly affected by presence and the presence was significantly affected by involvement and interactivity. Continuance usage intention was significantly affected by involvement; and involvement was significantly affected by interactivity. However, continuance usage intention was not significantly influenced by virtual reality practices. The findings supported that immersive three-dimensional virtual reality program was accepted by the institutionalized older adults. The acceptance, in terms of virtual reality practices and continuous usage intention, was influenced by different paths. The findings have a potential impact on the design of virtual reality technology for the care of institutionalized older adults. What problem did the study address? There were controversial findings about the acceptance of immersive 3D virtual reality program among older adults. What were the main findings? Interactivity advanced the sense of presence and, thus, resulted in a higher frequency of virtual reality practices. Interactivity enhanced perception of involvement, thus, contributing to an increased intention of continuous usage Where and on whom will the research have an impact? The immersive 3D virtual reality program was appropriate for older adults, even for first time users or individuals aged over 80years. The findings revealed new insights for developing immersive 3D virtual reality programs for the older adults.

Assessing the Feasibility of an Open-Source Virtual Reality Mirror Visual Feedback Module for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Pilot Usability Study.

BackgroundComplex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a rare and severe chronic pain condition, with effective treatment options not established for many patients. The underlying pathophysiology remains unclear, but there is a growing appreciation for the role of central mechanisms which have formed the basis for brain-based therapies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and mirror visual feedback (MVF). MVF has been deployed in the treatment of CRPS using both conventional mirrors and virtual reality (VR).ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to further investigate the use of VR in the treatment of patients with unilateral upper limb CRPS. VR has the potential advantage of more flexible and more motivating tasks, as well as the option of tracking patient improvement through the use of movement data.MethodsWe describe the development, acceptability, feasibility, and usability of an open-source VR program MVF module designed to be used with consumer VR systems for the treatment of CRPS. The development team was an interdisciplinary group of physical therapists, pain researchers, and VR researchers. Patients recruited from a pain clinic completed 3-5 visits each to trial the system and assessed their experiences in pre- and post-treatment questionnaires.ResultsAll 9 (100%) participants were able to use the system for 3, 4, or 5 trials each. None of the participants quit any trial due to cybersickness. All 9 (100%) participants reported interest in using the module in the future. Participants’ reported average pain scores in the affected limb were not significantly different from baseline during treatment or after treatment (P=.16). We did not find a statistically significant effect on participants’ self-reported average pain scores.ConclusionsWe propose that this module could be a useful starting point for modification and testing for other researchers. We share modifications to make this module usable with standalone headsets and finger tracking. Next steps include adapting this module for at-home use, or for use with participants with lower limb pain.

A meta-analysis of the virtual reality problem: Unequal effects of virtual reality sickness across individual differences

Practical applications of virtual reality (VR), defined as a three-dimensional digital representation of a real or imagined space, have become increasingly popular and are now applied in workplace training, physical rehabilitation, psychological therapy, and many other settings. Feelings akin to motion sickness, called VR sickness, can arise from interacting with VR programs, and researchers have shown that certain aspects of the user, such as gender and age, may predict the occurrence of VR sickness. The unequal effects of VR sickness are a dire concern and the application of VR is unfair to certain users if they are prone to sickness. For instance, a workplace VR training program could result in disparate treatment if women experience more VR sickness than men. To investigate this notion, we perform a meta-analysis on the relationship between VR sickness and a wide array of potential antecedents. The results demonstrate that motion sickness susceptibility, gender, real-world experience, technological experience, possessing a neurological disorder, and possessing a relevant phobia all significantly relate to VR sickness; however, no moderating effects produced recurrent significant results. These results were partially explained by the current dominant framework for VR sickness, postural instability theory, but some findings were not predicted by the theory. Therefore, we support that (a) VR sickness produces unequal effects across multiple individual differences; (b) these effects appear resilient across applications of VR programs, and (c) further research is needed to develop theory and identify explanatory mechanisms that detail these relationships.

A Large‐Scale Virtual Reality Deployment for Distance Education in Human Anatomy

The arrival of COVID‐19 and accompanying restrictions posed many challenges to education communities worldwide. In response, a large‐scale virtual reality (VR) course was constructed and deployed at Colorado State University for a remote human anatomy course. Enrolled students received a VR capable laptop and head‐mounted display and participated in synchronous online laboratory and recitation sessions. The program enabled students to work collaboratively in a common virtual space and learn human anatomy from digital cadavers and volumized medical data (CT and MRI). We hypothesized that VR is an effective method to increase student engagement and knowledge acquisition in human anatomy. Qualitative data was collected on student engagement, confidence, and reactions to the new technology. Quantitative data assessed student knowledge acquisition and retention of anatomical spatial relationships when using VR and two‐dimensional (2D) methods. Results suggested that using VR matched 2D methods in terms of student knowledge acquisition and retention of anatomical relationships. Qualitative data indicated that VR enhanced student engagement and increased opportunities for students to interact with teaching assistants, peers, and the content. Students further reported the unique aspects of the VR program allowed them to explore the content in novel ways. There was a statistically significant increase in student examination scores when compared to previous in‐person laboratories. Overall, the virtual classroom maintained the rigor of traditional gross anatomy laboratories without negatively impacting student examination scores and provided a high level of accessibility, without compromising learner engagement. This novel approach provides a highly engaging and interactive solution to distance education.