VR-based Training System Research Articles

Pushing Yourself to the Limit - Influence of Emotional Virtual Environment Design on Physical Training in VR

The design of virtual environments (VEs) can strongly influence users’ emotions. These VEs are also an important aspect of immersive Virtual Reality (VR) exergames – training system that can inspire athletes to train in a highly motivated way and achieve a higher training intensity. VR-based training and rehabilitation systems can increase a user’s motivation to train and to repeat physical exercises. The surrounding VE can potentially predominantly influence users’ motivation and hence potentially even physical performance. Besides providing potentially motivating environments, physical training can be enhanced by gamification. However, it is unclear whether the surrounding VE of a VR-based physical training system influences the effectiveness of gamification. We investigate whether an emotional positive or emotional negative design influences the sport performance and interacts with the positive effects of gamification. In a user study, we immerse participants in VEs following either an emotional positive, neutral, or negative design and measure the duration the participants can hold a static strength-endurance exercise. The study targeted the investigation of the effects of (1) emotional VE design as well as the (2) presence and absence of gamification. We did not observe significant differences in the performance of the participants independent of the conditions of VE design or gamification. Gamification caused a dominating effect on emotion and motivation over the emotional design of the VEs, thus indicating an overall positive impact. The emotional design influenced the participants’ intrinsic motivation but caused mixed results with respect to emotion. Overall, our results indicate the importance of using gamification and support the commonly used emotional positive VEs for physical training. They further indicate that the design space could also include other emotional directions of VE design.

Improving Walking Performance in Prosthetic Leg Users: The Role of Virtual Reality and Audio Feedback

Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising technology for enhancing the rehabilitation process and improving the life quality for lower limb prosthetic user. The integration of audio within VR environments can significantly impact the performance of lower limb prosthetic user, improve their gait patterns, enhance balance control, and avoid user from falling. This research paper investigates the effectiveness of VR and audio stimuli in improving gait in amputees wearing prosthetic legs. A VR-based training system is developed, utilizing a head-mounted display (HMD) and audio cues synchronized with footsteps or slowed down. Thirteen transfemoral prosthetic leg users participate in the study, assessing the impact on gait parameters. Participants were asked to walk in 3 conditions: without audio (WA), with audio (A), and slow tempo audio (SA). Results demonstrate significant enhancements in step length, stride length, and step time, achieving balance between the prosthetic and normal limbs. The integration of audio stimuli proves advantageous in enhancing walking performance and addressing asymmetries. The findings suggest that VR with slow-tempo audio cues holds promise for improving rehabilitation outcomes for prosthetic leg users. Future research should focus on optimizing training methods and exploring full potential of audio-integrated VR for gait rehabilitation in amputees.

Training birdsong recognition using virtual reality

BackgroundIn mega-biodiverse environments, where different species are more likely to be heard than seen, species monitoring is generally performed using bioacoustics methodologies. Furthermore, since bird vocalizations are reasonable estimators of biodiversity, their monitoring is of great importance in the formulation of conservation policies. However, birdsong recognition is an arduous task that requires dedicated training in order to achieve mastery, which is costly in terms of time and money due to the lack of accessibility of relevant information in field trips or even specialized databases. Immersive technology based on virtual reality (VR) and spatial audio may improve species monitoring by enhancing information accessibility, interaction, and user engagement. MethodsThis study used spatial audio, a Bluetooth controller, and a head-mounted display (HMD) to conduct an immersive training experience in VR. Participants moved inside a virtual world using a Bluetooth controller, while their task was to recognize targeted birdsongs. We measured the accuracy of recognition and user engagement according to the User Engagement Scale. ResultsThe experimental results revealed significantly higher engagement and accuracy for participants in the VR-based training system than in a traditional computer-based training system. All four dimensions of the user engagement scale received high ratings from the participants, suggesting that VR-based training provides a motivating and attractive environment for learning demanding tasks through appropriate design, exploiting the sensory system, and virtual reality interactivity. ConclusionsThe accuracy and engagement of the VR-based training system were significantly high when tested against traditional training. Future research will focus on developing a variety of realistic ecosystems and their associated birds to increase the information on newer bird species within the training system. Finally, the proposed VR-based training system must be tested with additional participants and for a longer duration to measure information recall and recognition mastery among users.

Ready, trainer … one*! discovering the entanglement of adaptive learning with virtual reality in industrial training: a case study

ABSTRACT In response to the industrial world becoming more complex and the recent social distancing caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, emerging technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) are gaining importance for industrial training. The novelty, however, does not lie in the sole use of VR-based technology but rather in its adaptive and flexible nature. This paper explores the synergy between VR environments and adaptive-based learning and tests the proposed approach in the railway sector. An iterative co-design approach is adopted to develop a VR-based training system for educating train conductors. The developed system is validated with ten conductors, where their learning preference, learning outcome, and learning performance were assessed. The results show an increase in individual motivation and perceived usefulness for the developed VR-based training system, demonstrating a higher learning preference, in comparison to the currently used physical simulator. Similarly, the results outline a knowledge gain in two out of six key knowledge subjects for conductor education and indicate that time improvements per exercise are needed to meet organizational performance goals. Consequently, this research presents an attractive alternative to costly and product-specific physical simulators and offers three strategic managerial implications opening new opportunities for using VR in developing learning training programmes.

Development and Usability of a Virtual Reality-Based Filler Injection Training System

PurposeAs filler procedures have increased in popularity, serious injection-related complications (e.g., blindness and stroke) have also increased in number. Proper and effective training is important for filler procedure safety; however, limitations exist in traditional training methods (i.e. anatomical illustrations and cadaver studies). We aimed to describe the development process and evaluate the usability of a virtual reality (VR)-based aesthetic filler injection training system.Materials and MethodsWe developed the virtual reality hardware for the training system and a short guide, with a lecture regarding safe filler injection techniques. One hundred clinicians who attended a conference tested the training system. Participants completed system usability scale (SUS) and satisfaction questionnaires.ResultsNearly half of the participants were aged 35–50 years, and 38% had more than 5 years of aesthetic experience. The mean SUS score was 59.8 (standard deviation, 12.23), with no significant differences among the evaluated subgroups. Approximately 76% of participants provided SUS scores of more than 51, indicating acceptable usability. Participants aged 35–50 years were more likely to rate the system as having poor usability than were those aged < 35 years (odds ratio = 5.20, 95% confidence interval: 1.35–20.08).ConclusionsThis study was the first to develop and explore the usability of a VR-based filler training system. Nearly three-fourths of participants indicated that the training system has an acceptable level of usability. However, assessments in precise target audiences and more detailed usability information are necessary to further refine the training system.Level of evidence IVThis journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Virtual reality based hybrid simulation for functional endoscopic sinus surgery

Advances in Virtual Reality (VR) technology warrants the improvement of the training system to replicate surgical procedures. The VR-based training system has proved to be useful for surgical training by decreasing operative time and increasing patient safety. For example, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is challenging due to the confined operating space surrounded by critical structures such as the eye, brain, and major blood vessels. Image-guided surgery in FESS enables the use of real-time navigation of surgical instruments to preoperative imaging. This paper demonstrates the development of a surgical simulator which facilitates trainees in three-fold. First, the identification and segmentation of critical structures in head and neck become achievable through the VR-based simulator. Second, the simulator supports to rehearse the surgical steps on a model of patient-specific anatomy. Finally, experiencing VR cues during surgical training facilitates faster recognition of anatomical landmarks. Standard computed tomography (CT) medical imaging data were utilized to develop a VR-based hybrid simulation. The validation study reveals that haptic feedback and visual/audio cues in the simulator supports the enhancement of operational accuracy and efficiency. Moreover, the proposed system works as a training tool, which will reduce patient morbidity and mortality.

Effects of Full Body Exergaming in Virtual Reality on Cardiovascular and Muscular Parameters: Cross-Sectional Experiment.

BackgroundIn recent years, many studies have associated sedentary behavior in front of screens with health problems in infants, children, and adolescents. Yet options for exergaming—playing video games that require rigorous physical exercise—seem to fall short of the physical activity levels recommended by the World Health Organization.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a fully immersive virtual reality (VR)-based training system on cardiovascular and muscular parameters of young adults.MethodsA cross-sectional experiment design was used to analyze muscle activity (surface electromyography), heart rate, perceived exertion (RPE), cybersickness symptoms, perceived workload, and physical activity enjoyment (PACES) in 33 participants performing two 5-minute flights on a new training device.ResultsParticipants’ performance of the planking position required to play the game resulted in moderate aerobic intensity (108 [SD 18.69] bpm). Due to the mainly isometric contraction of the dorsal muscle chain (with a mean activation between 20.6% [SD 10.57] and 26.7% [SD 17.39] maximum voluntary isometric contraction), participants described the exercise as a moderate to vigorous activity (RPE 14.6 [SD 1.82]). The majority reported that they enjoyed the exercise (PACES 3.74 [SD 0.16]). However, six participants had to drop out because of cybersickness symptoms and two because of muscle pain due to prior injuries.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that fully immersive VR training systems can contribute to muscle-strengthening activities for healthy users. However, the dropout rate highlights the need for technological improvements in both software and hardware. In prevention and therapy, movement quality is a fundamental part of providing effective resistance training that benefits health. Exergaming on a regular basis has the potential to develop strong muscles and a healthy back. It is essential that future VR-based training systems take into account the recommendations of sport and exercise science.

Classroom misbehaviour management: an SVVR-based training system for preservice teachers

ABSTRACT Training teachers to manage their instruction and the class is known to be important and challenging. In traditional teacher training programmes, micro-teaching is frequently adopted; however, its effectiveness could be limited if the learners do not have good opportunities to immerse themselves in and interact in the learning contexts. Virtual Reality (VR) technology could be a good approach to coping with this problem. Nevertheless, the development cost of a VR scene is high from the perspectives of time and money. Hence, a spherical view VR-based training system of classroom misbehaviour management (TrainCM2) is proposed in this study. TrainCM2 can situate learners in a real situation at a low cost. To verify the effectiveness of TrainCM2, an experiment was conducted. The experimental results showed that the TrainCM2 learners outperformed the micro-teaching learners in terms of misbehaviour detection rate and processing performance, showing the benefits of the proposed approach.

Virtual Reality Rehabilitation for Vestibular Dysfunction

Objective: People with chronic vestibular dysfunction can be treated with balance rehabilitation. Virtual reality (VR) technology may serve as a useful therapeutic tool to facilitate rehabilitation. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the clinical applicability of VR technology in treating patients with vestibular dysfunction. Method: Five patients with chronic vestibular dysfunction were recruited for this uncontrolled clinical study. The rehabilitation protocol (modified Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises, MCCE) was adapted into a VR-based training system. Patients followed the instructions of MCCE to complete 20 sessions of vestibular rehabilitation within a 4-week period. Results: A VR-based rehabilitation system was developed with various latest technologies, including Kinect Xbox for full-body interaction, 3D-ready projector with shutter-glasses for stereo imaging, Wii Fit pressure pad for tracing the center of gravity, and Unity game engine for leveled-difficulty design. Five VR tasks were built, and more than 100 training trials were designed. Subjectively, all patients experienced the improvement of balance function performing daily activities and were overall positive to the training protocol. After intervention the fast component of postural sway ( P &lt; .05) was reduced. The follow-up interview showed decreased disability and increased general health. Conclusion: VR has many advantages over traditional rehabilitation techniques in improving the testing or training environment of human performance. This study demonstrates that VR technology offers great promise in the field of vestibular rehabilitation.

A virtual reality simulator for ultrasound-guided biopsy training.

A VR-based training system for practicing biopsies simulates ultrasound imagery by stitching multiple ultrasound volumes on the basis of a 3D scale-invariant feature transform algorithm. In addition, a six-degree-of-freedom force model delivers a realistic haptic rendering of needle insertion.

Knowledge Transfer of Crane Operating Skill on Creating a Mold Using Portable VR System and Force Feedback Device

In recent years, decreasing skilled workers have become a big problem in our country. Therefore a method or system is necessary in which unskilled workers can obtain high level skills such as crane operation on creating a mold efficiently. Since OJT (On-the-Job Training) is one of the main methods of knowledge transfer and job training, however it is limited due to decreasing young workers and aging of skilled workers. In this paper, the VR-based training system for crane operation is shown. We conduct the experiment that trialists use the system. As a result, the effectiveness of the VR-based training system for a crane operation is considered.

108 鋳型の造型作業時におけるクレーン操作の技能伝承支援システムの構築(技術教育・工学教育(2))

In recent years, decreasing skilled workers have become a big problem in our country. Therefore a method or system in which unskilled workers can obtain the high level skill like as crane operation on creating a mold efficiently. Since OJT(On-the-Job Training) is one of main method of knowledge transfer and job training, however it is limited due to decreasing young workers and aging of skilled workers. In this paper, the VR-based trainging system for crane operation is shown. We conduct the experiment that trialists use the system. As a result, the effectiveness of the VR-based training system for a crane operation is considered.

Motion retargeting and evaluation for VR-based training of free motions

Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as one of the important and effective tools for education and training. Most VR-based training systems are situation based, where the trainees are trained for discr...

Implementation and Evaluation of “Just Follow Me”: An Immersive, VR-Based, Motion-Training System

Training is usually regarded as one of the most natural application areas of virtual reality (VR). To date, most VR-based training systems have been situation based, but this paper examines the utility of VR for a different class of training: learning to execute exact motions, which are often required in sports and the arts. In this paper, we propose an interaction method, called Just Follow Me (JFM), that uses an intuitive “ghost” metaphor and a first-person viewpoint for effective motion training. Using the ghost metaphor (GM), JFM visualizes the motion of the trainer in real time as a ghost (initially superimposed on the trainee) that emerges from one's own body. The trainee who observes the motion from the first-person viewpoint “follows” the ghostly master as closely as possible to learn the motion. Our basic hypothesis is that such a VR system can help a student learn motion effectively and quickly, comparably to the indirect real-world teaching methods. Our evaluation results show that JFM produces training and transfer effects as good as—and, in certain situations, better than—in the real world. We believe that this is due to the more direct and correct transfer of proprioceptive information from the trainer to the trainee.

Developing virtual environments for industrial training

Virtual reality-based training systems (VRTSs) are advanced computer-assisted training systems using Virtual Reality (VR) technology. To have better structure and easier implementation, a virtual training system can be modeled as an integrated system consisting of a training task-planning module, an instruction module, a simulation module, a performance evaluation module, and an interface module. Presented in this paper are an architecture of VR-based training systems and a practical knowledge modeling approach to modeling the training scenarios of the systems by using Petri nets formalism. A Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling operations virtual training prototype system was developed to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of this approach.