Exploratory factor analysis and validity of the virtual reality symptom questionnaire and computer use survey

Training and Familiarization with Industrial Exoskeletons: A Review of Considerations, Protocols, and Approaches for Effective Implementation

Effective training programs are essential for safely integrating exoskeletons (EXOs) in industrial workplaces. Since the effects of wearable systems depend highly upon their proper use, lack of training of end-users may cause adverse effects on users. We reviewed articles that incorporated training and familiarization protocols to train novices on proper operation/use of EXOs. Findings showed variation in training methods that were implemented to train study participants in EXO evaluation studies. Studies also indicate that multiple (up to four) sessions may be needed for novice EXO wearers to match movement patterns of experts, and training can offer benefits in enhancing motor learning in novices. Biomechanical assessments and ergonomic evaluations can be helpful in developing EXO-specific training protocols by determining training parameters (duration/number of sessions and task difficulty). Future directions include development of personalized training approaches by assessing user behavior/performance through integration of emerging sensing technologies. Application of simulators and use of data-driven approaches for customizing training protocols to individuals, tasks, and EXO design are provided along with a comprehensive training framework. Discussed elements in this article can be helpful to exoskeleton researchers in familiarizing novice users to EXOs prior to evaluation, and to practitioners in developing protocols for training workforce.

Analysis of cybersickness in virtual nursing simulation: a German longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Innovative educational approaches such as simulation-based nursing education using virtual reality (VR) technologies provide new opportunities for nursing education. However, there is a lack of information on side effects, especially health-related side effects, of head-mounted displays (HMDs) on the human body when using VR devices for nursing simulation. This study aims to validate the German version of the Virtual Reality Sickness Questionnaire (VRSQ) and to evaluate its associations with sex and age, as reflected in the VRSQG scores (total score, oculomotor, and disorientation) over time.

METHODS

A longitudinal-sectional study was conducted. In addition to the VRSQG (pre-, post-, and 20 min post-intervention), participants (all nursing students) completed data on personal characteristics. Participants completed a VR simulation of a blood draw. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to evaluate whether the measured construct was consistent with the original. In addition to the validity, internal consistency was analyzed and generalized linear models (GLMs) were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 38 nursing students (mean age 26.8 years; SD = 7.1, 79.0% female) participated. The mean time spent in the VR simulation was 21 min. All participants completed the entire simulation. The CFA indicates (CFI = 0.981, SRMR = 0.040) VRSQG structure is given. Internal consistency showed low values for the subdomain Oculomotor (Cronbach alpha 0.670). For Disorientation and the Total score values showed a sufficient internal consistency. GLMs showed significant between subject associations with age over time with VRSQG total score, oculomotor, and disorientation. Older nursing students start with higher VRSQG-Scores. Over time, an approximation occurs, so that all participants reach a similar level by the final measurement point. No associations were found between sex (male/female) and VRSQG scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The VRSQG is a reliable and valid self-assessment for measuring cybersickness in VR based nursing simulations, with cybersickness symptoms positively associated with age. However, in depth-evaluation regarding age-associations with cybersickness should be done. As well as studies to explore additional associations and emphasizes the importance of establishing cut-off values to assess the clinical relevance of the scores.

Alterations in Physical Demands During Virtual/Augmented Reality-Based Tasks: A Systematic Review

The digital world has recently experienced a swift rise in worldwide popularity due to Virtual (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) devices. However, concrete evidence about the effects of VR/AR devices on the physical workload imposed on the human body is lacking. We reviewed 27 articles that evaluated the physical impact of VR/AR-based tasks on the users using biomechanical sensing equipment and subjective tools. Findings revealed that movement and muscle demands (neck and shoulder) varied in seven and five studies while using VR, while in four and three studies during AR use, respectively, compared to traditional methods. User discomfort was also found in seven VR and three AR studies. Outcomes indicate that interface and interaction design, precisely target locations (gestures, viewing), design of virtual elements, and device type (location of CG as in Head-Mounted Displays) influence these alterations in neck and shoulder regions. Recommendations based on the review include developing comfortable reach envelopes for gestures, improving wearability, and studying temporal effects of repetitive movements (such as effects on fatigue and stability). Finally, a guideline is provided to assist researchers in conducting effective evaluations. The presented findings from this review could benefit designers/evaluations working towards developing more effective VR/AR products.

Effects of a Virtual Reality-Based Meditation Intervention on Anxiety and Depression Among Patients With Acute Leukemia During Induction Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence supports that virtual reality (VR)-based meditation interventions may improve anxiety and depression among patients with cancer. However, empirical studies involving patients with acute leukemia during induction chemotherapy are limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the effects of VR-based meditation intervention on alleviating anxiety and depression and improving the quality of life among patients with acute leukemia during induction chemotherapy.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial recruited 63 patients newly diagnosed with acute leukemia. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (received VR-based meditation for 20 min daily for 14 days) and a control group. Anxiety, depression, and quality of life were measured using the State Anxiety Inventory, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Leukemia Questionnaire, respectively. All outcomes were measured at baseline and post-intervention.

RESULTS

Compared with patients in the control group, those in the intervention group demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in anxiety (P = .04) and improvement in quality of life (P = .04). However, no significant difference was noted in depression levels between groups (P = .09), although a decreasing trend was observed in the intervention group.

CONCLUSION

Virtual reality-based meditation intervention effectively alleviated anxiety and improved the quality of life among acute leukemia patients during induction chemotherapy. Future randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are warranted.

IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE

Virtual reality-based meditation can be applied in clinical practice virtually anytime and anywhere to provide a convenient intervention for anxiety reduction for acute leukemia patients during induction chemotherapy.