1
|
Marques JM, Figueiredo CPM, Scanavino MDT. A review of published studies on virtual reality in sexuality research. Sex Med Rev 2024; 12:371-386. [PMID: 38705842 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Virtual reality (VR) technology contributes to greater approach of methodological safety to make ecological validity more feasible and a growing interest in sexuality behaviors. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to show VR in the sexuality area by a comprehensive review of outcomes, offer a synthesis of the studies, and make a methodological quality assessment of finding results. A secondary goal was to investigate the effect of immersion on diverse sexual responses outcomes. METHODS We designed a review based on a systematic review strategy describing types of studies, participants, data collection and outcomes; searched in 4 electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and SciELO), and made a full-text screening process. RESULTS The study found 18 articles that met research criteria synthesized within 3 outcome groups: erection measures, level of immersion, and biomarker studies. Synthesis shows a lack of methodological aspects that impair results, such as description of methods from bias protection, randomization, or concealment. The literature still needs to improve its methodology, even though it already shows relevant data for intervention in sexual dysfunction, forensic psychiatry, sexual attraction, orientation, and use of pornography. CONCLUSION Current methodological issues need better design to highlight relevant issues in sexuality with stronger quality of design, opening boundaries to new diagnostic or interventional technologies to sexual health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Miguel Marques
- Excessive Sexual Drive and Prevention of Negative Outcome Associated to Sexual Behavior Outpatient Unit, Institute of Psyquiatry (IPq) Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Caio Petrus Monteiro Figueiredo
- Institute of Psyquiatry (IPq) Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marco D T Scanavino
- Excessive Sexual Drive and Prevention of Negative Outcome Associated to Sexual Behavior Outpatient Unit, Institute of Psyquiatry (IPq) Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Experimental Pathophysiology Post Graduation Program, Institute of Psyquiatry (IPq) Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lafortune D, Dubé S, Lapointe V, Bonneau J, Champoux C, Sigouin N. Virtual Reality Could Help Assess Sexual Aversion Disorder. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024; 61:588-602. [PMID: 37556729 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2241860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) may improve our understanding of sexual dysfunctions' manifestations, although research in this area remains limited. This study assessed the potential use of a VR Behavior Avoidance Test (VR-BAT) as a tool for examining the clinical features of Sexual Aversion Disorder (SAD): the experience of fear, disgust, and avoidance when facing sexual cues/contexts. A sample of 55 adults (≥ 18y) with (n = 27) and without SAD (n = 28) completed a self-report measure of sexual avoidance. Their anxiety, disgust, electrodermal activity, heart rate, and visual and behavioral avoidance were then examined during two VR-BATs involving sexual or non-sexual stimuli. Mixed repeated measures ANOVAs, t-tests, and correlational analyses were performed. Results showed that individuals in the SAD group reported greater anxiety and disgust compared to their non-SAD counterparts during the sexual stimuli condition. Sexual avoidance scores were largely positively related to anxiety and disgust during the VR sexual condition, and moderately negatively related to the time spent touching the virtual character's genitals. This study is important given the prevalence of sexual difficulties, such as SAD, and the new research avenues offered by emerging technologies, like VR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Lafortune
- Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal
| | - S Dubé
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University
| | - V Lapointe
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal
| | - J Bonneau
- School of Media, Université du Québec à Montréal
| | - C Champoux
- School of Media, Université du Québec à Montréal
| | - N Sigouin
- School of Media, Université du Québec à Montréal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Huang YP, Jing T, Liu KF, Liu W, Zhang M, Zhong DC, Liu YD, Xu SR, Lu MJ. The value of audiovisual sexual stimulation with virtual reality in diagnosing erectile dysfunction. Sex Med 2024; 12:qfae014. [PMID: 38500665 PMCID: PMC10944820 DOI: 10.1093/sexmed/qfae014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The traditional audiovisual sexual stimulation (AVSS) test may experience limitations including low erectile response rate and lack of unified diagnostic criteria. Aim We aimed to explore the clinical value of AVSS with virtual reality (VR-AVSS) test in assessing erectile function and diagnosing erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods Participants 18 to 60 years of age were screened for analysis in 3 clinical centers from June 2020 to March 2022. Demographic data, 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), erectile hardness score (EHS), and self-reported symptom questions were collected. The ED patients and control patients were confirmed according to the IIEF-5 and EHS. All subjects watched a 60-minute erotic video by VR device during RigiScan recording. The parameters including tip average rigidity, tip effective erectile duration (duration of rigidity ≥60%, tip effective erectile duration), base average rigidity, and base effective erectile duration were evaluated. Outcomes The main outcome of interest was the application of VR immersion technology to improve the traditional AVSS test. Results A total of 301 ED cases and 100 eligible control patients were included for final analysis. Compared with control patients, ED cases had significantly lower IIEF-5 scores, EHS, positive response rate, and erectile rigidity and duration. The positive response rate of ED and control patients were 75.5% and 90.9%, respectively. The cutoff points of tip average rigidity, tip effective erectile duration, base average rigidity, and base effective erectile duration were 40.5% (sensitivity: 77.6%, specificity: 70.2%; P < .001), 4.75 minutes (sensitivity: 75.9%, specificity: 75.4%; P < .001), 48.5% (sensitivity: 77.6%, specificity: 75.1%; P < .001), and 7.75 minutes (sensitivity: 79.3%, specificity: 75.7%; P < .001). Clinical Implications The technological superiority of VR will enable the VR-AVSS immersion test to be a more accurate detection than traditional AVSS modes. Strengths and Limitations Our study applied VR immersion technology to establish the standard operation procedure for the AVSS test, which could effectively reduce the interference of adverse factors and minimize the detecting errors. However, the test data only included positive response subjects, so the true erectile status of men with a negative response to the AVSS test cannot be obtained. Conclusions The VR-AVSS test can effectively improve the diagnostic accuracy of ED. The average rigidity and effective erectile duration were the optimal diagnostic parameters for excluding ED.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ping Huang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Tao Jing
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Kai-Feng Liu
- Department of Andrology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Clinical Medical School, Yangzhou University, Affliated Hospital to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Da-Chuan Zhong
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Yi-Dong Liu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Shi-Ran Xu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Mu-Jun Lu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Shanghai, 200001, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lafortune D. Diagnostic applications and benefits of virtual reality for sexual aversion. J Sex Med 2024; 21:84-87. [PMID: 38314626 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- David Lafortune
- Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, 455 René-Lévesque E, Montréal, QC H2L 4Y2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Limoncin E, Gaudio B, Sansone A, Jannini TB, Ciocca G, Mollaioli D, Jannini EA. The role of metaverse on sexual health of people with disabilities: narrative review. Int J Impot Res 2023:10.1038/s41443-023-00807-0. [PMID: 38129693 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-023-00807-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Metaverse is the implementation of an Internet-based hypothetical meta-universe, which should facilitate an immersive experience in meeting people, working, shopping and other leisure activities. Immersive reality makes it possible to feel involved in a virtual environment using the mechanism of the "embodied simulations", i.e., the capacity to evoke a sense of presence in a specific reality, whether real or imagined. The growing interest in the metaverse suggests exploring how this new kind of communicative space could be used to provide and guarantee sexual entertainment and/or education for people with disabilities. Through a thematic analysis, we aimed to define the theoretical framework and analyze scientific literature on this subject. Our purpose is to provide a comprehensive picture of the use of metaverse as a tool for sexuality, and of the possible benefits of such technologies for people with disabilities. To this end, we have also discussed a major topic, related to the Sexual Assistants, examining how their possible application can be implemented within the context of augmented reality. Our study further explores the importance of the metaverse in sexual education. Finally, we addressed the issue of cyber security as well as possible threats and negative consequences linked to metaverse misuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erika Limoncin
- Dept. of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Benedetta Gaudio
- Dept. of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sansone
- Section of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso B Jannini
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Ciocca
- Dept. of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Mollaioli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Emmanuele A Jannini
- Section of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Brown NB, Milani S, Jabs F, Kingstone A, Brotto LA. Exploring Women's State-Level Anxiety in Response to Virtual Reality Erotica. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2023; 50:137-151. [PMID: 37807833 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2023.2265924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Virtual Reality (VR)-based treatments for anxiety disorders are efficacious but there is a lack of research examining anxious responses to VR erotica, which could innovate treatments for sexual difficulties. We examined erotica features that elicited anxiety and sexual presence in women. Thirty-eight women viewed erotic videos from different modalities (2D, VR) and points of view (1st, 3rd person) and completed anxiety and sexual presence measures before and after each video. Women experienced greater anxiety for VR than 2D films and reported the most anxiety for VR 1st person films. Sexual presence was affected by modality and point of view.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie B Brown
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sonia Milani
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Faith Jabs
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Alan Kingstone
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lori A Brotto
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rosenkjær D, Pacey A, Montgomerie R, Skytte AB. Effects of virtual reality erotica on ejaculate quality of sperm donors: a balanced and randomized controlled cross-over within-subjects trial. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:149. [PMID: 36221120 PMCID: PMC9552463 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-01021-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has shown that the type and duration of erotic material that men have access to during masturbation can influence semen parameters. To our knowledge, the use of virtual reality (VR) headsets to present erotica has not previously been studied. We reasoned that, because VR can provide a more immersive experience to the user, semen parameters of masturbatory ejaculates may be altered. METHODS This study had a balanced and randomized controlled cross-over within-subjects design. 504 ejaculates were collected from 63 sperm donors at 4 locations in Denmark. During masturbation each donor was instructed to observe erotic material either on a touch screen monitor or using a VR headset. The order of each pair of within-subject treatments was randomized by the throw of a dice. Anonymized data were analysed with linear mixed and piecewise structural equation models. RESULTS Both abstinence period and VR-use influenced the total number of motile spermatozoa ejaculated. For short abstinence periods, VR-use increased the number of motile sperm in the ejaculate. However, the difference between VR and non-VR ejaculates decreased as abstinence period increased such that there was no difference at the mean abstinence period of 58 h. For longer abstinence periods, total motile sperm counts were lower, on average, when men used VR compared to those that did not. CONCLUSION The use of VR headsets to view erotica had a strong positive effect on the number of motile sperm in an ejaculate when the donor's abstinence time was short (< 24 h). VR-use could improve the ejaculate quality of men who are asked to provide samples after a short period of abstinence, such as men in infertile partnerships producing samples for ART or cancer patients depositing sperm before treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial retrospectively registered on 13 July 2022 at ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT05457764.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Rosenkjær
- Cryos International Sperm and Egg bank, Vesterbro Torv 3, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Allan Pacey
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The Jessop Wing, University of Sheffield, Level 4, Tree Root Walk, S10 2SF, Sheffield, UK
| | - Robert Montgomerie
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, K7L 3N6, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Anne-Bine Skytte
- Cryos International Sperm and Egg bank, Vesterbro Torv 3, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Preston AM, Brown L, Padala KP, Padala PR. Veterans Affairs Health Care Provider Perceptions of Virtual Reality: Brief Exploratory Survey. Interact J Med Res 2022; 11:e38490. [PMID: 36053568 PMCID: PMC9482067 DOI: 10.2196/38490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Virtual reality (VR), a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world, has become increasingly useful within the psychiatric and medical fields. This VR technology has been applied in medical school trainings, exposure therapy for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and reminiscence therapy associated with mood disorders for older adults. Perceptions of VR through the lens of the health care provider require further exploration. VR has grown in popularity; however, this modality continues to be underused in most Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals. Objective A web-based survey was used to explore health care provider perceptions of immersive VR availability and use for older adults and identify potential barriers for immersive VR use in older adults with cognitive impairment. Methods An 8-item web-based survey was developed to obtain health care provider feedback. This survey was disseminated throughout a single Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN). The VR survey was developed via the Survey Monkey platform and distributed through the secure VA email network. Providers were asked to voluntarily participate in the brief, anonymous survey and offer their perceptions of immersive VR use within their patient population. Survey data were reviewed and interpreted using descriptive statistics. Results A total of 49 respondents completed the survey over a 15-day period. Of them, 36 respondents (73%) had heard of a VR device, though the majority (n=44, 90%) had never used or prescribed a VR device. Respondents identified several potential barriers to immersive VR use in older adults with cognitive impairment (eg, hearing difficulties, perceptions of technology, cognitive concerns, access to resources, and visual impairment). Despite the barriers identified, providers (n=48, 98%) still reported that they would feel comfortable prescribing immersive VR as an intervention for their patient population. Conclusions Survey findings revealed that health care providers within this VISN for VAs have heard of VR, although they may not have actively engaged in its use. Most of the providers reported that they would prescribe the use of an immersive VR intervention for their older adult patients. This key point highlights the desire to implement VR strategies for patient use by their providers. If underlying barriers can be addressed and relatively resolved, this technological intervention has the potential to create substantial breakthroughs in clinical care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A'mie M Preston
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Eugene J Towbin Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center, North Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Lana Brown
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Eugene J Towbin Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center, North Little Rock, AR, United States.,College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Kalpana P Padala
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Eugene J Towbin Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center, North Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Prasad R Padala
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Eugene J Towbin Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center, North Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Graduate Medical Education, Baptist Health, North Little Rock, AR, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Milani S, Jabs F, Brown NB, Zdaniuk B, Kingstone A, Brotto LA. Virtual Reality Erotica: Exploring General Presence, Sexual Presence, Sexual Arousal, and Sexual Desire in Women. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:565-576. [PMID: 34697691 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02111-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) media using a three-dimensional (3D) camera facilitates an immersive experience compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) formats. In this novel study, we used high quality, women-centered erotica and examined whether stimulus modality (VR vs. 2D) and point of view (POV: first-person vs. third-person) impacted women's feelings of sexual presence (activation of sexual response induced by the perception of being present), sexual arousal, and sexual desire (dyadic and solitary). We also investigated the effects of stimulus modality on feelings of general presence (a sense of "being there"). Results from 38 women indicated that with medium to large effects, general presence, sexual presence, and sexual arousal were significantly higher for VR videos relative to 2D videos. Sexual presence was higher for first-person POV depending on the order of film exposure. A general trend toward increasing dyadic sexual desire over the course of the study was observed. No significant differences were observed for solitary sexual desire. These findings support the adaptability of VR media to sex research and show that it can induce feelings of sexual presence and presence more generally. That sexual arousal was positively impacted by VR erotica may have implications for addressing the limitations that accompany other stimulus modalities used to elicit sexual responses in women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Milani
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Faith Jabs
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Natalie B Brown
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Bozena Zdaniuk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, 6th Floor, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Alan Kingstone
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lori A Brotto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, 6th Floor, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ong T, Wilczewski H, Paige SR, Soni H, Welch BM, Bunnell BE. Extended Reality for Enhanced Telehealth During and Beyond COVID-19: Viewpoint. JMIR Serious Games 2021; 9:e26520. [PMID: 34227992 PMCID: PMC8315161 DOI: 10.2196/26520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread challenges and revealed vulnerabilities across global health care systems. In response, many health care providers turned to telehealth solutions, which have been widely embraced and are likely to become standard for modern care. Immersive extended reality (XR) technologies have the potential to enhance telehealth with greater acceptability, engagement, and presence. However, numerous technical, logistic, and clinical barriers remain to the incorporation of XR technology into telehealth practice. COVID-19 may accelerate the union of XR and telehealth as researchers explore novel solutions to close social distances. In this viewpoint, we highlight research demonstrations of XR telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss future directions to make XR the next evolution of remote health care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Triton Ong
- Doxy.me, LLC, Rochester, NY, United States
| | | | | | - Hiral Soni
- Doxy.me, LLC, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Brandon M Welch
- Doxy.me, LLC, Rochester, NY, United States
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Brian E Bunnell
- Doxy.me, LLC, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fusaro M, Lisi MP, Tieri G, Aglioti SM. Heterosexual, gay, and lesbian people's reactivity to virtual caresses on their embodied avatars' taboo zones. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2221. [PMID: 33500486 PMCID: PMC7838160 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81168-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Embodying an artificial agent through immersive virtual reality (IVR) may lead to feeling vicariously somatosensory stimuli on one's body which are in fact never delivered. To explore whether vicarious touch in IVR reflects the basic individual and social features of real-life interpersonal interactions we tested heterosexual men/women and gay men/lesbian women reacting subjectively and physiologically to the observation of a gender-matched virtual body being touched on intimate taboo zones (like genitalia) by male and female avatars. All participants rated as most erogenous caresses on their embodied avatar taboo zones. Crucially, heterosexual men/women and gay men/lesbian women rated as most erogenous taboo touches delivered by their opposite and same gender avatar, respectively. Skin conductance was maximal when taboo touches were delivered by female avatars. Our study shows that IVR may trigger realistic experiences and ultimately allow the direct exploration of sensitive societal and individual issues that can otherwise be explored only through imagination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Fusaro
- Sapienza, Università degli Studi di Roma & CLNS@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy.
- Social Neuroscience Laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.
| | - Matteo P Lisi
- Sapienza, Università degli Studi di Roma & CLNS@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
- Social Neuroscience Laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetano Tieri
- Social Neuroscience Laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- Virtual Reality Lab, University of Rome Unitelma Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Maria Aglioti
- Sapienza, Università degli Studi di Roma & CLNS@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy.
- Social Neuroscience Laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Technology is giving rise to artificial erotic agents, which we call erobots (erôs + bot). Erobots, such as virtual or augmented partners, erotic chatbots, and sex robots, increasingly expose humans to the possibility of intimacy and sexuality with artificial agents. Their advent has sparked academic and public debates: some denounce their risks (e.g., promotion of harmful sociosexual norms), while others defend their potential benefits (e.g., health, education, and research applications). Yet, the scientific study of human-machine erotic interaction is limited; no comprehensive theoretical models have been proposed and the empirical literature remains scarce. The current research programs investigating erotic technologies tend to focus on the risks and benefits of erobots, rather than providing solutions to resolve the former and enhance the latter. Moreover, we feel that these programs underestimate how humans and machines unpredictably interact and co-evolve, as well as the influence of sociocultural processes on technological development and meaning attribution. To comprehensively explore human-machine erotic interaction and co-evolution, we argue that we need a new unified transdisciplinary field of research-grounded in sexuality and technology positive frameworks-focusing on human-erobot interaction and co-evolution as well as guiding the development of beneficial erotic machines. We call this field Erobotics. As a first contribution to this new discipline, this article defines Erobotics and its related concepts; proposes a model of human-erobot interaction and co-evolution; and suggests a path to design beneficial erotic machines that could mitigate risks and enhance human well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Dubé
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Dave Anctil
- Department of Philosophy, Jean-de-Brebeuf College, Montreal, QC Canada
- Observatoire sur les Impacts Sociétaux de l’Intelligence Artificielle et du Numérique, Laval University, Québec, QC Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Antioxidants, Dietary Fatty Acids, and Sperm: A Virtual Reality Applied Game for Scientific Dissemination. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:2065639. [PMID: 31814868 PMCID: PMC6877968 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2065639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acid (FA) profile appears to be critical to infertility, and the effects of dietary FAs on sperm FA content are a current focus of studies in the field of nutrition and reproduction. Starting from a validated “OXISTRESS” model in which modification of FA content results to influence reactive oxygen species, antioxidants, isoprostanes, cytokines, sperm kinetic, and acrosome reaction, we developed a virtual reality game where the player, in order to improve the health of some virtual spermatozoa, is called to take dietary choices and then discover their consequences on the main biological aspects. In the LabVR of the University of Siena, a team of VR environment designer and developer used Unity development engine to make the experience run on Oculus Quest and a wireless 6DOF (six degrees of freedom of movement in 3D space) VR Headset. In the game, the player is immersed in the epididymis and observes closer how dietary n-3 may change the sperm plasma membrane and consequently modify sperm traits. A simulation game in the virtual reality may represent a tool to give greater visibility to scientific data in the relevance of appropriate dietary habits in the human health.
Collapse
|