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Kodithuwakku Arachchige SNK, Chander H, Shojaei A, Knight AC, Brown C, Freeman HR, Burch V RF, Chen CC. Effects of virtual heights, dual-tasking, and training on static postural stability. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2024; 114:104145. [PMID: 37837914 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Working at altitudes, dual-tasking (DT), and lack of experience cause falls. This study aimed to investigate the impact of virtual heights, DT, and training on static postural stability. Twenty-eight volunteers' balance at seven virtual environments [VE; ground (G), altitude 1 (A1), edge 1 (E1), altitude 2 (A2), edge 2 (E2), altitude 3 (A3), and edge 3 (E3)] were recorded during single-tasking (ST) and DT over three days. Independent variables were analyzed using a 7 (VE) x 3 (DAY) x 2 (TASK) factorial repeated measures ANOVA. Greater postural sway was observed in A3 and E1, on DAY 1, and during DT. The study demonstrated static postural stability deteriorates at higher virtual altitudes and during DT and improves with training. The findings of the study suggest that virtual reality is a great altitude simulator, which could be used as a potential balance training tool in ergonomic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachini N K Kodithuwakku Arachchige
- Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Weber State University, Dept 2805, 1435 Village Dr, Ogden, UT, 84408-5150, USA.
| | - Harish Chander
- Neuromechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Mississippi State University, PO Box 6186 216, McCarthy Gym, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA; Human Factors & Athlete Engineering, Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, Mississippi State University, 200 Research Blvd, Starkville, MS, 39759, USA.
| | - Alireza Shojaei
- Myers-Lawson School of Construction, Virginia Tech, 1345 Perry St, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
| | - Adam C Knight
- Neuromechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Mississippi State University, PO Box 6186 216, McCarthy Gym, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
| | - Caitlyn Brown
- Neuromechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Mississippi State University, PO Box 6186 216, McCarthy Gym, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
| | - Hannah R Freeman
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1716 9th Ave S, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
| | - Reuben F Burch V
- Human Factors & Athlete Engineering, Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, Mississippi State University, 200 Research Blvd, Starkville, MS, 39759, USA; Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering, Mississippi State University, 479-2 Hardy Road, 260McCain Hall, Box 9542, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
| | - Chih-Chia Chen
- Cognitive and Motor Control Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Mississippi State University, PO Box 6186, 216 McCarthy Gym, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
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