TY - JOUR AU - Pollak, Chava AU - Blumen, M. Helena AU - Zhou, Lily AU - Wong, Jennifer AU - Jin, Ying AU - Bhattiprolu, Atul AU - Anfang, Sophie AU - Ceïde, E. Mirnova PY - 2025/6/4 TI - Virtual Life Story Club Intervention to Improve Loneliness and Apathy in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Feasibility Study JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e70518 VL - 14 KW - apathy KW - cognition KW - community-dwelling KW - loneliness KW - reminiscence therapy N2 - Background: Reminiscence therapy is a noninvasive, nonpharmacological intervention that has been shown to improve cognition, mood, functional status, quality of life, and apathy in older adults. Group reminiscence therapy combines structured social engagement and recounting of personal stories that address both social connection (a risk factor for cognitive decline) and cognition. Life Story Club is an established, nonprofit organization that provides virtual group reminiscence therapy for older adults to reduce loneliness and promote a sense of belonging and has not been formally studied. Objective: This study aims to explore the feasibility of a Life Story Club intervention to improve loneliness and apathy in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A prospective, single-arm, single-center, pilot study will be conducted to compare loneliness and apathy in 50 lonely individuals without dementia at baseline who receive a virtual group reminiscence therapy intervention. The intervention will be delivered weekly over 12 weeks. Loneliness will be assessed with the UCLA Loneliness Scale and apathy will be assessed with the Apathy Evaluation Scale before and after the intervention. Feasibility will be assessed using quantitative and qualitative measures including feasibility of screening and enrollment, acceptability, and program satisfaction. Qualitative interviews will be conducted with a subset of 30 individuals to explore acceptability, barriers, and facilitators of the intervention. Results: The proposed study is funded by a pilot grant from the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Recruitment and data collection are planned for July 2025. Conclusions: This study will provide evidence for the feasibility of virtual group reminiscence therapy for community-dwelling older adults to reduce loneliness and apathy. Our approach is both innovative and pragmatic because we will leverage an existing community-based service, with an established infrastructure and track record within the community to deliver the intervention. As such, the proposed research has the potential for broad implications for community-based research and aligns with multiple translational science principles. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/70518 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e70518 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/70518 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/70518 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lindner, Marco AU - Leutritz, Tobias AU - Backhaus, Joy AU - König, Sarah AU - Mühling, Tobias PY - 2025/6/4 TI - Knowledge Gain and the Impact of Stress in a Fully Immersive Virtual Reality?Based Medical Emergencies Training With Automated Feedback: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e67412 VL - 27 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - emergency medicine KW - knowledge gain KW - electrodermal activity KW - skin conductance KW - stress KW - emergency KW - medical emergencies KW - randomized controlled trial KW - simulation training KW - simulation KW - feedback KW - automated feedback KW - medical education KW - virtual patient N2 - Background: A significant gap exists in the knowledge and procedural skills of medical graduates when it comes to managing emergencies. In response, highly immersive virtual reality (VR)?based learning environments have been developed to train clinical competencies. However, robust evidence on how VR-based methods affect both short- and long-term learning outcomes, as well as physiological and perceived stress, remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of VR-based simulation training, augmented with automated feedback, compared with video seminars at improving emergency medical competency among medical students. Furthermore, the study investigated the relationship between learning outcomes and physiological stress markers. The evaluation of participants? perceived stress and estimated learning success was also performed to provide a more comprehensive insight into VR?s potential role in emergency training. Methods: In total, 72 senior medical students underwent VR-based emergency training (intervention) or viewed video seminars (control) on 2 topics (acute myocardial infarction and exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in an intraindividual crossover design. Levels of applied knowledge were assessed objectively by open-response tests pre- and postintervention and after 30 days. In addition, 2 electrodermal activity markers representing physiological stress response were measured during VR sessions using a wearable sensor. Participants also rated their estimated learning success and perceived stress. They also completed self-ratings of perceived stress and estimated learning success. Results: Short-term knowledge gains were comparable between the VR (mean 26.6%, SD 15.3%) and control (mean 27.2%, SD 16%) condition. However, VR training produced significantly higher long-term knowledge gains (VR: mean 17.8%, SD 15.1% vs control: mean 11.9%, SD 18%; difference: ?5.9, 95% CI ?11.5 to ?0.4). Overall retention scores were likewise higher for VR (mean 75.4%, SD 12.5%) than for video-based learning (mean 69.0%, SD 14.5%), a difference that was more pronounced in the myocardial infarction scenario. Participants rated the VR format as significantly more effective (mean 4.83, SD 0.41, on a 5-point scale) than the video seminar (mean 3.44, SD 1.00). While physiological stress markers increased during VR sessions, their correlation with knowledge gains was weak and negative. No significant relationship was detectable between perceived stress and objective learning outcomes. Conclusion: VR-based simulation training with automated feedback may offer long-term learning advantages over a traditional video seminar in emergency-medicine education. Given the time constraints and resource limitations of clinical education, self-moderated VR-based learning may represent a valuable addition to conventional training methods. Future research could investigate the learning effects of VR scenarios regarding the retention of practical skills, as well as the impact of repeated or team-based scenarios. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e67412 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/67412 ID - info:doi/10.2196/67412 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Dutta, Anirban AU - Hatjipanagioti, Katerina AU - Newsham, Alexander Matthew AU - Leyland, Lewis AU - Rickson, Lindsey AU - Buchanan, Alastair AU - Farkhatdinov, Ildar AU - Twamley, Jacqueline AU - Das, Abhijit PY - 2025/6/3 TI - Extended Reality Biofeedback for Functional Upper Limb Weakness: Mixed Methods Usability Evaluation JO - JMIR XR Spatial Comput SP - e68580 VL - 2 KW - extended reality KW - haptics KW - functional neurological disorder KW - biofeedback KW - usability KW - co-design KW - System Usability Scale N2 - Background: The perception?action cycle enables humans to adapt their behaviors by integrating sensory feedback into motor actions. Functional neurological disorder (FND) disrupts this cycle, leading to maladaptive motor responses and a diminished sense of agency. FND includes functional seizures, movement disorders, and cognitive impairments, significantly affecting quality of life. Recent advancements in extended reality (XR) neurotechnologies provide opportunities for novel rehabilitation approaches, leveraging visual and haptic feedback to retrain motor control and restore agency in individuals with functional limb weakness. Objective: This study aimed to co-design and evaluate an XR-based biofeedback platform for upper-limb rehabilitation in FND, incorporating multisensory feedback (visual and haptic) to enhance motor retraining. Methods: A mixed methods design was used. In phase 1, a Delphi survey (N=20, patients with FND) identified key user requirements, emphasizing customizability, real-time feedback, accessibility, and comfort. These insights guided the codevelopment of an XR biofeedback platform. In phase 2, a co-design workshop with 6 participants (3 FND patient representatives and 3 health care professionals) evaluated the usability of 3 XR training tasks: virtual reality (VR) relaxation task, a guided meditation in a VR calming environment; XR position feedback task (?Hoop Hustle?), a VR-based motion task requiring arm movements to interact with virtual objects, providing real-time positional biofeedback; and XR force feedback task, a haptic robot-assisted exercise using the Human Robotix System (HRX-1) haptic device, applying resistive forces to guide upper limb movements. Participants completed system usability scale (SUS) questionnaires and provided qualitative feedback, which was analyzed using NVivo (QSR International) thematic analysis. Results: The XR position feedback task achieved the highest usability ratings, with 4 out of 6 participants scoring it above 85, indicating ?excellent? usability. The VR relaxation task received polarized scores: 2 participants rated it highly (90 and 87.5), while 3 scored it poorly (mid-40s), citing motion discomfort and disengagement. The XR force feedback task had mixed usability outcomes (SUS range: 27.5?95.0), with 1 participant with functional dystonia struggling significantly (SUS 27.5), while others rated it between 62.5 and 95.0. Qualitative feedback emphasized comfort (lighter headsets and better ergonomic design), immersion and content quality (clearer visuals and reduced distracting audio prompts), personalization (adjustable settings for speed, difficulty, and force resistance), and accessibility (cost concerns and home usability considerations). Overall, participants viewed the XR biofeedback platform as highly promising but in need of fine-tuning. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility and usability of an XR neurotechnology platform for FND rehabilitation, with strong acceptance of XR position feedback, mixed reactions to VR relaxation, and individual-specific usability outcomes for the force feedback task. Findings underscore the need for personalization features and hardware refinement. Future work will focus on enhancing usability, improving accessibility, and evaluating effectiveness in larger clinical trials. UR - https://xr.jmir.org/2025/1/e68580 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/68580 ID - info:doi/10.2196/68580 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Maggio, Grazia Maria AU - Bonanno, Mirjam AU - Calderone, Andrea AU - Rizzo, Amelia AU - Bulut, Nebahat AU - Bahramizadeh, Mahmood AU - Benenati, Alessandra AU - Tomaiuolo, Francesco AU - Quartarone, Angelo AU - Floridia, Daniela AU - Calabrò, Salvatore Rocco PY - 2025/6/3 TI - Remapping Body Representation Using Virtual Reality in Chronic Neuropathic Pain: Systematic Review JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e71074 VL - 27 KW - virtual reality KW - chronic neuropathic pain KW - patients with neurological conditions KW - remapping body representation KW - pain modulation KW - pain management N2 - Background: Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) is a common consequence of neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury (SCI), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and phantom limb pain (PLP). These conditions are often associated with distorted body representation (BR) and altered sensory processing. Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive, multisensory experiences that can modulate attention, recalibrate BR, and potentially alleviate pain. Objective: This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence on the use of VR-based interventions for managing CNP in patients with neurological conditions. It explores how VR can influence pain perception through body remapping. Furthermore, this review seeks to identify gaps in current research, offering recommendations for future research directions and clinical applications. Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies published between January 2014 and December 2024. We included original studies that examined VR interventions in patients with neurological conditions and CNP, assessing pain reduction, improvements in BR, or functional recovery. We excluded reviews, animal model studies, migraine-related studies, and those lacking a clear VR intervention or relevant clinical outcome data. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Trials and the Cochrane Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions tool. Given the heterogeneity in study design, VR protocols, and outcome measures, a qualitative synthesis approach was adopted based on the synthesis without meta-analysis framework. Results: Ten studies?both randomized controlled trials and uncontrolled experimental designs?met the inclusion criteria. These studies focused on the application of VR in SCI (n=4, 40%), CRPS (n=4, 40%), and PLP (n=2, 20%), using interventions such as immersive VR, mirror visual feedback, visuotactile stimulation, and virtual body illusions. Sample sizes ranged from 9 to 70 participants, with varying degrees of neurological impairment. Most of the studies (n=7, 70%) reported substantial reductions in pain intensity and improvements in embodiment and perceived body ownership. In SCI, combining VR with neuromodulation techniques enhanced analgesic effects. In CRPS, modifying the visual appearance of the affected limb improved body image and decreased pain perception. In PLP, kinesthetic and visual feedback delivered through VR environments significantly reduced PLP and improved movement representation. Conclusions: Overall, the quality of evidence ranged from moderate to low, mainly due to small sample sizes, protocol heterogeneity, and risk of bias. Evidence regarding adherence to VR therapy was particularly limited. Nonetheless, VR shows strong potential as a noninvasive, patient-tailored therapeutic tool for CNP. VR could provide innovative and engaging strategies to reduce pain and enhance functional outcomes in populations with neurological conditions. Future research should focus on developing standardized protocols and conducting large-scale, high-quality trials to validate VR?s long-term efficacy and integration into routine clinical practice. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42024606150; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024606150 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e71074 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/71074 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/71074 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Li, Ting AU - Yan, Jingxin AU - Gao, Xin AU - Liu, Hangyu AU - Li, Jin AU - Shang, Yuanting AU - Tang, Xiaoyu PY - 2025/5/30 TI - Using Virtual Reality to Enhance Surgical Skills and Engagement in Orthopedic Education: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e70266 VL - 27 KW - meta-analysis KW - virtual reality KW - traditional education KW - randomized controlled trial KW - VR N2 - Background: Currently, virtual reality (VR) simulators are of increasing interest for surgical training, but there is no systematic review exploring the advantages and disadvantages of VR in orthopedic education. Objective: This paper aims to explore the relationship between VR education and traditional education. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library, Scopus, Chongqing VIP Database (VIP), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wan Fang Database up to July 2024 for relevant studies. A total of 2 investigators independently conducted literature screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment for included studies in accordance with the PICOS framework (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Study Design), followed by statistical synthesis of outcomes using RevMan 5.3 software (Cochrane Collaboration). The risk of bias evaluation adhered to the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2.0) for randomized controlled trials, ensuring systematic appraisal of sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding, incomplete outcome data, and selective reporting. Results: A total of 23 randomized controlled trials included 1091 participants in this meta-analysis. The majority of studies focused on the undergraduates (n=3) and trainees (n=8), resident doctors (n=10), and postgraduate doctors (n=2). A total of 3 studies were missing the age of participants, and 5 studies were also missing the duration data. The main outcome included knowledge scores, clinical operation scores, surgical design scores, and so on. The secondary outcomes were included course participation, learning efficiency, enhance clinical ability, and so on. Compared to traditional teaching, VR interventions resulted in significantly higher knowledge scores (standardized mean difference [SMD]=1.08, 95% CI 0.71-1.46; P<.001). Furthermore, VR-based education yielded superior clinical operation scores (SMD=1.44, 95% CI 1.07-1.81; P<.001) and surgical design scores (SMD=1.75, 95% CI 1.05-2.44; P<.001). In addition, VR teaching enhanced clinical understanding (SMD=1.05, 95% CI 0.62-1.48; P<.001) and clinical thinking ability (SMD=1.17, 95% CI 0.66-1.68; P<.001) compared to traditional methods. Furthermore, VR teaching was associated with higher levels of teaching interest (odds ratio [OR]=4.17, 95% CI 2.16-8.04; P<.001) and teaching satisfaction (OR 4.13, 95% CI 1.96-8.69; P<.001) than traditional approaches. Finally, VR significantly enhanced the initiation of learning among students when compared with traditional teaching methods (SMD=1.15, 95% CI 0.91-1.39; P<.001). Conclusions: This meta-analysis emphasizes VR as an excellent orthopedic educational tool. It significantly enhances both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, while also markedly increasing student engagement and satisfaction. Therefore, adopting VR technology in medical education holds promise for improving orthopedic surgical competence. However, the quality of this meta-analysis was limited by the notable heterogeneity in terms of VR platforms these findings and further validation through multicenter, double-blind, and large-sample randomized controlled trials is required. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42024592192; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/ CRD42024592192 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e70266 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/70266 ID - info:doi/10.2196/70266 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Fujita, Junichi AU - Takayama, Mizuho AU - Kamono, Emi AU - Shinoda, Satoru AU - Yamaguchi, Hiroyuki AU - Moroga, Tomoko AU - Ishii, Mio AU - Miyazaki, Tomoyuki PY - 2025/5/30 TI - Insights From the Nihon Housou Kyoukai?s Virtual Reality?Based Social Interaction Television Program ?Project Aliens? for Adolescents With Psychiatric Disorders: Single-Center Case Series Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e74401 VL - 9 KW - virtual reality KW - social interaction KW - adolescents KW - mental health KW - case series KW - peer support KW - therapeutic facilitation N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) technology is emerging as a tool in mental health care, providing a safe space for social interaction and therapeutic engagement. A social VR-based television program broadcast on Japanese public television offers a virtual environment where adolescents with mental health challenges can engage in peer support using alien avatars, reducing barriers to communication and encouraging emotional expression. Objective: This case series aimed to document the psychological trajectories of adolescents with psychiatric disorders participating in a social VR-based television program. Methods: A single-center case series was conducted with 3 adolescents with psychiatric disorders (aged 15, 18, and 19 years) who participated in the social VR-based television program. The study focused on examining patient-reported outcomes (PROs), including psychological measures and qualitative experiences, and clinical observations across program participation and broadcast viewing. Psychological measures, including the Japanese versions of the 3-item Short-Form University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS3-J SF-3), the 14-item Resilience Scale, short form (RS-14), and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), were assessed at 3 time points: baseline, prebroadcast, and postbroadcast. Qualitative analysis of participant dialogue explored themes of self-disclosure, emotional expression, and social dynamics. Results: Participants showed improvements in loneliness, resilience, and depressive symptoms after participating in the social VR-based program, as indicated by psychological measures and PROs. Qualitative analysis suggested that the structured facilitation embedded in the program enabled participants to express positive and negative emotions, promoting self-reflection and mutual support. Conclusions: This case series suggests that structured social VR programs can provide a supportive platform for emotional exploration and psychological growth among adolescents with psychiatric disorders. The combination of avatar-based interaThis case series suggests that structured social VR-based programs can provide a supportive platform for emotional exploration and psychological growth among adolescents with psychiatric disorders. The combination of avatar-based interaction and therapeutic facilitation may offer a novel approach to engaging young people in mental health care, particularly during waiting periods for traditional psychiatric services.ction and therapeutic facilitation may offer a novel approach to engaging young people in mental health care, particularly during waiting periods for traditional psychiatric services. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e74401 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/74401 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/74401 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Nairn, Brooke AU - Tsakanikas, Vassilios AU - Gordon, Becky AU - Karapintzou, Efterpi AU - Kaski, Diego AU - Fotiadis, I. Dimitrios AU - Bamiou, Doris-Eva PY - 2025/5/28 TI - Smart Wearable Technologies for Balance Rehabilitation in Older Adults at Risk of Falls: Scoping Review and Comparative Analysis JO - JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol SP - e69589 VL - 12 KW - falls KW - balance KW - telerehabilitation KW - technology KW - augmented reality KW - motion tracking KW - stroke KW - mild cognitive impairment KW - long COVID KW - vestibular N2 - Background: Falls among older adults are a significant public health concern, often leading to severe injuries, decreased quality of life, and substantial health care costs. Smart wearable technologies for balance rehabilitation present a promising avenue for addressing the falls epidemic, capable of providing detailed objective movement data, engaging visuals, and real-time feedback. With the recent and rapid evolution of innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR), and motion tracking, there is a need to evaluate the market to identify the most effective and accessible smart balance systems currently available. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the current landscape of smart wearable technology systems for balance rehabilitation in older adults at risk of falls. In addition, it aims to compare market-available systems to the telerehabilitation of balance clinical and economic decision support system (TeleRehab DSS), a recently developed smart balance system. Methods: A scoping review and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis was completed, exploring the landscape of smart balance systems in older adults at risk of falls. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, electronic databases PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane were systematically searched for articles in English from July 1, 2014, to July 1, 2024. Gray literature searches of relevant institutions and web pages were also conducted. The database search and commercial systems were then compared against the TeleRehab DSS in a SWOT analysis. Results: The scoping review yielded 17 systems that met the inclusion criteria; 10 investigational systems and 7 commercially available systems. Out of 10 studies, only 1 reported the use of intelligent learning or AI, 8 studies reported the use of motion tracking, and 9 studies used virtual reality. Of the studies incorporating motion tracking, 3 provided feedback as either visual or auditory. All but 2 studies reported the use of gamification, and 7 studies incorporated balance exercises. In total, 2 studies reported remote delivery, with 5 being clinician-supervised and 4 providing a clinician report. The SWOT analysis of TeleRehab DSS against the 7 market-available smart balance systems revealed several unique advantages, including personalized therapy with AI-DSS, AR for real-world interaction, enhanced clinician involvement, and comprehensive data analytics. Conclusions: The findings from this scoping review highlight the rapid evolution of smart balance systems, yet significant gaps remain in AI integration, remote accessibility, and clinician-driven data analytics. Despite limitations such as cost, accessibility, and user training requirements, TeleRehab DSS emerges as a significant innovation, addressing many of these gaps through AI-driven personalization, AR for real-world interaction, and real-time clinician monitoring. These features position it as a next-generation solution that aligns closely with the evolving needs of patients and clinicians. The results of this review provide valuable insights for future research, supporting the need for further validation studies and the development of more intelligent and accessible balance rehabilitation technologies. UR - https://rehab.jmir.org/2025/1/e69589 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/69589 ID - info:doi/10.2196/69589 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lehmann, Marie AU - Mikulasch, Jan AU - Poimann, Horst AU - Backhaus, Joy AU - König, Sarah AU - Mühling, Tobias PY - 2025/5/27 TI - Training and Assessing Teamwork in Interprofessional Virtual Reality?Based Simulation Using the TeamSTEPPS Framework: Protocol for Randomized Pre-Post Intervention Study JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e68705 VL - 14 KW - interprofessional teamwork KW - medical education KW - TeamSTEPPS KW - Team Performance Observation Tool KW - team training KW - Teamwork Perceptions Questionnaire KW - virtual reality N2 - Background: Interprofessional teamwork is essential for patient outcomes in emergency medicine; yet, effective training in this area is scarce. Virtual reality (VR) provides a promising, resource-efficient solution for simulating emergency scenarios and facilitating interprofessional collaboration. While VR-based training has shown benefits for medical skill and knowledge acquisition, assessing teamwork within such environments remains a challenge due to the lack of validated measurement tools. Existing teamwork assessment instruments, developed for physical simulations, may not fully apply to VR due to differences in communication modalities, interaction mechanics, and observer perspectives. Objective: This study aims to adapt and validate the TeamSTEPPS framework to assess teamwork in VR-based training. Subsequently, these adapted instruments will enable the investigation of whether interprofessional teamwork can be successfully trained in VR scenarios. Methods: Prior to the study, measurement instruments for subjective (Teamwork Perceptions Questionnaire) and objective teamwork quality (Team Performance Observation Tool, TPOT) will be adapted and validated for use in VR scenarios. Validation of the adapted version of the Team Performance Observation Tool includes expert consensus via a modified Delphi method as well as validity and reliability testing using recorded VR teamwork sessions. The study itself is designed as a prospective pre-post study with a planned enrollment of 65 nursing and 65 medical students working in randomly assigned interprofessional teams. On 3 timepoints (day 1, day 8, and day 15), participants engage in a VR scenario simulating 1 out of 3 different emergency medical conditions (esophageal variceal bleeding, exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and atrial fibrillation due to urinary tract infection). As an intervention, a structured training video on successful teamwork according to the TeamSTEPPS concept is shown on day 8 immediately before the second VR scenario. Teamwork is assessed objectively with the adapted version of the Team Performance Observation Tool and subjectively with the adapted Teamwork Perceptions Questionnaire. Medical performance will be recorded automatically by the VR software based on the medical measures conducted by the team. Results: As of May 2024, a total of 28 interprofessional teams have been enrolled. Data analysis will begin in late 2025. Conclusions: This study addresses the challenge of adapting teamwork assessment tools to VR environments and may provide insights into the potential of VR-based training for improving interprofessional collaboration in medical education. Future research could include a control group to measure the effects of team training more rigorously or use more enhanced technologies (eg, natural language processing) to capture the full range of teamwork behavior. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/68705 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e68705 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/68705 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/68705 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Eidenmueller, Katharina AU - Hoffmann, Sabine AU - Kammler-Sücker, Kornelius AU - Wenger, Leonard AU - Mazza, Massimiliano AU - Mühle, Christiane AU - Stenger, Manuel AU - Meixner, Gerrit AU - Kiefer, Falk AU - Lenz, Bernd PY - 2025/5/26 TI - Reactivity to Smoking Cues in a Social Context: Virtual Reality Experiment JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e71285 VL - 9 KW - virtual reality KW - smoking KW - cue reactivity KW - craving KW - social context N2 - Background: Social contextual factors influence the onset and maintenance of substance abuse. Virtual reality (VR) provides a standardized method to present social stimuli and is increasingly used in addiction research. Objective: This study examines the influence of a smoking versus a nonsmoking agent in VR on craving in nicotine-dependent male participants. Our primary hypothesis was that the interaction with a smoking agent is associated with increased craving compared to a nonsmoking agent. We expected higher craving in the presence of an agent regardless of the agent?s smoking status. Methods: Using a head-mounted display (Oculus Rift), 50 nicotine-dependent smokers were exposed to four VR conditions on a virtual marketplace: first without an agent, second and third with an agent who either smoked or did not smoke in randomized order, and fourth without an agent as a follow-up condition. Before the follow-up condition, participants smoked a cigarette. Craving was assessed with the Questionnaire of Smoking Urges and a visual analog scale within VR and after each session. We also examined anxiety and agitation (visual analog scale), immersion and presence with the igroup Presence Questionnaire, and salivary cortisol levels. Results: Results showed no significant difference in the participants? craving, anxiety, or agitation between the smoking and nonsmoking agent conditions. However, craving, anxiety, and agitation increased from the marketplace without an interacting agent to the conditions with an interacting agent, and decreased after smoking a cigarette. Immersion was low in all conditions and decreased over time. Salivary cortisol levels were highest at baseline and decreased over the course of the experiment. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the presence of an agent (as a contextual factor) may override the specific influence of proximal stimuli (burning cigarette). The low immersion highlights the challenges in developing effective VR environments for cue exposure. Trial Registration: Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien DRKS00025746; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00025746 UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e71285 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/71285 ID - info:doi/10.2196/71285 ER - TY - JOUR AU - El-Gabalawy, Renée AU - Crooks, Megan AU - Smith, Dyck Michael Sean AU - Hammond, Elizabeth AU - Gross, Patrick AU - Roznik, Marinya AU - Perrin, David AU - Reynolds, Kristin AU - Logan, Gabrielle AU - Pankratz, Lily AU - Johnson, Hilary AU - Girling, Linda AU - Wiebe, Daniel PY - 2025/5/23 TI - Treating Lower Phantom Limb Pain in the Postoperative Acute Care Setting Using Virtual Reality: Protocol for a 4-Phase Development and Feasibility Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e68008 VL - 14 KW - phantom limb pain KW - virtual reality KW - lower limb amputation KW - graded motor imagery KW - feasibility KW - postoperative KW - acute KW - patient-centered KW - preventive KW - pre-emptive N2 - Background: Phantom limb pain (PLP) affects most people living with lower limb amputations (LLAs). Nonpharmacological interventions, such as graded motor imagery (GMI), have demonstrated promise as PLP treatments. However, GMI access is limited by low patient buy-in and long public outpatient wait times. Considering PLP has been shown to be more prevalent and severe immediately following LLA, there is an urgent need to bypass barriers to allow for prompt access to PLP interventions. In response to this need, the multidisciplinary research team in this study developed a virtual reality (VR) program that administers GMI treatment. This novel intervention may be completed independently and promptly within the postoperative acute care setting. Before conducting a randomized controlled trial, the VR-GMI program must be developed and refined through a rigorous and multistage feasibility assessment. Objective: This protocol aims to outline the development and feasibility of the VR-GMI prototype for treating people with LLAs in the postoperative acute care setting (ie, inpatient and home settings) through an iterative, patient-centered, and descriptive approach. Methods: Four phases of prototype development and assessment were conducted. In phase 1 (completed), the VR-GMI prototype was developed in collaboration with engineers at the National Research Council and in consultation with patient partners. In phase 2 (completed), people with lived experience with amputations were recruited from local physiotherapy and prosthetic clinics to trial the VR-GMI program and provide feedback through semistructured interviews and self-report measures. Phase 3 (completed) consisted of a descriptive case series of individuals who trialed the VR-GMI prototype immediately following their LLAs in the hospital. Results from phase 3 informed the development of a primary quantitative feasibility study. Phase 4 (underway) aims to evaluate the acceptability and pilot outcomes of the VR-GMI program in hospital and home settings as well as improve study procedures for a future randomized controlled trial (phase 4A). Iterative developments were made to the VR-GMI program between each phase to improve prototype fidelity. These iterative developments will also be reviewed in a series of focus groups to finalize the VR-GMI prototype (phase 4B). Results: Recruitment for phases 1 and 2 was completed in September 2023. Phase 3 was completed in July 2024, and phase 4A is currently underway with 15 participants recruited as of March 2025. Conclusions: The intervention developed is the first VR PLP treatment implementing GMI and prioritizing an in-depth, patient-centered approach before assessing its efficacy. Doing so will improve the likelihood of successful clinical implementation. Moreover, very few PLP interventions have been assessed in the acute postoperative period when they may prevent PLP before its onset. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06638918; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06638918 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/68008 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e68008 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/68008 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/68008 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Hess, W. Courtney AU - Logan, E. Deirdre AU - Rosenbloom, N. Brittany AU - Mesaroli, Giulia AU - Simons, E. Laura AU - Ouellette, Carley AU - Nguyen, Cynthia AU - Alam, Fahad AU - Stinson, N. Jennifer PY - 2025/5/23 TI - Developing a Core Outcome Set for Pediatric and Adult Acute and Chronic Pain Extended Reality Trials: Delphi Consensus-Building Process JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e58947 VL - 27 KW - pediatric KW - adults KW - acute pain chronic pain KW - extended reality KW - virtual reality KW - augmented reality KW - core outcome set KW - interventions KW - clinical trials N2 - Background: Appropriate outcome assessment strategies and high-quality trials are critical to advancing care of patients with acute and chronic pain. Using extended reality (XR), namely, virtual and augmented reality, as a nonpharmacological treatment for pain has accelerated in the last decade. XR allows users to engage completely in immersive, gamified, sensorial digital experiences. Currently, no standardized approach to assessing outcomes of XR-based interventions for pain exists. Objective: Our aim was to recommend a core set of outcomes for pediatric and adult acute and chronic pain XR intervention trials. Methods: To identify core outcomes, we conducted a multiphase process. In phase 1, we conducted systematic reviews on XR in pediatric and adult acute and chronic pain trials to identify the most common core outcome domains assessed in existing published studies. Primary outcome domains were identified and informed the development of the survey for phase 2, a Delphi survey of clinicians and researchers who were actively researching or using XR for pain treatment. Together, results from the systematic reviews and Delphi survey responses were collated, and in phase 3, a 2-day in-person meeting was held to reach consensus on recommended outcome domains for adult and pediatric acute and chronic pain XR clinical trials. This was followed by 2 additional rounds of the Delphi survey to broaden consensus and refine the domains and definitions. Following the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology guidelines for consensus building, outcomes were organized into 3 categories: mandatory, important to consider but optional, and research agenda. Results: A systematic review including XR trials for adult and pediatric acute and chronic pain was conducted in March 2023, and 90 pediatric and 104 adult studies were included. The round 1 Delphi survey, completed by 66 respondents, revealed the following commonly measured outcomes: pain intensity or quality, distraction, anxiety or fear, satisfaction, and adverse events. Respondents indicated the following domains to be of highest importance to measure in studies: safety, feasibility, and acceptability; pain intensity or quality; pain interference or functioning; emotional functioning; and user experience or immersion. By unanimous vote at the consensus conference, pain severity, adverse events, user experience, and psychological constructs were identified as mandatory domains to be assessed in all XR trials for acute and chronic pain, with the addition of pain interference for chronic pain trials. Physiological markers and physical function were deemed important-to-consider but optional domains. Additional emerging areas for future research did not obtain sufficient support in the consensus process but were noted. Conclusions: An established core outcome set will help strengthen the emerging evidence base supporting XR interventions for children and adults with pain. Future work is underway to provide recommendations for appropriate validated measures to assess each established outcome domain. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e58947 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/58947 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40408138 ID - info:doi/10.2196/58947 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Worth, Chris AU - Yang, Leyi AU - Fullwood, Catherine AU - Banerjee, Indraneel PY - 2025/5/22 TI - Factors Influencing Virtual Reality as a Distraction Tool for Venipuncture in Children: Observational Pilot Feasibility Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e66656 VL - 13 KW - virtual reality KW - pain KW - VR KW - computer-generated simulations KW - simulations KW - digital worlds KW - virtual environments KW - digital environments KW - virtual tour KW - venipuncture KW - children KW - VR headset KW - head-mounted display KW - cannulation KW - inpatients KW - questionnaires KW - pediatric care KW - phlebotomy N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly used as a distraction tool for painful procedures in children. Studies have shown variable benefit but have not identified factors to maximize utility. Objective: This study aimed to undertake a feasibility study to investigate factors influencing virtual reality headset (VRH) utility for venipuncture and cannulation. Methods: Children admitted as inpatients were recruited and given a VRH during anticipated venipuncture or cannulation. Feedback from participants, parents, and operators was obtained through questionnaires and the Wong-Baker Faces Scale (WBFS). Results: Thirteen children of a target 32 (41%), aged a median of 7 (range 5-12) years, were recruited to the study; 9 (69%) parents and 7 (54%) participants reported a positive VR experience, found VRH comfortable, and wanted repeat application for future venisection or cannulation. However, patient recruitment was suboptimal at 41% (binomial 95% CI 24%?59%) of the target, as busy operators undertaking venisection or cannulation on eligible patients were unable to spare time for VRH use during the COVID-19 pandemic. The preprocedure time spent with VRH was associated with participants? positive experience of VR distraction (median 15, IQR 2.5?50 vs 180, IQR 120-450) seconds (P=.02). Five (38.4%) participants removed the VRH prior to procedure; these were relatively young compared to those who continued VRH (median 6, IQR 5.00?7.00 vs 10, IQR 6.75?12.00 years), suggesting better acceptance of VR in older children. There was no significant difference in WBFS pain ratings before (median 0, IQR 0?10) or after the procedure (median 0, IQR 0?6), with many children choosing 0 (?no hurt?) at initial assessment. By contrast, parent and doctor or phlebotomist responses indicated that VR reduced pain and anxiety (n=9, 69%), in agreement with participant perception (n=7, 54%; Cohen ?=0.68). Conclusions: VR as a distraction tool in children is influenced by age and preprocedure familiarity, suggesting that the optimal use is in older children with greater cognitive and emotional maturity. Multidimensional feedback from participants, parents, and investigators should be obtained to test the true efficacy of VR in future studies. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04472507; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04472507 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e66656 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/66656 ID - info:doi/10.2196/66656 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Li, Yaning AU - Ye, Hongqiang AU - Wu, Wenxiao AU - Li, Jiayi AU - Zhao, Xiaohan AU - Liu, Yunsong AU - Zhou, Yongsheng PY - 2025/5/22 TI - Effectiveness and Methodologies of Virtual Reality Dental Simulators for Veneer Tooth Preparation Training: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e63961 VL - 27 KW - tooth preparation KW - virtual reality KW - effectiveness KW - methodology KW - dental simulator KW - veneers KW - dental education KW - augmented reality KW - orthodontics KW - training KW - dentistry students KW - artificial intelligence KW - simulated reality N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) simulators are increasingly used in dental education, offering advantages such as repeatable practice and immediate feedback. However, evidence comparing their efficacy to traditional phantom heads for veneer preparation training remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of 2 widely used VR simulators (Unidental and Simodont) against traditional phantom heads for veneer tooth preparation training and evaluate the impact of training sequence (simulator-first vs phantom-head-first) on skill acquisition. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 80 fourth-year dental students from Peking University School of Stomatology. Participants were stratified by gender and academic performance, then equally allocated to 8 groups. Groups 1?3 trained exclusively using Unidental, Simodont, or phantom heads, respectively, while groups 4?8 followed hybrid sequences combining simulator and phantom-head training. Each participant performed veneer preparations on a maxillary central incisor. Preparations were evaluated by a blinded instructor using a validated 100-point rubric assessing marginal integrity (30%), preparation depth (25%), proximal contour (25%), and surface smoothness (20%). Posttraining questionnaires (100-point scale) compared user perceptions of simulator realism, haptic feedback, and educational value. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the preparation quality among groups using different training methods (Unidental: 88.9, SD 3.6; Simodont: 88.6, SD 1.6; phantom heads: 89.4, SD 2.8; P=.81) or different training methodologies (simulator-first vs phantom-head-first) (simulator first: P=.18; phantom head first: P=.09, different sequences of Unidental: P=.16; different sequences of Simodont: P=.11). However, significant differences were observed between the evaluations of the 2 simulators in terms of realism of the odontoscope?s reflection (Simodont: 55.6, SD 33.7; Unidental: 87.5, SD 13.9; P<.001), force feedback (Simodont: 66.2, SD 22.4; Unidental: 50.8, SD 18.9; P=.007), and simulation of the tooth preparation process (Simodont: 64.4, SD 16.0; Unidental: 50.6, SD 16.6; P=.003). Evaluation results showed no statistical differences between the 2 simulators in display effect (Simodont: 77.43, SD 21.58; Unidental: 71.68, SD 20.70; P=.24), synchronism of virtual and actual dental instruments (Simodont: 67.86, SD 19.31; Unidental: 59.29, SD 20.10; P=.11), and dental bur operation simulation (Simodont: 63.32, SD 19.99; Unidental: 55.79, SD 19.62; P=.16). The Unidental simulator was rated better than the Simodont simulator in terms of the realism of odontoscope?s reflection. In all other aspects, Simodont was superior to Unidental. There was no significant difference in the students? attitudes towards the 2 simulators (improve skills: P=.19; inspire to learn: P=.29; will to use: P=.40; suitable for training: P=.39). Conclusions: The study found no significant differences in training outcomes between VR simulators and traditional phantom heads for veneer preparation, suggesting that VR technology may serve as a viable alternative or supplementary tool in dental education. However, the absence of significant differences does not imply equivalence, as formal equivalence testing was not performed. Future studies should incorporate equivalence testing and explore cost-effectiveness, long-term skill retention, and adaptability to complex clinical scenarios. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e63961 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/63961 ID - info:doi/10.2196/63961 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Hayotte, Meggy AU - Kreiner, Jonas AU - Hollaus, Bernhard PY - 2025/5/21 TI - Parents?, Teachers?, and Sledders? Acceptability of a Virtual Reality Game for Sledding Safety Education: Cross-Sectional Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e63813 VL - 9 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - sledding KW - safety education KW - Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 KW - UTAUT2 KW - technology acceptability KW - cross sectional study N2 - Background: Sledding is a common recreational activity in the Alpine region, practiced by families, friends, and at school, but it is rarely considered to cause serious injuries. Current actions to promote safe sledding are limited to announcements at the start of dedicated tracks or to didactic sheets presented by teachers in schools. However, these actions are currently limited and do not allow the development of piloting technique skills. Virtual reality has the potential to develop piloting skills, although the development of a virtual reality for sledding safety education needs to be guided by its acceptability. Objective: The purpose of this study was to (1) examine the acceptability of the virtual reality game for sledding safety education from the perspective of different potential user profiles (ie, parents, teachers, and sledders) based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 enriched by the health locus of control (HLC), and (2) understand participants? preferences and needs in terms of features to be integrated to the technology. Methods: Three profiles of participants (ie, parents, teachers, or sledders) were recruited through email diffusion from elementary schools, university, and ski resort announcements (Tyrol, Austria). They completed a series of questionnaires measuring: (1) demographic and general information, (2) acceptability of virtual reality sledding game for safety education (named VRodel), (3) perception of HLC, and (4) preferences and needs for VRodel. Results: A total of 122 participants (15 teachers, 43 parents or legal guardians, and 64 sledders) completed the survey. Findings reveal that the constructs of hedonic motivation (?=.43, P<.001), price sensitivity (?=.28, P<.001), and habit (?=.36, P<.001) explained 65% of the variance in behavioral intention to use VRodel. Two acceptability clusters were identified (low and high), but no differences between the acceptability clusters emerged based on age, status, gender, or previous virtual reality use. Internal HLC was positively correlated with all dimensions of acceptability except social influence and facilitating conditions. Some correlations between acceptability constructs were also shown with powerful others? HLC. Participants highlighted the need to include realistic visual details and realistic interactions in the virtual environment for development. Conclusions: The acceptability of a virtual reality game for sledding safety education was quite high, and relationships with HLC were shown in the expected directions. Based on participants? preferences, developers are advised to promote immersion in the game. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e63813 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/63813 ID - info:doi/10.2196/63813 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Rochon, A. Elizabeth AU - Thacker, Ayush AU - Phillips, Mirelle AU - Ritchie, Christine AU - Vranceanu, Ana-Maria AU - Plys, Evan PY - 2025/5/21 TI - Developing a Dyadic Immersive Virtual Environment Technology Intervention for Persons Living With Dementia and Their Caregivers: Multiphasic User-Centered Design Study JO - JMIR Aging SP - e66212 VL - 8 KW - dementia KW - caregivers KW - dyads KW - technology KW - design KW - immersive N2 - Background: Persons living with dementia and their caregivers experience frequent emotional health challenges. Across the illness spectrum, engaging in shared pleasant activities is an important feature of well-being for persons living with dementia?caregiver dyads. Under the umbrella of virtual reality, immersive virtual environment technology (IVET) offers artificial sensory experiences and shows promise in this population. IVET development benefits from a user-centered design approach, and as an emerging field, preliminary testing of safety, usability, and engagement for person living with dementia?caregiver dyads is required. Objective: We aimed to develop a preliminary IVET intervention for psychosocial health among person living with dementia?caregiver dyads. In doing so, we highlight design considerations and user preferences to ensure the safety and usability of technology-based interventions in the context of dementia. Methods: We engaged 10 clinicians, 8 caregivers, and 3 persons living with dementia in 5 rounds of focus groups to evaluate the safety and usability of preliminary intervention features. Following prototype development, we engaged caregivers and persons living with dementia (n=9 dyads) in beta testing workshops to observe real-time user interaction with the intervention and guide refinements. Rapid data analysis was used to extract themes relevant to intervention development. Results: The following themes emerged from focus groups to inform prototype development: (1) designing flexibly to allow users to tailor the intervention experience to their own environmental context and circumstance, (2) designing with the dyad?s clinical and relational needs in mind, and (3) accounting for illness and aging-related challenges in design. The following themes emerged from workshops to inform prototype refinements: (1) increasing user support through more feedback and (2) increasing variety of visual and auditory feedback. Conclusions: Using user feedback throughout the development process, we developed a prototype of an IVET intervention, Toolkit for Experiential Well-Being in Dementia (the Isle of TEND), tailored to the needs of persons living with dementia and their caregivers. Our prototype uses specific design features to promote safety, usability, and engagement in the context of dementia. Future feasibility testing of the intervention is warranted. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/52799 UR - https://aging.jmir.org/2025/1/e66212 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/66212 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/66212 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Mascret, Nicolas AU - Delbes, Lisa AU - Goulon, Cédric AU - Montagne, Gilles PY - 2025/5/21 TI - Testing an Innovative Gait Training Program in Immersive Virtual Reality for Healthy Older Adults: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e57866 VL - 14 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - exercise KW - locomotion KW - adaptive behavior KW - aging KW - accident prevention KW - falls N2 - Background: Impaired gait adaptability is one of the major causes of falls among older adults owing to inappropriate gait adjustments in cluttered environments. Training programs designed to improve gait adaptability behavior in a systemic approach may prevent falls in older adults. Recently, virtual reality (VR) technology has been prominent as a relevant gait training tool because of its training implementation potential. Objective: This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of a VR-based gait training program (VR group) for improving gait adaptability behavior and, thus, reducing the risk of falls relative to a conventional training program such as Nordic walking (NW; NW group). We hypothesized that the VR-based gait training program will lead to greater gait adaptability improvements. Methods: We will be conducting a randomized controlled trial with pretests, posttests, retention tests, and follow-up. In total, 40 healthy independent-living community dwellers (aged between 65 and 80 years) will be allocated, after a general medical examination, to the VR or the NW group for a training program of 6 weeks. Primary outcomes related to gait adaptability capacities (ie, analysis of adjustments made in different locomotor tasks) and acceptance of the VR device (ie, analysis of acceptance) will be assessed before and after the intervention and 1 month after the completion of the training program (retention). A follow-up will be done during the 12 months after the completion of the gait training program. Results: Data collection will begin in September 2025, and the first results are expected in December 2025. Conclusions: The findings of this study may demonstrate the relative relevance of a gait training program in VR versus a conventional one for improving gait adaptability behavior in healthy older adults and, thus, prevent the chances of a fall. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/57866 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e57866 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/57866 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40397488 ID - info:doi/10.2196/57866 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Huang, Tong Yu AU - Addab, Sofia AU - Bertolizio, Gianluca AU - Hamdy, Reggie AU - Thorstad, Kelly AU - Tsimicalis, Argerie PY - 2025/5/16 TI - Use of Virtual Reality in the Pediatric Perioperative Setting and for Induction of Anesthesia: Mixed Methods Pilot Feasibility Study JO - JMIR Perioper Med SP - e58905 VL - 8 KW - virtual reality KW - augmented reality KW - mixed reality KW - extended reality KW - computer-generated simulation KW - digital world KW - virtual environment KW - anxious KW - pediatrics KW - anesthetics KW - preoperative KW - feasibility KW - artificial intelligence KW - digital health technology KW - surgery KW - child care N2 - Background: Children commonly experience high levels of anxiety prior to surgery. This distress is associated with postoperative maladaptive behaviors. Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative tool for reducing anxiety and pain during various medical procedures. Previous randomized controlled trials have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing children?s anxiety in the preoperative waiting room or during induction. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of VR distraction throughout the perioperative period, from the waiting room until the induction of general anesthesia (GA). Secondary aims were to assess its clinical utility, tolerability, and initial clinical efficacy. Methods: A mixed methods, concurrent triangulation feasibility trial was piloted at the Shriners Hospitals for Children?Canada. Participants played an interactive VR game throughout the perioperative period, starting from the waiting room until induction. Feasibility was examined with the duration of the VR intervention, recording the number of interruptions, and taking field notes. Clinical utility was assessed using a perception questionnaire. Tolerability was evaluated by the Child Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (CSSQ). Initial clinical efficacy was assessed by the Faces Pain Scale?Revised, Faces Anxiety Scale, Graphic Rating Scale for multidimensional pain, the Induction Compliance Checklist, and the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale. Quantitative data were supported with field notes and semistructured interviews with patients and parents. Quantitative and qualitative themes were compared via the triangulation protocol to produce final themes. Results: A total of 39 patients, with a mean age of 11.9 (SD 2.8) years, undergoing elective surgery under GA participated in the study. Stakeholders, including patients, parents, and health care providers, were receptive and willing to adapt to VR. Of the 39 patients, 19 (49%) continued to use VR during transportation and 6 (15%) were induced with VR. Barriers to feasibility included (1) interruptions to VR in 92% (36/39) of patients by health care professionals, (2) unpredictable surgery delays prolonging the duration of the VR intervention (mean 23.1, SD 24.4 minutes; range 5?150 minutes), and (3) discontinuation of VR before induction due to mask seal (n=3) and discomfort with supine positioning (n=2). Patients were generally satisfied with VR, deemed it acceptable and easy to use, and would recommend it to others. VR was tolerable with no self-reported simulator sickness (CSSQ: mean 0.01, SD 0.1). The mean Faces Anxiety Score was 1.5 (SD 1.1) at baseline and 0.7 (SD 0.9) during VR. Conclusions: While VR demonstrated good clinical utility and was well tolerated in the broad perioperative setting, this study highlighted important feasibility barriers in the waiting room and especially during induction of anesthesia, both at the organizational and technical levels. This study highlights several considerations that should be carefully addressed for the successful implementation of perioperative VR. UR - https://periop.jmir.org/2025/1/e58905 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/58905 ID - info:doi/10.2196/58905 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Borrelli, Belinda AU - Weinstein, Daniel AU - Endrighi, Romano AU - Ling, Nikki AU - Koval, Kathleen AU - Quintiliani, M. Lisa AU - Konieczny, Kaitlyn PY - 2025/5/15 TI - Virtual Reality for the Prevention and Cessation of Nicotine Vaping in Youths: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e71961 VL - 14 KW - vaping KW - teens KW - virtual reality KW - prevention KW - nicotine KW - coping KW - mood management KW - depression N2 - Background: Only a few trials target high school-aged teens with vaping interventions, typically focusing on prevention rather than cessation, with content limited to vaping harms and refusal skills. Given the co-occurrence and increasing incidence of vaping and mental health issues in teens, both must be simultaneously addressed by vaping interventions. Objective: This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a virtual reality (VR) intervention for teens that targets both determinants of vaping (eg, mood and stress) and vaping prevention and cessation skills. Methods: The participants are 150 students attending 1 of 2 racially and ethnically diverse Boston-area high schools. Health classes are randomly assigned to VR or control (assessment only). Students are eligible if not opted out by their parents, provided assent, and did not have health issues that preclude participation. While control classes (and ineligible students within them) have their regular classroom activity, VR classes are provided with Oculus Meta Quest 2 headsets and engage with the intervention during 3 class periods, once per week. Players solve a mystery with a vaping subplot and play a series of minigames to teach emotional regulation, coping strategies, and building resilience. A mobile app connects to the VR game, providing a home-based experience to reinforce skills learned. VR and control classes complete baseline and postintervention surveys on the same schedule. Primary outcome measures include feasibility, satisfaction and engagement with game play, and vaping awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and intentions to avoid or quit vaping. Secondary outcomes include vaping quit attempts, 7- and 30-day point prevalence abstinence, motivation and self-efficacy to quit or avoid vaping, positive and negative affect, emotional regulation and coping, and motion sickness. Results: The project was approved by the institutional review board on April 2, 2024, and data collection began in April 2024 and concluded in June 2024, and 150 participants were recruited (98 intervention and 52 control). Although freshmen and sophomore classes were targeted in this study, there were several juniors and seniors (n=5) in these classes due to school transfers and the need for them to take the mandatory curriculum. Data cleaning has been completed, and analyses are ongoing. The results are expected to be submitted for publication in August of 2025. Conclusions: As VR is visual, auditory, and tactile, it is ideal for practicing skills, facilitating memory, and increasing the likelihood of transfer to real-world settings. The immersion of VR promotes engagement with the intervention, rather than external digital temptations. Our study is innovative due to the cluster-randomized design, focus on both prevention and cessation, integration of mood management, and implementation among racially and ethnically diverse teens. Incorporation into school-based health curricula allows for proactive reach. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06003439; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06003439 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/71961 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e71961 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/71961 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40278000 ID - info:doi/10.2196/71961 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Goldstein, M. Karen AU - Rushton, Sharron AU - Lewinski, A. Allison AU - Shapiro, Abigail AU - Lanford-Davey, Tiera AU - Coleman, N. Jessica AU - Chawla, Neetu AU - Patel, B. Dhara AU - Van Loon, Katherine AU - Shepherd-Banigan, Megan AU - Sims, Catherine AU - Cantrell, Sarah AU - Alton Dailey, Susan AU - Gierisch, M. Jennifer PY - 2025/5/15 TI - Experiences Receiving and Delivering Virtual Health Care For Women: Qualitative Evidence Synthesis JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e68314 VL - 27 KW - virtual care KW - telehealth KW - women?s health KW - sex-specific care KW - access to care N2 - Background: Persisting sex- and gender-based disparities in access to high-quality, personalized health care in the United States can lead to devastating outcomes with long-lasting consequences. Strategic use of virtual resources could expand equitable health care access for women. However, optimal approaches and timing for individualized, virtually delivered health care for women are unclear. Objective: This study aims to conduct a detailed analysis of the current literature to answer the following question: ?According to women and their health care teams, what are the reported successes and challenges in accessing, delivering, and participating in synchronous virtual health care for women?? Methods: We conducted a qualitative evidence synthesis using a best-fit framework approach based on the Nonadoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread, and Sustainability (NASSS) framework and concepts from the Public Health Critical Race Praxis. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL from January 1, 2010, to October 10, 2022, using a combination of database-specific, relevant, controlled vocabulary terms and keywords; this search was updated in MEDLINE through January 2024. Additional citations were identified through handsearching. Our eligibility criteria were developed using the Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research type tool to identify qualitative studies addressing synchronous virtual care for women. Citations were screened in duplicate, and eligible articles were abstracted. An iterative thematic synthesis approach was used to identify descriptive themes related to the successes and challenges related to delivering high-quality virtual care. Data reduction was performed using inductive and deductive reasoning. Quality assessment was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program and certainty of evidence using Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research approaches. Results: Of 85 eligible articles, we sampled 51 (60%) for data extraction based on representation of patient and clinician perspectives, marginalized voices, and relevance to a variety of clinical contexts. We identified themes across NASSS domains, including difficulty building rapport and emotional connections in the virtual setting, the amplification of barriers for women with preexisting challenges (eg, language barriers, limited transportation, and family and social commitments), and differing perceptions of privacy and safety related to virtual care depending on patient home context. Themes found to have high confidence included the value of convenience and cost savings offered by virtual care, the importance of patient choice in visit modality, the potential for negative impact on user well-being, considering the clinical context of modality choice, the importance of technology usability, and the value of virtual care for women located in regions without adequate supply of clinical offerings. Conclusions: The benefits of virtual care for health care access may be more acutely felt by women, especially those with preexisting challenges. Strategic incorporation of virtual modalities into health care delivery for women could improve equitable access to high quality, patient-centered care. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42021283791; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42021283791 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1089/heq.2023.0089 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e68314 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/68314 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/68314 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Jo, Ki Jung AU - Kim, Yeeun AU - Ha, Yun-Sok AU - Kim, Taek Kwang AU - Yoo, Sangjun AU - Choi, Suk Woo AU - Yang, Jihye AU - Shin, Jaeeun AU - Kim, Il Sun AU - Kim, Hyun Jeong PY - 2025/5/13 TI - Analyzing Usage of the Metaverse by Associations of Patients With Prostate Cancer During the 2023 Blue Ribbon Campaign: Cross-Sectional Survey Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e63030 VL - 27 KW - virtual reality KW - urology KW - prostatic neoplasm KW - self-help group KW - patient satisfaction KW - survey KW - questionnaire KW - digital health KW - prostate cancer KW - cancer KW - cross-sectional study KW - metaverse KW - medical education KW - patient education KW - patient engagement KW - technology KW - oncology KW - effectiveness KW - awareness KW - healthcare KW - urologic malignancy KW - morbidity KW - Korean N2 - Background: It is important to explain early diagnosis and treatment plans to patients of prostate cancer due to the different stages that diagnosis is made at and the corresponding stage-specific treatment options, as well as the varying prognoses depending on the choices made. Although various studies have implemented metaverse-based interventions across diverse clinical settings for medical education, there is a lack of publications addressing the implementation and validation of patient education using this technology. Objective: This study explored the potential of the metaverse as an educational and informational tool for prostate cancer. We measured and analyzed participants? satisfaction and perceptions following a metaverse-based prostate cancer awareness campaign. We also evaluated the feasibility and potential effectiveness of the metaverse as a platform for hosting a virtual patient association and delivering health education. Methods: The study was conducted via a questionnaire administered from September 15 to October 20, 2023, during the Blue Ribbon Campaign organized by the Korean Urological Association and the Korean Society of Urological Oncology. The postevent questionnaire was designed to assess the effectiveness of using the metaverse to increase awareness of prostate cancer. A total of 119 participants, including patients, caregivers, and members of the general population, completed the survey within the metaverse space and assessed their satisfaction and perceived awareness using a 5-point Likert scale. Results: The mean educational satisfaction score was 4.17 (SD 0.65), the mean psychological satisfaction score was 4.06 (SD 0.70), the mean overall satisfaction score was 4.12 (SD 0.72), and the mean awareness score was 4.09 (SD 0.72) out of a possible 5 points. Among responses rated 4 or higher (?agree? or ?strongly agree?), 82.8% (394/476) were in the educational aspect, 76.6% (365/476) in psychological satisfaction, 81% (289/357) in overall satisfaction, and 80.4% (287/357) in awareness. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in psychological (median 4.0, IQR 3.50-4.63, vs median 4.50, IQR 4.0-4.56) and overall (median 4.0, IQR 3.67-4.83, vs median 4.33, IQR 4.0-4.67) aspects between the general population group and patients and caregivers (median 4.0, IQR 3.33-4.33, vs median 4.67, IQR 4.0-4.67). Conclusions: The findings suggest that the metaverse holds promise as a platform for health care education and patient support, offering accessible and engaging experiences for patients, caregivers, and members of the general population. Our approach demonstrated a positive influence on participants? satisfaction and perceived awareness, highlighting its potential to enhance health communication and patient engagement. Despite these encouraging results, limitations, such as the sample being skewed toward younger participants and reliance on self-reported data, underscore the need for more rigorous and multidimensional assessment strategies. Future studies should incorporate objective knowledge assessments, behavioral follow-ups, and qualitative methods to better evaluate the intervention?s effectiveness. This study provides early evidence that metaverse-based interventions can support disease awareness and promote preventive health behaviors, contributing to the ongoing evolution of digital health education. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e63030 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/63030 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/63030 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ni, Zhao AU - Batubara, Sulistyawati Intan Maharani AU - Ndenkeh, Nforbewing Jackson Jr AU - Bediang, Georges AU - Yumo, Habakkuk AU - Zhang, Xuehong AU - Oh, Sunyong AU - Zhao, Yuchen AU - Nelson, E. LaRon PY - 2025/5/12 TI - Likelihood of Leveraging Augmented Reality Technology to Promote HIV Prevention and Treatment Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Cameroon: Cross-Sectional Survey JO - JMIR Pediatr Parent SP - e69471 VL - 8 KW - adolescent KW - augmented reality KW - AR KW - mHealth KW - mobile apps KW - HIV/AIDS KW - PrEP KW - women KW - pre-exposure prophylaxis N2 - Introduction: Adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) represent 4 out of every 5 newly diagnosed HIV cases among adolescent girls and young women globally. Leveraging augmented reality (AR) technology for HIV prevention and treatment holds significant potential among young people. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the acceptance of AR by adolescent girls and young women in SSA. Objective: This study aimed to assess the likelihood of adolescent girls and young women in Cameroon using AR for HIV testing, prevention, and treatment. The study findings will lay the groundwork for developing AR-based interventions to prevent and treat HIV in Cameroon and beyond. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted in Yaounde, Cameroon, in which 637 adolescent girls and young women were recruited using a combination of multistage cluster and snowball sampling techniques. We used an electronic survey to collect data on participants? knowledge, prior use of AR technology, and likelihood of using AR technology for HIV prevention and treatment, and associated factors. Multivariate ordinal regressions were used to analyze the factors associated with the likelihood of adolescent girls and young women using AR to prevent HIV. Results: The study showed that 84% (536/637) of adolescent girls and young women had never heard of AR before this study, and only 8% (49/637) had prior experience using AR. Participants? median age was 22 (IQR 21?24) years, with the majority (362/637, 56.8%) aged between 21 and 25 years. Despite the low usage rate of AR among participants, there was a high likelihood of using AR to promote HIV prevention and treatment. Specifically, 72% (459/637) of participants reported that they were likely to use AR to visualize the HIV transmission process, while 73% (465/637) and 74% (471/637) reported the likelihood of using AR to learn about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and how HIV medication lowers HIV viral load, respectively. More importantly, 54% (342/637) and 50% (319/637) of participants reported that they were extremely likely to use AR to learn the correct way of using condom and self-testing for HIV, respectively. The high likelihood of using AR to prevent and treat HIV was associated with a higher education level (P=.01), having ever tested for HIV (P=.03), and a history of previously using health apps or searching for health information on their phones (P<.001). Conclusions: The likelihood of using AR technology to promote HIV prevention and treatment is high among adolescent girls and young women in Cameroon. Future research should focus on exploring the preferred features of AR-based digital health interventions and consider methods of implementing them in the context of Cameroon or SSA. UR - https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2025/1/e69471 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/69471 ID - info:doi/10.2196/69471 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Du, Qiujing AU - Wei, Yuhan AU - Ma, Yuexuan AU - Liu, Changqing AU - Du, Shanshan AU - Zhang, Qi AU - Gong, Xiaotong AU - Yang, Jiaju AU - Li, Qijie AU - Li, Ka PY - 2025/5/8 TI - Efficacy of Virtual Reality?Based Interventions on Cognitive Function in Patients With Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e67501 VL - 13 KW - virtual reality KW - neuropsychiatric disorders KW - cognitive function KW - systematic review KW - meta-analysis KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a promising tool for cognitive rehabilitation in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. These patients often endure significant cognitive impairments, which are associated with decreased quality of life and increased disease burden. Traditional treatments are limited in improving cognitive functions, making VR-based interventions an area of growing interest. Objective: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of VR-based interventions on cognitive function in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders by synthesizing data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for RCTs from January 2010 to December 2024. Studies were included if they evaluated the impact of VR-based interventions on cognitive outcomes in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by 2 researchers. Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models, and standardized mean differences (SMDs) as effect size. Results: A total of 21 RCTs involving 1051 participants were included. Overall, VR-based interventions significantly improved cognitive functions of patients with neuropsychiatric disorders (SMD 0.67, 95% CI 0.33-1.01, z=3.85; P<.001). Subgroup analyses revealed significant benefits for cognitive rehabilitation training (SMD 0.75, 95% CI 0.33-1.17, z=3.53; P<.001), exergame-based training (SMD 1.09, 95% CI 0.26-1.91, z=2.57; P=.01), and telerehabilitation and social functioning training (SMD 2.21, 95% CI 1.11-3.32, z=3.92; P<.001). Conversely, immersive cognitive training, music attention training, and vocational and problem-solving skills training did not yield significant improvements (z=1.86, P=.06; z=0.35, P=.72; z=0.88, P=.38; respectively). Disease-type subgroup analyses indicated significant improvements in schizophrenia (SMD 0.92, 95% CI 0.22-1.62, z=2.58; P=.01), and mild cognitive impairment (SMD 0.75, 95% CI 0.16-1.35, z=2.47; P=.01), but not in brain injuries, Parkinson disease, or stroke (z=0.34, P=.73; z=1.26, P=.21; z=1.16, P=.24; respectively). Conclusions: This meta-analysis revealed that VR-based interventions can improve cognitive functions among individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders, with notable improvements observed in cognitive rehabilitation training, exergame-based training, and tele-rehabilitation and social functioning training. These results offer valuable evidence supporting the use of VR technology in rehabilitation for neuropsychiatric conditions and inform the optimization of future intervention approaches. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42023445000; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42023445000 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e67501 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/67501 ID - info:doi/10.2196/67501 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Rubio-López, Alberto AU - García Carmona, Rodrigo AU - Zarandieta Román, Laura AU - Rubio Navas, Alejandro AU - González-Pinto, Angel AU - Cardinal-Fernández, Pablo PY - 2025/5/7 TI - Measuring Stress and Perceptions for a Virtual Reality?Based Pericardiocentesis Procedure Simulation for Medical Training: Usability Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e68515 VL - 13 KW - VR KW - pericardiocentesis simulation KW - usability assessment KW - heart rate variability KW - physiological stress KW - simulator sickness KW - System Usability Scale KW - Presence Questionnaire KW - virtual reality N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly used in medical education, providing immersive environments for training in high-risk procedures such as pericardiocentesis. This lifesaving procedure requires technical precision and induces cognitive and physiological stress. Evaluating both usability and stress responses in a VR-based pericardiocentesis simulation is essential. Heart rate variability (HRV) serves as an objective stress marker, while prior VR experience may influence usability and stress perception. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the usability of a VR-based pericardiocentesis simulation, examine the relationship between usability perceptions and physiological stress (HRV), and determine the impact of prior VR experience on usability scores and stress responses. Methods: A total of 119 final-year medical students participated in a VR pericardiocentesis simulation. Usability was evaluated using the System Usability Scale (SUS), the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire, the Presence Questionnaire, and the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire. Physiological stress was assessed through HRV parameters, including the root-mean-square of successive differences (rMSSDs), percentage of differences greater than 50 ms (PNN50), low-frequency to high-frequency ratio, and nonlinear HRV indices (SD1/SD2 ratio, Poincaré area). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Spearman correlations, and Mann-Whitney U tests to explore relationships between usability, stress, and prior VR experience. Results: The VR simulation received a mean SUS score of 75.00 (SD 6.41; 95% CI 73.42?76.58), exceeding the general usability threshold of 68 (P=.002). The mean Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire score of 2.92 (SD 1.83; 95% CI 2.55?3.29) indicated moderate satisfaction, while the mean Presence Questionnaire score of 109.46 (SD 9.12; 95% CI 107.88?111.04) reflected strong immersion. Simulator sickness symptoms were mild (mean Simulator Sickness Questionnaire score 12.43, SD 15.41; 95% CI 9.28?15.58), although novice users reported significantly higher nausea levels (P=.02). Physiological stress analysis revealed a mean rMSSD of 281.27 (SD 98.99; 95% CI 259.45?303.09) ms and PNN50 of 56.85% (SD 19.70%; 95% CI 52.23%?61.47%), indicating moderate autonomic balance. A significant negative correlation was observed between HRV parameters (rMSSD and PNN50) and simulator sickness (P=.04; Spearman ?=?0.23), suggesting that higher physiological stress was associated with increased simulator sickness symptoms. Prior VR experience was linked to higher usability scores (SUS +5.2; 95% CI 3.12-7.28; P=.03) and lower simulator sickness symptoms (P=.02) but did not significantly affect HRV markers. Conclusions: VR-based simulations for high-risk medical procedures are effective training tools with high usability (SUS=75) and strong immersion. Simulator sickness correlated with physiological stress, emphasizing the need for design refinements to improve user comfort. Prior VR experience improved usability and reduced simulator sickness but did not significantly impact HRV markers. Future research should refine VR interfaces to balance immersion with minimized cognitive and physical discomfort. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e68515 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/68515 ID - info:doi/10.2196/68515 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Chen, Ming-Che AU - Chen, Yen-Chin AU - Lin, Cheng-Yu PY - 2025/5/6 TI - Enhancing Adherence to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using Augmented Reality: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e69757 VL - 14 KW - obstructive sleep apnea KW - continuous positive airway pressure KW - augmented reality KW - adherence KW - feasibility N2 - Background: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard treatment for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, patient adherence to CPAP therapy remains a critical challenge, with many individuals finding it difficult to maintain consistent use due to discomfort, lack of understanding, or perceived inconvenience. Augmented reality (AR) offers a novel approach to overcoming these barriers by providing interactive real-time guidance to users, potentially enhancing adherence rates. Objective: This clinical trial aims to examine the feasibility of AR implementation and the effect of AR on improving CPAP adherence in patients with OSA. Methods: A randomized controlled trial with a parallel assignment will be conducted. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving AR-guided CPAP therapy or a control group receiving standard care. The study will span 6 months, with assessments at baseline (T0), and with follow-ups at 1 month (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3) post intervention. The primary outcome measure is CPAP adherence, defined as using the CPAP device for more than 70% of sleep time, with a minimum of 4 hours per night. Secondary outcomes will evaluate the common adverse effects associated with CPAP therapy, device usability, and time required for CPAP machine use education. Results: This study is funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan (August 2023 to July 2026) and was registered in August 2024 (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06520592). Participant recruitment is scheduled to begin in April 2025, and by September 2025, we expect to have enrolled 40 participants (50% of the target sample of 80). Preliminary analyses of CPAP adherence at 1 month and usability data are currently underway. Final data collection is anticipated to be completed by December 2025, with results expected to be published by Fall 2026. Conclusions: Anticipated findings suggest that AR-guided CPAP therapy may significantly enhance patient adherence by improving mask fitting and providing effective, interactive education. If validated, this innovative approach could pave the way for more personalized technology-driven interventions in OSA management and other chronic conditions requiring long-term therapy adherence. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06520592; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06520592 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/69757 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e69757 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/69757 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40327384 ID - info:doi/10.2196/69757 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Chen, Yanya AU - Guan, Bingsheng AU - Zhang, Yaqi AU - Lee, Chow Suen AU - Liu, Jia-yu AU - Li, Sicun AU - Liu, Ming AU - Zhang, Xiaoshen AU - Ming, Wai-kit PY - 2025/5/1 TI - Acceptability of and Willingness to Use Virtual Reality Exergames for Weight Loss Among Young Adults With Overweight or Obesity in China: Qualitative Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e66998 VL - 13 KW - acceptability KW - virtual reality KW - exergames KW - overweight KW - obesity N2 - Background: Overweight and obesity seriously affect physical and psychological health worldwide. They are common public health issues in young adults who are considered a ?vulnerable group? prone to adopt unhealthy lifestyles that can lead to overweight and obesity. Virtual reality exergames could help increase balance performance among patients with Parkinson disease and improve depression and pain interference among individuals with chronic neck pain. Still, limited research has been conducted on the use of virtual reality exergames among young adults with overweight and obesity, and their willingness and acceptability remain unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the acceptability of and willingness to use virtual reality exergames for weight loss among young adults with overweight or obesity. Methods: This was a qualitative study. Sixteen young adults with overweight or obesity were recruited in Guangzhou, China, and divided into 4 focus groups. They were interviewed between September and October 2023 through semistructured interviews. NVivo (version 14; Lumivero) was used to transcribe, code, and thematically analyze interviews. Results: Four main themes and 8 subthemes emerged from the data. The main themes included perception of previous weight loss measures (regarded exercise and diet as the main measures for weight loss and difficulties in holding on to the weight loss methods), acceptability of virtual reality exergames (increasing opportunities for exercise, a powerful means for propelling doing exercise, positive impact on psychological well-being, and more appealing to office workers than students), willingness to use virtual reality exergames, and concerns (weight loss effect and other concerns). Conclusions: Virtual reality exergames were seen as beneficial for maintaining exercise and promoting psychological well-being among young adults with overweight or obesity, despite concerns about effectiveness, cost, and privacy. Almost all young adults indicated their willingness to try these kinds of games if given the opportunity. These findings suggested that virtual reality exergames could be a promising tool for weight management in this population. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e66998 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/66998 ID - info:doi/10.2196/66998 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Jimenez-Barragan, Marta AU - Del Pino Gutierrez, Amparo AU - Sauch Valmaña, Gloria AU - Monistrol, Olga AU - Monge Marcet, Carme AU - Pallarols Badia, Mar AU - Garrido, Ignasi AU - Carmona Ruiz, Anna AU - Porta Roda, Oriol AU - Esquinas, Cristina AU - Falguera Puig, Gemma PY - 2025/4/30 TI - Immersive Virtual Reality eHealth Intervention to Reduce Anxiety and Depression in Pregnant Women: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Hum Factors SP - e71708 VL - 12 KW - virtual reality KW - eHealth KW - pregnancy KW - mental health KW - anxiety KW - depression KW - randomized controlled trial KW - antenatal care N2 - Background: Mental health during pregnancy is a critical factor influencing maternal and fetal outcomes. Anxiety and depression affect up to 30% of pregnant women, with significant consequences for maternal well-being and child development. Despite this, interventions during pregnancy remain limited, creating a need for innovative, accessible solutions. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an immersive virtual reality (IVR) eHealth intervention in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in women during pregnancy. Methods: A 2-arm, randomized controlled trial was conducted across 5 primary care centers in Catalonia, Spain, between October 2021 and May 2024. The study included pregnant women (N=70) aged ?18 years with moderate anxiety and depression symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS] scores: 9-12) at 12 to 14 weeks of gestation. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to an IVR intervention or standard care group. The intervention group engaged in daily 14-minute IVR mindfulness and relaxation sessions for 6 weeks. Mental health outcomes were assessed using the EPDS and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant reductions in EPDS scores, with a mean decrease from 11.32 (SD 0.96) to 7.25 (SD 1.32; P<.001), compared to an increase in the control group from 11.32 (SD 0.94) to 16.23 (SD 1.25; P<.001). Similarly, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores improved markedly in the intervention group (mean decrease from 57.94, SD 5.23 to 35.03, SD 6.12; coefficient ?30.47, 95% CI ?45.23 to ?15.72; P<.001), while the control group experienced a nonsignificant increase (from 66.10, SD 5.89 to 72.91, SD 6.34; P=.68). High adherence rates were observed, with 79% (26/33) of participants completing ?30 sessions. Participant satisfaction was high, with 87% (29/33) reporting being ?very satisfied? with the intervention. Conclusions: The IVR eHealth intervention significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, demonstrating its potential as an accessible and effective tool for mental health support during pregnancy. High adherence and satisfaction levels underscore its feasibility and acceptability. Future research should explore the long-term effects and scalability of IVR interventions in diverse settings. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05756205; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05756205 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1186/s12912-023-01440-4 UR - https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2025/1/e71708 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/71708 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/71708 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Esmail, Shaniff AU - Concannon, Brendan PY - 2025/4/30 TI - Immersive Virtual Reality and AI (Generative Pretrained Transformer) to Enhance Student Preparedness for Objective Structured Clinical Examinations: Mixed Methods Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e69428 VL - 13 KW - virtual reality KW - head-mounted display KW - immersive technology KW - artificial intelligence KW - generative pretrained transformer KW - occupational therapy KW - objective structured clinical examination KW - simulation KW - psychology KW - anxiety N2 - Background: Immersive virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence have been used to determine whether a simulated clinical exam setting can reduce anxiety in first-year occupational therapy students preparing for objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs). Test anxiety is common among postsecondary students, leading to negative outcomes such as increased dropout risk, lower grades, and limited employment opportunities. Students unfamiliar with specific testing environments are particularly prone to anxiety. VR simulations of OSCEs may allow students to become familiar with the exam setting and reduce anxiety. Objective: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a VR simulation depicting clinical settings to reduce student anxiety about a clinical exam while gathering perspectives on their first-year coursework experiences to better understand their learning environment. Methods: An experimental, nonrandomized controlled trial compared state anxiety, trait test anxiety, and OSCE grades in 2 groups of first-year occupational therapy students analyzed using independent t tests (2-tailed). Group 1 (NoVR) was not exposed to the VR simulation and acted as a control group for group 2 (YesVR), who were exposed to the VR simulation. The VR used artificial intelligence in the form of a generative pretrained transformer to generate responses from virtual patients as students interacted with them in natural language. Self-reported psychometric scales measured anxiety levels 3 days before the OSCE. YesVR students completed perceived preparation surveys at 2 time points?3 weeks and 3 days before the OSCE?analyzed using dependent t tests. Semistructured interviews and focus groups were conducted within 1 week after the OSCE. Student perspectives on their classes and VR experiences were summarized using interpretative thematic analysis. Results: In total, 60 students?32 (53%) in the NoVR group and 28 (47%) in the YesVR group?participated in the study, and the YesVR group showed a significant reduction in state anxiety (t58=3.96; P<.001; Cohen d=1.02). The mean difference was 11.96 units (95% CI 5.92-18.01). Trait test anxiety and OSCE scores remained static between groups. There was an increase in all perceived preparedness variables in the YesVR group. In total, 42% (25/60) of the participants took part in interviews and focus groups, providing major themes regarding factors that affect OSCE performance, including student experience and background, feedback and support, fear of unknown, self-consciousness, and knowledge of the exam environment. Conclusions: Intolerance of uncertainty may lead students to interpret ambiguous exam situations as overly precarious. Findings suggest that VR simulation was associated with reduced state anxiety, although results from this small, nonrandomized sample should be interpreted cautiously. Qualitative data indicated that VR helped students gain familiarity with clinical exam settings, potentially decreasing uncertainty-based anxiety. Future research with larger or randomized samples is needed to confirm these findings and explore advanced VR tools offering feedback to enhance learning. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e69428 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/69428 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/69428 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Schreiter, Melina AU - Hennrich, Jasmin AU - Wolf, Lina Anna AU - Eymann, Torsten PY - 2025/4/30 TI - The Influence of Previous Experience on Virtual Reality Adoption in Medical Rehabilitation and Overcoming Knowledge Gaps Among Health Care Professionals: Qualitative Interview Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e62649 VL - 27 KW - virtual reality KW - technology adoption KW - medical rehabilitation KW - qualitative content analysis KW - adoption decision process KW - health care professionals KW - previous experience N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) technologies in health care, particularly in medical rehabilitation, have demonstrated effectiveness by enabling patient remobilization in virtual environments, offering real-time feedback, enhancing physical function and quality of life, and allowing patients to exercise autonomously. Nevertheless, VR technologies are facing slow adoption in routine rehabilitative practice due to health care professionals? concerns regarding data security, lack of time, or perceived cost. Objective: This study aimed to explore how previous experience with VR technologies influences health care professionals? decisions to adopt or reject these technologies in medical rehabilitation. Methods: We conducted 23 semistructured interviews with health care professionals from different rehabilitative fields in Germany, whom we grouped into VR-experienced ?innovators? and nonexperienced ?laggards? according to their level of innovativeness. When analyzing the interviews, we applied qualitative content analysis techniques and derived 56 preliminary categories from the transcripts. Results: We merged the preliminary categories into 26 adoption and rejection factors, which were grouped under the 4 overarching categories of the diffusion of innovation theory by Rogers. In addition to the pure identification of context-specific influencing factors, we were able to identify differences between these factors concerning the two different adopter groups. VR-experienced innovators exhibited key characteristics such as openness to new technologies, solution-oriented thinking, and opinion leadership, whereas nonexperienced laggards focused on barriers and relied on top-down knowledge transfer. Despite these differences, both groups agreed on the factors that promote the adoption of VR technologies. Our results indicate that addressing the unique needs of both groups is crucial for wider VR acceptance in health care. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the importance of distinguishing between VR-experienced and nonexperienced health care professionals, providing actionable insights for developing adopter-specific communication strategies to overcome barriers and foster broader diffusion of VR technologies in the health care sector. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e62649 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/62649 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40305102 ID - info:doi/10.2196/62649 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Li, Huiyuan AU - Chiu, Lung Pak AU - Efendi, Defi AU - Huang, Haiying AU - Ko, Yan Ka AU - Wong, Lee Cho PY - 2025/4/30 TI - Effects of Virtual Reality?Based Interventions on Preoperative Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery With Anesthesia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e55291 VL - 27 KW - meta-analysis KW - preoperative anxiety KW - surgery KW - systematic review KW - virtual reality KW - anesthesia KW - exposure approach N2 - Background: Preoperative anxiety is a common yet often neglected problem for patients undergoing surgery. Virtual reality (VR)?based intervention is a promising alternative with benefits for managing preoperative anxiety. However, the components of VR-based intervention and its effectiveness on preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing elective surgery with anesthesia remain unclear. Objective: This study aimed to identify the major components (ie, device, medium, format, and duration) of VR-based interventions and summarize evidence regarding their effectiveness in reducing preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing elective surgery with anesthesia. Methods: Allied and Complementary Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong Full Text Journals, CINAHL via EBSCOhost, Cochrane Library, Joanna Briggs Institute EBP Database, EMBASE, MEDLINE via OvidSP, PubMed, PsychINFO, Scopus, China Journal Net, and WanFang Data Chinese Dissertations Database were searched from inception to February 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of VR-based interventions for patients undergoing elective surgery with anesthesia were included. The Cochrane Collaboration?s tool was used for risk of bias assessment. A random effect model was used for pooling the results. Results: A total of 35 RCTs with 3341 patients (female: n=1474, 44.1%) were included in this review, of which 29 RCTs were included for meta-analysis. Compared with usual care, VR-based interventions showed substantial benefits in decreasing preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing elective surgery (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.65, 95% CI 0.37-0.92; P<.001). Regarding the subgroup analysis, VR-based intervention showed significant but moderate effects on preoperative anxiety in the pediatric population (SMD 0.77, 95% CI 0.32-1.22; P<.001) compared to the adult population (SMD 0.58, 95% CI 0.23-0.93; P=.001). The distraction approach showed more significant effects (SMD 0.73, 95% CI 0.24-1.21; P=.004) on preoperative anxiety than the exposure approach (SMD 0.61, 95% CI 0.27-0.95; P<.001). Conclusions: Patients undergoing elective surgery with anesthesia may benefit from VR as a novel alternative to reduce preoperative anxiety, especially pediatric patients via the distraction approach. However, more rigorous research is needed to confirm VR?s effectiveness. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e55291 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/55291 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40305092 ID - info:doi/10.2196/55291 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lai, Byron AU - Wright, Ashley AU - Hutchinson, Bailey AU - Bright, Larsen AU - Young, Raven AU - Davis, Drew AU - Malik, Ali Sultan AU - Rimmer, H. James AU - PY - 2025/4/25 TI - School-Based Virtual Reality Programming for Obtaining Moderate-Intensity Exercise Among Children With Disabilities: Pre-Post Feasibility Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e65801 VL - 9 KW - disability KW - adapted physical activity KW - leisure-time exercise KW - exercise KW - telehealth KW - tele-exercise KW - cerebral palsy KW - pediatric rehabilitation KW - intellectual disability KW - developmental disability KW - child KW - high school KW - mobility KW - mobility disability KW - cardio KW - cardiorespiratory KW - cardiometabolic KW - feasibility KW - virtual reality KW - controlled trial KW - t test KW - VR KW - exergame KW - mixed method N2 - Background: Children have busy daily schedules, making school an ideal setting for promoting health-enhancing exercise behavior. However, children with mobility disabilities have limited exercise options to improve their cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiometabolic health. Objective: This study aims to test the feasibility of implementing a virtual reality (VR) exercise program for children with mobility disabilities in a high school setting. Methods: A pre- to posttrial single-group design with a 6-week exercise intervention was conducted at a high school. The study aimed to enroll up to 12 students with a disability. Participants were given the option of exercising at home or school. The exercise prescription was three 25-minute sessions per week at a moderate intensity, using a head-mounted VR display. School exercise sessions were supervised by research staff. Home exercise sessions were performed autonomously. Several implementation metrics of feasibility were recorded, including exercise attendance, volume, adverse events or problems, and benefits related to health-related fitness (walking endurance and hand-grip strength). The study also included a qualitative evaluation of critical implementation factors and potential benefits for participants that were not included in the study measures. Outcomes were descriptively analyzed, and 2-tailed t tests were used as appropriate. Results: In total, 10 students enrolled in the program and 9 completed the study (mean age 17, SD 0.6 y). In total, 5 (56%) participants exercised at school, and 4 (44%) exercised at home; 1 participant dropped out prior to exercise. The mean attendance for all 9 completers was 61.1% (11/18 sessions). The mean exercise minutes per week was 35.5 (SD 22) minutes. The mean move minutes per session was 17.7 (SD 11) minutes. The mean minutes per session was 18 (SD 1.4) minutes for school exercisers and 17 (SD 18) minutes for home exercisers, indicating variable responses from home exercisers. The mean rating of perceived exertion per exercise session was 4.3 (SD 2), indicating a moderate intensity that ranged from low to hard intensity. No adverse events or problems were identified. No improvements in walking endurance or hand-grip strength were observed. School exercisers achieved a higher attendance rate (83%) than home exercisers (27%; P<.001) and seemingly had a 2-fold increase in the volume of exercise achieved (school: mean 279, SD 55 min; 95% CI 212?347; home: mean 131, SD 170 min; 95% CI ?140 to 401; P=.10). Qualitative themes relating to implementation factors and benefits to participant well-being were identified. Conclusions: This study identified factors to inform an optimal protocol for implementing a high school?based VR exercise program for children with disabilities. Study findings demonstrated that moderate exercise at school is feasible in VR, but simply providing children with VR exergaming technology at home, without coaching, will not successfully engage them in exercise. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05935982; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05935982 UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e65801 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/65801 ID - info:doi/10.2196/65801 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Tang, Peiyuan AU - Cao, Yangbin AU - Vithran, Vithran Djandan Tadum Arthur AU - Xiao, Wenfeng AU - Wen, Ting AU - Liu, Shuguang AU - Li, Yusheng PY - 2025/4/25 TI - The Efficacy of Virtual Reality on the Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Diseases: Umbrella Review JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e64576 VL - 27 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - umbrella review KW - musculoskeletal diseases KW - orthopedics KW - efficacy N2 - Background: Musculoskeletal disorders cause pain, disability, and financial burdens, with rising prevalence. Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive, digital rehabilitation potential, improving motor functions and pain management. Objective: To evaluate the impact of VR on the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders and to assess the consistency of evidence provided by existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses, this study focuses on musculoskeletal disorders, which encompass conditions affecting the locomotor system, such as arthritis, joint deformities, and injuries. VR therapy leverages immersive digital environments to enhance rehabilitation through digital exercises and simulations. Methods: The PubMed or MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for relevant papers published up to April 2024. Literature screening, quality assessment, and data extraction were conducted according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the included meta-analyses was evaluated using the Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system was used to classify the evidence level for each outcome as high, moderate, low, or very low. Additionally, the evidence was categorized into 5 levels based on classification criteria: I (convincing), II (highly suggestive), III (suggestive), IV (weak), and nonsignificant. Results: This umbrella review synthesized data from 14 meta-analyses published between 2019 and 2024, involving a total of 13,184 patients. In total, 7 meta-analyses received high Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 ratings, 7 were rated moderate, and the remainder were rated low. VR demonstrated promising results in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, significantly reducing knee pain (mean difference [MD] ?1.38, 95% CI ?2.32 to ?0.44; P=.004; I2=94%) and improving balance. For patients with fibromyalgia syndrome, VR effectively reduced pain (standardized mean difference [SMD] ?0.45, 95% CI ?0.70 to ?0.20; P<.001), fatigue (SMD ?0.58, 95% CI ?1.01 to ?0.14; P=.01), anxiety (SMD ?0.50, 95% CI ?0.908 to ?0.029; P=.04), and depression (SMD ?0.62, 95% CI ?0.76 to ?0.15; P=.003) while also enhancing quality of life. In individuals with back pain, VR alleviated pain-related fears (MD ?5.46, 95% CI ?9.40 to ?1.52; P=.007; I2=90%) and reduced pain intensity (MD ?1.43, 95% CI ?1.86 to ?1.00; P<.001; I2=95%). After arthroplasty, VR improved knee functionality (MD 8.30, 95% CI 6.92-9.67; P<.001; I2=24%) and decreased anxiety (MD ?3.95, 95% CI ?7.76 to ?0.13; P=.04; I2=0%). Conclusions: VR demonstrates significant potential in the rehabilitation of various musculoskeletal conditions. It effectively alleviates pain, enhances psychological well-being, and facilitates the recovery of motor function in patients. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42024538469; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024538469 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e64576 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/64576 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/64576 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Jitwiriyanont, Sujinat AU - Rawan, Rattanasuwan AU - Narajeenron, Khuansiri PY - 2025/4/21 TI - Advancing Politeness and Assertive Communication Through Tone of Voice in Crisis Team Situations: Pre-Post Acoustic Analysis Study of Team and Strategies to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) Virtual Simulation for Interprofessional Education in Health Care Undergraduate Students JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e66988 VL - 27 KW - virtual simulation KW - TeamSTEPPS KW - acoustic analysis KW - prosodic features KW - interprofessional education KW - politeness, assertive communication, tone of voice, confident, respect N2 - Background: Effective interprofessional communication, including politeness, respect for coworkers, and self-control, is crucial in emergency care. These values are emphasized by both Thai and US cultures. Notably, nurses place greater significance on respect and self-control than physicians, underscoring the need for physicians to recognize and adopt these attributes, especially in interactions with nursing staff. To develop these competencies, interprofessional education (IPE) programs are essential, with simulation-based IPE, particularly virtual simulations, showing promise in enhancing teamwork and communication. However, research on the tone of voice in emergency communication is limited, especially in Thailand, where standardized IPE curricula are lacking. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Team and Strategies to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) virtual simulation IPE, using a 3D computer-based or virtual reality (VR) approach, in enhancing interprofessional communication among health care students, focusing on politeness and assertiveness in the tone of voice. Methods: An experimental design was used with 30 health care students from 5 disciplines, including medical, nursing, medical technology, radiological technology, and pharmacy students. Participants were recorded during pretraining and posttraining TeamSTEPPS sessions. Acoustic analysis focused on 3 cues: duration, intensity, and fundamental frequency (F0). Duration measured the length of utterances, whereas intensity (loudness) and F0 (pitch) were analyzed using parameters, such as maximum, minimum, mean, SD, and range. In total, 5663 utterances were analyzed, providing a dataset for identifying significant shifts in vocal delivery after training. Using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, these 11 acoustic parameters were extracted and statistically analyzed to compare pre- and posttraining differences. Results: Significant improvements in the tone of voice were observed. Medical and nursing students exhibited changes in pitch (SD and mean of F0; P<.001) and loudness (mean of intensity, P<.001), suggesting more attentive communication. The increased utterance duration in core team members suggests that they engaged in more elaborate information sharing and verification, critical for patient safety. Medical technology and radiological technology students showed reduced pitch (mean of F0; P<.05 in medical technology students and P<.01 in radiological students) and intensity (mean of intensity; P<.01 in medical technology students), reflecting calmer, more controlled communication. Pharmacy students showed minor changes. Conclusions: TeamSTEPPS virtual simulation IPE, using a 3D computer-based or VR approach, effectively enhances interprofessional nonverbal communication by improving key acoustic features related to politeness and assertiveness within the Thai culture context. Medical and nursing students showed the most notable gains, whereas quieter more controlled communication styles emerged among the other groups. The results demonstrate the ways in which vocal modulations can reflect role-specific responsibilities and interpersonal sensitivity in clinical interactions. These findings highlight the significance of tailored virtual simulation IPE programs for improving teamwork and patient outcomes across health care disciplines. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e66988 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/66988 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/66988 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Li, Xiaoli AU - Liu, Xiaoyu AU - Yin, Cheng AU - Collins, Sandra AU - Alanazi, Eman PY - 2025/4/16 TI - Impact of a Virtual Reality Video ("A Walk-Through Dementia") on YouTube Users: Topic Modeling Analysis JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e67755 VL - 9 KW - Alzheimer disease KW - Alzheimer disease and related dementias KW - ADRD KW - dementia KW - public awareness KW - text mining KW - older adult KW - health care student KW - training KW - health care professional KW - simulation KW - digital world KW - virtual environment KW - virtual tour KW - walk-through dementia KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - VR video KW - VR application KW - topic modeling KW - YouTube KW - Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers KW - BERT KW - social media comments KW - experiential learning tool N2 - Background: Emerging research has highlighted the potential of virtual reality (VR) as a tool for training health care students and professionals in care skills for individuals with Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD). However, there is limited research on the use of VR to engage the general public in raising awareness about ADRD. Objective: This research aimed to examine the impact of the VR video ?A Walk-Through Dementia? on YouTube users by analyzing their posts. Methods: We collected 12,754 comments from the VR video series ?A Walk-Through Dementia,? which simulates the everyday challenges faced by individuals with ADRD, providing viewers with an immersive experience of the condition. Topic modeling was conducted to gauge viewer opinions and reactions to the videos. A pretrained Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) model was used to transform the YouTube comments into high-dimensional vector embeddings, allowing for systematic identification and detailed analysis of the principal topics and their thematic structures within the dataset. Results: We identified the top 300 most frequent words in the dataset and categorized them into nouns, verbs, and adjectives or adverbs using a part-of-speech tagging model, fine-tuned for accurate tagging tasks. The topic modeling process identified eight8 initial topics based on the most frequent words. After manually reviewing the 8 topics and the content of the comments, we synthesized them into 5 themes. The predominant theme, represented in 2917 comments, centered on users? personal experiences with the impact of ADRD on patients and caregivers. The remaining themes were categorized into 4 main areas: positive reactions to the VR videos, challenges faced by individuals with ADRD, the role of caregivers, and learning from the VR videos. Conclusions: Using topic modeling, this study demonstrated that VR applications serve as engaging and experiential learning tools, offering the public a deeper understanding of life with ADRD. Future research should explore additional VR applications on social media, as they hold the potential to reach wider audiences and effectively disseminate knowledge about ADRD. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e67755 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/67755 ID - info:doi/10.2196/67755 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Wei, Yixin AU - Chen, Yuan AU - Ma, Runting AU - Qiu, Yitong AU - Su, Wei AU - Zhang, Li AU - Gao, Qiang PY - 2025/4/16 TI - Research Hotspots and Trends of Virtual Reality Intervention for Stroke: Bibliometric Analysis JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e65993 VL - 13 KW - virtual reality KW - stroke KW - bibliometric analysis KW - hotspots KW - research trends N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) is a rapidly developing technology that has gained significant traction in the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with stroke. Research on VR-based stroke treatment has garnered increasing attention. Objective: The aim of this study is to present a bibliometric analysis of VR for stroke studies to identify the application status, research hotspots, and emerging trends and guide future scientific research. Methods: We included studies and reviews on the topic of VR-based stroke treatment and rehabilitation from 1999 to 2023 were retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection database. Citespace 6.3.1 and VOSviewer 1.6.20 software was used for the visual analysis of publications, institutions, authors, journals, citations, and Scimago Graphica software was used for the geographic visualization of published countries or regions. Results: Our study analyzed 1171 papers on VR-based stroke rehabilitation published between 1999 and 2023, revealing a gradual increase in annual publications over the past 2 decades, peaking at 154 in 2022. North America and Western Europe were identified as major contributors, with significant input from their institutions, researchers, and publications. The Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation emerged as the leading journal in this field, while Calabrò Rocco Salvatore was recognized as the most prolific author, focusing on the neurophysiological impacts of VR on patients with stroke. Keywords with notable citation bursts, such as ?environment,? ?trial,? ?arm,? and ?motor learning,? highlighted the core research themes in this domain. Conclusions: Our study provides valuable insights into the current research hotspots and emerging trends in VR-based stroke treatment and rehabilitation. Current research primarily focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of VR in improving upper limb function and balance in patients with stroke. Future directions are shifting towards integrating VR with rehabilitation techniques, such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, while advancements in VR technology continue to garner increasing attention. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e65993 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/65993 ID - info:doi/10.2196/65993 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Sutori, Sara AU - Eliasson, Therése Emma AU - Mura, Francesca AU - Ortiz, Victor AU - Catrambonephd, Vincenzo AU - Hadlaczky, Gergö AU - Todorov, Ivo AU - Alfeo, Luca Antonio AU - Cardi, Valentina AU - Cimino, A. Mario G. C. AU - Mioni, Giovanna AU - Raya, Alcañiz Mariano AU - Valenza, Gaetano AU - Carli, Vladimir AU - Gentili, Claudio PY - 2025/4/16 TI - Acceptability, Usability, and Insights Into Cybersickness Levels of a Novel Virtual Reality Environment for the Evaluation of Depressive Symptoms: Exploratory Observational Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e68132 VL - 9 KW - depression KW - virtual reality KW - assessment KW - acceptability KW - usability KW - cybersickness N2 - Background: There is a clear need for enhanced mental health assessment, depressive symptom (DS) evaluation being no exception. A promising approach to this aim is using virtual reality (VR), which entails the potential of adding a wider set of assessment domains with enhanced ecological validity. However, whilst several studies have used VR for both diagnostic and treatment purposes, its acceptance, in particular how exposure to virtual environments affects populations with psychiatric conditions remains unknown. Objective: This study aims to report on the acceptability, usability, and cybersickness levels of a pilot VR environment designed for the purpose of differentiating between individuals with DSs. Methods: The exploratory study, conducted in Italy, included 50 healthy controls and 50 young adults with mild-to-moderate DSs (without the need for a formal diagnosis). The study used an observational design with approximately 30 minutes of VR exposure followed by a self-report questionnaire battery. The battery included a questionnaire based on the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability, the System Usability Scale as well as the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire. Results: Results indicate that the majority found VR acceptable for the purposes of mental health screening and treatment. However, for diagnostics, there was a clear preference for VR to be used by mental health professionals as a supplementary tool, as opposed to a stand-alone solution. In practice, following exposure to the pilot VR environment, generally, good levels of acceptability and usability were reported, but areas in need of improvement were identified (such as self-efficacy). Self-reported cybersickness levels were comparable to literature averages but were considerably higher among those with DSs. Conclusions: These findings raise questions about the potential interplay between underlying somatic symptoms of depression and VR-induced cybersickness and call for more attention from the scientific community both in terms of methodology as well as potential clinical and theoretical implications. Conclusively, user support indicates a potential for VR to aid mental health assessment, but further research is needed to understand how exposure to virtual environments might affect populations with varying severity and other forms of psychiatric symptoms. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1186/ISRCTN16396369 UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e68132 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/68132 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/68132 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Recker, Kristin AU - Silliman, Julia AU - Gifford, Karolina AU - Patel, Parth AU - Santana, Lisgelia AU - Hildenbrand, K. Aimee AU - Palit, Shreela AU - Wasserman, Rachel PY - 2025/4/14 TI - Virtual Reality Respiratory Biofeedback in an Outpatient Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Program: Mixed Methods Pilot Study JO - JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol SP - e66352 VL - 12 KW - chronic pain KW - adolescents KW - feasibility KW - respiratory biofeedback KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - applied VR respiratory biofeedback KW - acceptability N2 - Background: Chronic pain in adolescents is a significant and growing concern, as it can have negative implications on physical and psychosocial development. Management can be complicated by the increasing risks associated with opioid misuse, highlighting the need for effective nonpharmacological interventions. Biofeedback is an empirically supported behavioral intervention for chronic pain that targets the self-regulation of physiological responses. Virtual reality (VR) is a novel delivery method for biofeedback that could serve as an engaging and effective platform for adolescents. Objective: The goal of this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of integrating a VR-delivered respiratory biofeedback intervention into an outpatient pediatric pain rehabilitation program (PPRP) for adolescents with chronic pain. Methods: In this pilot study, we recruited 9 participants from those enrolled in the PPRP at Nemours Children?s Hospital. Participants underwent 2 VR respiratory biofeedback sessions per week over a 4-week period using AppliedVR?s ?RelieVRx? program. Feasibility was defined as >60% of eligible patients enrolling with at least 80% of VR sessions completed. Acceptability was assessed via validated acceptability questionnaires, with high acceptability defined as an average acceptability rating score >3 on a 5-point Likert scale. Open-ended responses were analyzed via qualitative analysis. Preliminary effectiveness was assessed with questionnaires measuring the quality of life (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory [PedsQL]) and level of pain interference in daily activities (Functional Disability Inventory) before and after participation in the pain program. Finally, heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured before and after each VR session. Results: Of 14 eligible PPRP patients, 9 (64%) enrolled in the VR respiratory biofeedback study, and 7 (77% of study participants) completed at least 80% of biofeedback sessions. Participants reported high acceptability with average session ratings ranging from 3.89 to 4.16 on post-VR program questionnaires. Of 224 open-ended responses, participants reported changes in stress and somatic symptoms (ie, pain distraction and breathing regulation). There was a statistically significant increase in the average physical functioning score of the PedsQL among participants (P=.01) from pre- to postparticipation in the overall pain program. The cohort?s average emotional functioning score of the PedsQL also increased, though this change was not statistically significant (P=.17). Participants? Functional Disability Inventory scores significantly decreased from an average of 25.1 to 11 from before to after the pain program (P=.002). There were no significant differences between pre- versus post-BP or HR for any session. However, decreased BP and HR were observed across most sessions. Conclusions: AppliedVR respiratory biofeedback demonstrated initial feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness when implemented as part of a PRPP. This study underscores the need for future larger-scale studies analyzing the use of VR biofeedback in adolescent populations with chronic pain. UR - https://rehab.jmir.org/2025/1/e66352 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/66352 ID - info:doi/10.2196/66352 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Six, Stephanie AU - Schlesener, Elizabeth AU - Hill, Victoria AU - Babu, V. Sabarish AU - Byrne, Kaileigh PY - 2025/4/11 TI - Impact of Conversational and Animation Features of a Mental Health App Virtual Agent on Depressive Symptoms and User Experience Among College Students: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Ment Health SP - e67381 VL - 12 KW - depression KW - mental health app KW - virtual agents KW - cognitive behavioral therapy KW - conversational agents KW - virtual agent KW - animations KW - college student KW - CBT KW - ANOVA KW - randomized controlled trial KW - depressive symptoms KW - mental disorder KW - mental illness KW - user experience KW - mHealth KW - digital health N2 - Background: Numerous mental health apps purport to alleviate depressive symptoms. Strong evidence suggests that brief cognitive behavioral therapy (bCBT)-based mental health apps can decrease depressive symptoms, yet there is limited research elucidating the specific features that may augment its therapeutic benefits. One potential design feature that may influence effectiveness and user experience is the inclusion of virtual agents that can mimic realistic, human face-to-face interactions. Objective: The goal of the current experiment was to determine the effect of conversational and animation features of a virtual agent within a bCBT-based mental health app on depressive symptoms and user experience in college students with and without depressive symptoms. Methods: College students (N=209) completed a 2-week intervention in which they engaged with a bCBT-based mental health app with a customizable therapeutic virtual agent that varied in conversational and animation features. A 2 (time: baseline vs 2-week follow-up) × 2 (conversational vs non-conversational agent) × 2 (animated vs non-animated agent) randomized controlled trial was used to assess mental health symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-8, Perceived Stress Scale-10, and Response Rumination Scale questionnaires) and user experience (mHealth App Usability Questionnaire, MAUQ) in college students with and without current depressive symptoms. The mental health app usability and qualitative questions regarding users? perceptions of their therapeutic virtual agent interactions and customization process were assessed at follow-up. Results: Mixed ANOVA (analysis of variance) results demonstrated a significant decrease in symptoms of depression (P=.002; mean [SD]=5.5 [4.86] at follow-up vs mean [SD]=6.35 [4.71] at baseline), stress (P=.005; mean [SD]=15.91 [7.67] at follow-up vs mean [SD]=17.02 [6.81] at baseline), and rumination (P=.03; mean [SD]=40.42 [12.96] at follow-up vs mean [SD]=41.92 [13.61] at baseline); however, no significant effect of conversation or animation was observed. Findings also indicate a significant increase in user experience in animated conditions. This significant increase in animated conditions is also reflected in the user?s ease of use and satisfaction (F(1, 201)=102.60, P<.001), system information arrangement (F(1, 201)=123.12, P<.001), and usefulness of the application (F(1, 201)=3667.62, P<.001). Conclusions: The current experiment provides support for bCBT-based mental health apps featuring customizable, humanlike therapeutic virtual agents and their ability to significantly reduce negative symptomology over a brief timeframe. The app intervention reduced mental health symptoms, regardless of whether the agent included conversational or animation features, but animation features enhanced the user experience. These effects were observed in both users with and without depressive symptoms. Trial Registration: Open Science Framework B2HX5; https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/B2HX5 UR - https://mental.jmir.org/2025/1/e67381 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/67381 ID - info:doi/10.2196/67381 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Schuler, R. Kaitlyn AU - Ong, Triton AU - Welch, M. Brandon AU - Craggs, G. Jason AU - Bunnell, E. Brian PY - 2025/4/10 TI - Examining a Telemedicine-Based Virtual Reality Clinic in Treating Adults With Specific Phobia: Protocol for a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Efficacy Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e65770 VL - 14 KW - virtual reality KW - exposure therapy KW - phobias KW - telemedicine KW - telemental health KW - tele-VR KW - immersive simulations N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) has strong potential to enhance the effectiveness of telemental health care (TMH) by providing accessible, personalized treatment from home. While there is ample research supporting VR for in-person treatment, there is only preliminary data on the efficacy of telemedicine-based VR. Furthermore, the majority of VR apps used in therapy are not designed for mental health care. VR has the potential to enhance TMH through innovative technology solutions designed specifically for the enhancement of remotely delivered evidence-based practices. This feasibility randomized controlled efficacy trial aims to fill both of these gaps by piloting a novel telemedicine-based VR app (Doxy.me VR) equipped with animal phobia exposure stimuli. Objective: This is a feasibility randomized controlled efficacy trial comparing exposure therapy via a telemedicine-based VR clinic versus standard TMH with adults with an intense fear of dogs, snakes, or spiders. The primary objective is to assess the feasibility of a fully powered trial. The secondary objective is to conduct a preliminary examination of clinical outcomes (eg, specific phobia symptoms). Methods: This single-site trial will enroll a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 60 adults with self-reported fear of dogs, snakes, or spiders. Potential participants will be recruited through clinical trial and research recruitment websites and posting flyers. All self-report assessments and homework will be partially automated using REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture; Vanderbilt University) forms and surveys, but the baseline assessment of phobia symptoms and exposure intervention will be administered by the study therapist. Results: The feasibility of the proposed trial methodology will be assessed using enrollment, retention, assessment completion, and treatment protocol fidelity benchmarks. Between-group differences in specific phobia, anxiety, and depression symptoms while covarying for pretreatment scores, will be conducted using repeated measures ANOVA along with differences in therapeutic alliance and presence. Data obtained from these analyses will inform power analyses for a fully powered efficacy trial. In total, 54 participants were randomized between October 25, 2023, and July 26, 2024 (Doxy.me VR n=28 and TMH n=26). Data analysis will be completed and submitted by the end of the second quarter of 2025. Conclusions: This feasibility randomized controlled trial comparing Doxy.me VR versus TMH aims to enhance the delivery of evidence-based treatments via telemedicine and reduce barriers to remotely delivered exposure therapy. This feasibility trial will be followed by a fully powered efficacy trial on telemedicine-based VR for animal phobias. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06302868; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06302868 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/65770 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e65770 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/65770 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/65770 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Hess, W. Courtney AU - Rosenbloom, N. Brittany AU - Mesaroli, Giulia AU - Lopez, Cristal AU - Ngo, Nhat AU - Cohen, Estreya AU - Ouellette, Carley AU - Gold, I. Jeffrey AU - Logan, Deirdre AU - Simons, E. Laura AU - Stinson, N. Jennifer PY - 2025/4/7 TI - Extended Reality (XR) in Pediatric Acute and Chronic Pain: Systematic Review and Evidence Gap Map JO - JMIR Pediatr Parent SP - e63854 VL - 8 KW - virtual reality KW - augmented reality KW - extended reality KW - acute pain KW - chronic pain KW - pediatrics KW - adolescents KW - safety KW - feasibility KW - effectiveness KW - evidence gap map KW - child KW - children KW - VR KW - XR KW - biobehavioral KW - intervention KW - systematic review N2 - Background: The use of extended reality (XR), including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), for treating pain has accelerated in the last 10 years. XR is an attractive biobehavioral intervention that may support management of pain or pain-related disability. Reviews of the literature pertaining to adults report promising results, particularly for acute procedural pain. Objective: This study aimed to (1) summarize the available evidence with respect to feasibility, safety, and effectiveness (pain intensity) of XR for pediatric acute and chronic pain; (2) summarize assessment tools used to measure study outcomes; and (3) identify gaps in evidence to guide future research efforts. Methods: This study is a systematic review of the literature. Multiple databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO) were searched from inception until March 2023. Titles, abstracts, and full-text articles were reviewed by 2 team members to determine eligibility. Articles were included if the (1) participants were aged 0 to 18 years; (2) study intervention was VR or AR; (3) study outcomes included safety, feasibility, acceptability, or effectiveness on the outcome of pain; and (4) study design was observational or interventional. Data were collected on bibliographic information; study characteristics; XR characteristics; outcome domains; outcome measures; and study findings pertaining to safety, feasibility, and effectiveness. Results: We included 90 articles in the review. All included studies used VR, and 93% (84/90) studied VR in the context of acute pain. Of the 90 studies, 74 studies were randomized trials, and 15 studies were observational. Safety was assessed in 23 studies of acute pain, with 13 studies reporting no adverse events and 10 studies reporting events of low concern. Feasibility was assessed in 27 studies. Of the 84 studies of acute pain, 62% (52/84) reported a positive effect on pain intensity, 21% (18/84) reported no effect, and 13% (11/84) reported mixed effects. All 6 studies of chronic pain reported a positive effect on pain intensity. An evidence gap map was used to illuminate gaps in specific research areas stratified by subtypes of pain. Risk of bias assessment revealed 67 studies had a moderate risk of bias, 17 studies had a high risk, and 5 studies were deemed to be low risk. Conclusions: The current body of literature around XR for pediatric pain is focused on acute pain with promising results of safety and effectiveness on pain intensity. The literature pertaining to chronic pain lags behind, limiting our ability to draw conclusions. The risk of bias in studies is problematic in this field, with the inherent challenge of blinding participants and researchers to the intervention. Future research should aim to measure effectiveness beyond pain intensity with a consistent approach to measuring key outcome domains and measures. Current efforts are underway to establish expert consensus on best research practices in this field. Trial Registration: Prospero CRD42022307153; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42022307153 UR - https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2025/1/e63854 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/63854 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/63854 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Chen, Yuyin AU - Zhang, Yuanyuan AU - Long, Xiuhong AU - Tu, Huiqiong AU - Chen, Jibing PY - 2025/4/7 TI - Effectiveness of Virtual Reality?Complemented Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Lung Function, Exercise Capacity, Dyspnea, and Health Status in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e64742 VL - 27 KW - virtual reality KW - video games KW - exergaming KW - pulmonary rehabilitation KW - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease KW - lung function KW - exercise capacity KW - dyspnea KW - health status KW - randomized controlled trial KW - systematic review KW - meta-analysis N2 - Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory condition characterized by persistent airflow obstruction. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a cornerstone of COPD management but remains underutilized due to barriers such as low motivation and accessibility issues. Virtual reality (VR)?complemented PR offers a novel approach to overcoming these barriers by enhancing patient engagement and rehabilitation outcomes. Objective: This review aims to evaluate the effect of VR-complemented PR compared with comparators on lung function, exercise capacity, dyspnea, health status, and oxygenation in patients with COPD. Additionally, the study aimed to identify which comparator type (active exercise vs nonactive exercise control group) and intervention duration would result in the greatest improvements in rehabilitation outcomes. The study also assessed patient-reported experience measures, including acceptability and engagement. Methods: A comprehensive search of 11 international and Chinese databases identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to November 2024. Data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4, with pooled effect sizes reported as mean differences (MDs) and 95% CIs. Results: A total of 16 RCTs involving 1052 participants were included. VR-complemented PR significantly improved lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] [L], MD 0.25, P<.001; FEV1/forced vital capacity [FVC], MD 6.12, P<.001; FVC, MD 0.28, P<.001) compared with comparators. Exercise capacity, assessed by the 6MWD, significantly improved (MD 23.49, P<.001) compared with comparators; however, it did not reach the minimally clinically important difference of 26 m, indicating limited clinical significance despite statistical significance. VR-complemented PR also significantly reduced dyspnea measured by the modified British Medical Research Council scale (MD ?0.28, P<.001), improved health status measured by the COPD Assessment Test (MD ?2.95, P<.001), and enhanced oxygenation status measured by SpO2 (MD 1.35, P=.04) compared with comparators. Subgroup analyses revealed that VR-complemented PR had a significantly greater effect on FEV1 (L) (MD 0.32, P=.005) and 6MWD (MD 40.93, P<.001) compared with the nonactive exercise control group. Additionally, VR-complemented PR showed a greater improvement in FEV1/FVC (MD 6.15, P<.001) compared with the active exercise control group. Intervention duration influenced outcomes, with 5-12-week programs showing the greatest improvement in 6MWD (MD 38.96, P<.001). VR-complemented PR was well-accepted, with higher adherence and engagement rates than comparators. Conclusions: VR-complemented PR significantly improves lung function, exercise capacity, dyspnea, health status, and oxygenation in patients with COPD compared with comparators, while enhancing adherence and engagement. Subgroup analyses showed greater effects on FEV1 (L) and 6MWD compared with the nonactive exercise control group, and a larger improvement in FEV1/FVC compared with the active exercise control group. Interventions (5-12 weeks) yielded the most significant benefits in exercise capacity. These findings highlight VR as a promising adjunct to traditional PR, with future research focusing on long-term outcomes and standardized protocols. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e64742 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/64742 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/64742 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Huang, Jiaqi AU - Wei, Yixi AU - Zhou, Ping AU - He, Xiaokuo AU - Li, Hai AU - Wei, Xijun PY - 2025/4/4 TI - Effect of Home-Based Virtual Reality Training on Upper Extremity Recovery in Patients With Stroke: Systematic Review JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e69003 VL - 27 KW - stroke KW - upper extremity KW - virtual reality KW - home-based KW - rehabilitation KW - motor control KW - recovery N2 - Background: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, often resulting in upper extremity dysfunction. Traditional rehabilitation methods often face challenges such as limited patient access to resources and lack of sustained motivation. Home-based virtual reality (VR) training is gaining traction as an innovative, sustainable, and interactive alternative. However, the effect of home-based VR, specifically for upper extremity recovery in patients with stroke, remains insufficiently explored. Objective: This systematic review aims to synthesize existing evidence to evaluate the impact of home-based VR interventions on upper extremity function recovery in patients with stroke. Methods: This systematic review followed the guidelines of the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) Ultimate databases, targeting English-language randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to June 30, 2024. Eligible studies involved patients with stroke with upper extremity dysfunction who received home-based VR interventions. Data extraction was performed by 2 independent reviewers, and study quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcome measures, a narrative synthesis was performed instead of a meta-analysis. Results: A total of 8 RCTs with 392 participants were included. This review shows that home-based VR training positively affects upper extremity function recovery in patients with stroke, especially in motor control improvement. Customized VR systems were more effective than commercial VR systems in patients with moderate to severe disorders. Although studies generally showed positive results, differences in intervention protocols and small sample sizes limited the validity of results. The effect of VR therapy also varied based on the VR system type, intervention intensity, and the functional level of patients. Conclusions: This systematic review shows that home-based VR training has a positive impact on upper extremity rehabilitation for patients with stroke, particularly in those with varying degrees of dysfunction. However, heterogeneity in study design and differences in outcome measures affect the reliability of the current conclusions. Future studies should include larger, standardized RCTs with long-term follow-up to assess their continued effects. Future research should explore how VR technology can be integrated into comprehensive rehabilitation programs, focusing on patient-centered approaches that incorporate sustainable, personalized technology, and support services to optimize recovery outcomes. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42024526650; https://tinyurl.com/5dny5bhp UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e69003 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/69003 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40074365 ID - info:doi/10.2196/69003 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Hiley, Katherine AU - Bi-Mohammad, Zanib AU - Taylor, Luke AU - Burgess-Dawson, Rebecca AU - Patterson, Dominic AU - Puttick-Whiteman, Devon AU - Gay, Christopher AU - Hiscoe, Janette AU - Munsch, Chris AU - Richardson, Sally AU - Knowles-Lee, Mark AU - Beecham, Celia AU - Ralph, Neil AU - Chatterjee, Arunangsu AU - Mathew, Ryan AU - Mushtaq, Faisal PY - 2025/4/2 TI - Extended Reality?Enhanced Mental Health Consultation Training: Quantitative Evaluation Study JO - JMIR Med Educ SP - e64619 VL - 11 KW - mental health KW - training KW - consultation KW - extended reality KW - virtual reality KW - augmented reality N2 - Background: The use of extended reality (XR) technologies in health care can potentially address some of the significant resource and time constraints related to delivering training for health care professionals. While substantial progress in realizing this potential has been made across several domains, including surgery, anatomy, and rehabilitation, the implementation of XR in mental health training, where nuanced humanistic interactions are central, has lagged. Objective: Given the growing societal and health care service need for trained mental health and care workers, coupled with the heterogeneity of exposure during training and the shortage of placement opportunities, we explored the feasibility and utility of a novel XR tool for mental health consultation training. Specifically, we set out to evaluate a training simulation created through collaboration among software developers, clinicians, and learning technologists, in which users interact with a virtual patient, ?Stacey,? through a virtual reality or augmented reality head-mounted display. The tool was designed to provide trainee health care professionals with an immersive experience of a consultation with a patient presenting with perinatal mental health symptoms. Users verbally interacted with the patient, and a human instructor selected responses from a repository of prerecorded voice-acted clips. Methods: In a pilot experiment, we confirmed the face validity and usability of this platform for perinatal and primary care training with subject-matter experts. In our follow-up experiment, we delivered personalized 1-hour training sessions to 123 participants, comprising mental health nursing trainees, general practitioner doctors in training, and students in psychology and medicine. This phase involved a comprehensive evaluation focusing on usability, validity, and both cognitive and affective learning outcomes. Results: We found significant enhancements in learning metrics across all participant groups. Notably, there was a marked increase in understanding (P<.001) and motivation (P<.001), coupled with decreased anxiety related to mental health consultations (P<.001). There were also significant improvements to considerations toward careers in perinatal mental health (P<.001). Conclusions: Our findings show, for the first time, that XR can be used to provide an effective, standardized, and reproducible tool for trainees to develop their mental health consultation skills. We suggest that XR could provide a solution to overcoming the current resource challenges associated with equipping current and future health care professionals, which are likely to be exacerbated by workforce expansion plans. UR - https://mededu.jmir.org/2025/1/e64619 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/64619 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/64619 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Zisquit, ?Moreah AU - Shoa, Alon AU - Oliva, Ramon AU - Perry, Stav AU - Spanlang, Bernhard AU - Brunstein Klomek, Anat AU - Slater, Mel AU - Friedman, Doron PY - 2025/4/2 TI - AI-Enhanced Virtual Reality Self-Talk for Psychological Counseling: Formative Qualitative Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e67782 VL - 9 KW - virtual human KW - large language model KW - virtual reality KW - self-talk KW - psychotherapy KW - artificial intelligence KW - AI N2 - Background: Access to mental health services continues to pose a global challenge, with current services often unable to meet the growing demand. This has sparked interest in conversational artificial intelligence (AI) agents as potential solutions. Despite this, the development of a reliable virtual therapist remains challenging, and the feasibility of AI fulfilling this sensitive role is still uncertain. One promising approach involves using AI agents for psychological self-talk, particularly within virtual reality (VR) environments. Self-talk in VR allows externalizing self-conversation by enabling individuals to embody avatars representing themselves as both patient and counselor, thus enhancing cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities. However, participants sometimes experience difficulties progressing in sessions, which is where AI could offer guidance and support. Objective: This formative study aims to assess the challenges and advantages of integrating an AI agent into self-talk in VR for psychological counseling, focusing on user experience and the potential role of AI in supporting self-reflection, problem-solving, and positive behavioral change. Methods: We carried out an iterative design and development of a system and protocol integrating large language models (LLMs) within VR self-talk during the first two and a half years. The design process addressed user interface, speech-to-text functionalities, fine-tuning the LLMs, and prompt engineering. Upon completion of the design process, we conducted a 3-month long exploratory qualitative study in which 11 healthy participants completed a session that included identifying a problem they wanted to address, attempting to address this problem using self-talk in VR, and then continuing self-talk in VR but this time with the assistance of an LLM-based virtual human. The sessions were carried out with a trained clinical psychologist and followed by semistructured interviews. We used applied thematic analysis after the interviews to code and develop key themes for the participants that addressed our research objective. Results: In total, 4 themes were identified regarding the quality of advice, the potential advantages of human-AI collaboration in self-help, the believability of the virtual human, and user preferences for avatars in the scenario. The participants rated their desire to engage in additional such sessions at 8.3 out of 10, and more than half of the respondents indicated that they preferred using VR self-talk with AI rather than without it. On average, the usefulness of the session was rated 6.9 (SD 0.54), and the degree to which it helped solve their problem was rated 6.1 (SD 1.58). Participants specifically noted that human-AI collaboration led to improved outcomes and facilitated more positive thought processes, thereby enhancing self-reflection and problem-solving abilities. Conclusions: This exploratory study suggests that the VR self-talk paradigm can be enhanced by LLM-based agents and presents the ways to achieve this, potential pitfalls, and additional insights. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e67782 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/67782 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/67782 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Hong, Seojin AU - Choi, Hyun AU - Kweon, Hyosun PY - 2025/4/1 TI - Medical Device Based on a Virtual Reality?Based Upper Limb Rehabilitation Software: Usability Evaluation Through Cognitive Walkthrough JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e68149 VL - 9 KW - usability KW - cognitive walkthrough KW - virtual reality-based upper limb rehabilitation software KW - upper limb KW - limb rehabilitation KW - rehabilitation KW - therapist KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - medical device KW - formative evaluation KW - quantitative KW - qualitative KW - occupational therapy KW - user safety KW - usability testing KW - software KW - risk factor N2 - Background: The use of virtual reality (VR) technology in rehabilitation therapy has been growing, leading to the development of VR-based upper-limb rehabilitation softwares. To ensure the effective use of such software, usability evaluations are critical to enhance user satisfaction and identify potential usability issues. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the usability of a VR-based upper-limb rehabilitation software from the perspective of occupational therapists. Specifically, the study seeks to identify usability challenges and provide insights to improve user satisfaction. Methods: The VR-based upper-limb rehabilitation software was tailored for therapists to operate while delivering therapy to patients. Usability testing was conducted with occupational therapists from the Korean National Rehabilitation Center using cognitive walkthroughs and surveys. Participants performed tasks that simulated real clinical scenarios, including turning the device on, assisting patients with wearing the device, and shutting it down. Observers recorded user reactions during task performance, and participants completed surveys to assess the ease of use of the user interface. This mixed-methods approach provided qualitative insights into user difficulties and their root causes. Results: Usability evaluations were conducted with 6 participants. Cognitive walkthroughs revealed potential areas for improvement in the software, including (1) enhancements to the graphical user interface for ease of use, (2) refinements in the natural user interface, and (3) better user manuals for clearer product instructions. The ease-of-use score for the user interface averaged 1.58 on a 5-point scale (1=very easy to 5=very difficult). Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into improving user satisfaction by focusing on the needs of occupational therapists who operate a VR-based rehabilitation software. Future research should explore software refinement and clinical efficacy to maximize the therapeutic potential of such technologies. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e68149 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/68149 ID - info:doi/10.2196/68149 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Boots, Brenden AU - Berg, Daniel AU - Hewitt, Easton AU - Naugle, Keith AU - Naugle, Kelly PY - 2025/4/1 TI - Physical Activity and Enjoyment in Active Virtual Reality Games in Youth: Comparative Analysis of Gorilla Tag and Beat Saber JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e66593 VL - 13 KW - active gaming KW - movement KW - Gorilla Tag KW - Beat Saber KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - physical activity KW - youth KW - early adolescents KW - young adults KW - gaming KW - heart rate KW - exergame KW - enjoyment N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) active gaming is growing in popularity, but little is known about physical activity during gameplay. Two popular VR games are Gorilla Tag (Another Axiom Inc) and Beat Saber (Beat Games). Little is known about physical activity during these games in youth. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the enjoyment, intensity, and amount of physical activity while playing Gorilla Tag and Beat Saber in early adolescent youth. Methods: Sixteen participants, 13 males and 3 females with an average age of 10.7 (SD 0.34) years, played 2 VR games (Gorilla Tag and Beat Saber) in a single session. Both games followed the same procedure: a maximum of 10-minute familiarization period, 5 minutes of rest, 15 minutes of gameplay, and 10 minutes of rest. Participants wore a heart rate monitor to track heart rate reserve (%HRR) and accelerometers on the wrist and waist to monitor time in sedentary activity, light physical activity, and moderate to vigorous physical activity of the arm and whole body. The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale?Child Version (PACES) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were completed after each game. Dependent t tests compared measures between games. Results: The results revealed that average and maximum %HRR were significantly higher during Gorilla Tag than during Beat Saber, with heart rate?based physical activity intensity reaching light for Beat Saber and moderate for Gorilla Tag. Arm moderate to vigorous physical activity and whole-body moderate to vigorous physical activity and light physical activity were greater during Gorilla Tag than during Beat Saber. Arm and whole-body sedentary time were significantly lower during Gorilla Tag than during Beat Saber. Gorilla Tag and Beat Saber were rated as highly enjoyable. There were no differences between games for maximum (P=.352) or average (P=.362) RPE. Both games were rated as light intensity for average RPE (Gorilla Tag: mean 4.3, SD 1.9; Beat Saber: mean 4.7, SD 2.3) and moderate intensity for maximum RPE (Gorilla Tag: mean 5.4, SD 1.9; Beat Saber: mean 5.8, SD 2.4). Conclusions: These results suggest that Beat Saber produced light-intensity physical activity and Gorilla Tag produced light- to moderate-intensity physical activity in early adolescent youth, with both games rated as highly enjoyable. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e66593 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/66593 ID - info:doi/10.2196/66593 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Spark, Jessica AU - Rowe, Elise AU - Alvarez-Jimenez, Mario AU - Bell, Imogen AU - Byrne, Linda AU - Dzafic, Ilvana AU - Ellinghaus, Carli AU - Lavoie, Suzie AU - Lum, Jarrad AU - McLean, Brooke AU - Thomas, Neil AU - Thompson, Andrew AU - Wadley, Greg AU - Whitford, Thomas AU - Wood, Stephen AU - Yuen, Pan Hok AU - Nelson, Barnaby PY - 2025/4/1 TI - Integrating Virtual Reality, Neurofeedback, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Auditory Verbal Hallucinations (Hybrid): Protocol of a Pilot, Unblinded, Single-Arm Interventional Study JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e63405 VL - 14 KW - psychosis KW - first episode psychosis KW - schizophrenia KW - virtual reality KW - neurofeedback KW - EEG KW - auditory verbal hallucinations KW - voices KW - cognitive behavior therapy KW - youth mental health KW - pilot study KW - paracusias KW - paracusis KW - treatment KW - medication KW - psychotic disorder KW - efficacy KW - neuroscience KW - psychology KW - hybrid KW - adolescent KW - Australia N2 - Background: Current treatments for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders have limited efficacy, with high rates of nonresponse to ?gold standard? treatments. New approaches are therefore urgently required. Objective: The aims of this pilot study are to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and usability of Hybrid treatment (primary aim); and to explore Hybrid?s treatment efficacy and engagement of treatment targets (secondary aim). The primary aim will be assessed via face-to-face user experience surveys on a (self-assessed) 5-point Likert scale (and qualitative open-ended questions) examining: (1) acceptability, (2) helpfulness, (3) engagement, and (4) perceived safety. We will also examine consent and completion rates, and the number of sessions attended. Our threshold for moving on to efficacy trials will be at least 70% of our participants to rate 3 and above (which corresponds to agree or strongly agree) that the intervention package was acceptable, feasible, and safe. The secondary aims will be assessed by observing whether individuals achieve self-directed modulation of high-? neurophysiological activity (neural target) and progression upwards through the VR-based exposure hierarchy (psychological target), and by assessing symptom change scores. This study developed a new treatment approach for auditory verbal hallucinations, a major symptom of psychotic disorders, that integrates advances in psychological therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis), technology (virtual reality, VR), and neuroscience (electroencephalography-based neurofeedback). Methods: Hybrid takes a ?symptom capture? approach using individually tailored VR-based exposure exercises. Participants (N=10) will receive the intervention package weekly over 12 face-to-face sessions. Here, participants will be progressively exposed to symptom triggers and develop methods of downregulating neural activity associated with these symptoms (neurofeedback component) while concurrently receiving clinician-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis. Results: As of February 2025, Hybrid has commenced (unblinded) recruitment activities from Orygen clinical services in Northwestern Melbourne, Australia. A total of 75 individuals have been approached and 64 individuals have been prescreened (41 individuals were deemed eligible, 15 individuals were ineligible, and 8 individuals declined or did not respond to contact attempts) and 5 individuals have been included in the study. Of the 5 individuals who have commenced the Hybrid treatment, 4 are actively engaged in the program and 1 individual has withdrawn. We expect recruitment to conclude in July 2025 and for the results to be published in 2026. Conclusions: The Hybrid study is piloting a novel approach that has the potential to address the shortcomings of current treatments for psychotic symptoms. If there is favorable evidence for the acceptability, feasibility, safety and usability of Hybrid, the study team will move on to efficacy trials. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12624000357550; https://tinyurl.com/24ey8hpy International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/63405 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e63405 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/63405 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/63405 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Liszio, Stefan AU - Bäuerlein, Franziska AU - Hildebrand, Jens AU - van Nahl, Carolin AU - Masuch, Maic AU - Basu, Oliver PY - 2025/3/31 TI - Cooperative Virtual Reality Gaming for Anxiety and Pain Reduction in Pediatric Patients and Their Caregivers During Painful Medical Procedures: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e63098 VL - 14 KW - virtual reality KW - extended reality KW - mixed reality KW - serious game KW - video game KW - pain KW - anxiety KW - stress KW - child KW - caregiver KW - patient experience KW - well-being KW - medical procedures KW - punctures KW - distraction KW - intervention N2 - Background: The hospital experience is often marked by fear and pain, particularly for children undergoing medical procedures. Sedation is commonly used to alleviate patient anxiety, but it poses additional health risks. Caregivers, usually the parents, also experience emotional distress during the child?s hospital stay, which can further exacerbate the child?s anxiety and pain. While various interventions exist to ease patient distress, few consider the emotional well-being of caregivers. Objective: This study aims to explore the effectiveness of a cooperative virtual reality (VR) game as a novel nonpharmacological solution to reduce anxiety and pain for both pediatric patients and their caregivers during medical procedures. Specifically, we aim to investigate whether the VR game ?Sweet Dive VR? (SDVR), designed for children aged between 6 and 12 years to play with 1 caregiver, can alleviate anxiety and pain during different types of needle punctures and Kirschner-wire removal. Methods: A prospective multicenter randomized clinical trial will be conducted. Eligible participants will be identified by scanning the hospital information system, and group allocation will follow stratified randomization. During the medical procedure, patients in the VR condition will play SDVR with a caregiver present, while patients in the control group will listen to a recording of gently crashing waves. Data collection will be carried out through self-reports of patients and caregivers using visual analog scales and questionnaires at 2 measurement time points: before and after the intervention. In addition, observation by the interviewers will occur during the intervention to capture emotional and pain reactions as well as interaction quality between patients and caregivers and smoothness of the procedure flow using a structured observation protocol. The measured variables will encompass patient affect and pain, caregiver affect, player experience, patient experience, and the flow of the procedure. Results: As of November 2024, we enrolled 39 patients and caregivers, 28 of whom completed the study. Data collection is still ongoing. Conclusions: Cooperative VR gaming, as exemplified by SDVR, emerges as a promising intervention to address anxiety and pain in pediatric patients while involving caregivers to support the emotional well-being of both parties. Our approach strives to foster positive shared experiences and to maintain trust between children and caregivers during emotionally challenging medical situations. Trial Registration: German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS) DRKS00033544; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00033544 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/63098 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e63098 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/63098 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/63098 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Huang, Kuo-Ting AU - Ma, Zexin AU - Yao, Lan PY - 2025/3/31 TI - Media-Induced and Psychological Factors That Foster Empathy Through Virtual Reality in Nursing Education: 2×2 Between-Subjects Experimental Study JO - JMIR Med Educ SP - e59083 VL - 11 KW - nursing education KW - narrative transportation KW - presence KW - virtual reality KW - game-based learning KW - affective empathy N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool in medical education, particularly for fostering critical skills such as empathy. However, how VR, combined with perspective-taking, influences affective empathy in nursing education remains underexplored. Objective: This study investigates the influence of VR and perspective-taking on affective empathy in nursing education, focusing on 4 psychological factors: perceived self-location, narrative transportation, emotional engagement, and affective empathy. Methods: A 2×2 between-subjects design was used, involving 69 nursing undergraduates from two Midwest universities. The participants engaged with a narrative-focused video game, That Dragon, Cancer, in either VR or non-VR conditions and from the perspective of either parents or clinicians. Results: VR significantly enhanced perceived self-location (P=.01), while adopting a clinician?s perspective amplified emotional engagement (P=.03). However, VR did not significantly influence narrative transportation (P=.35). An interaction effect was found between the platform and player?s perspective on narrative transportation (P=.04). Several indirect effects of media elements on affective empathy were observed via other psychological factors, though the direct effect of VR on affective empathy was not significant (P=.84). Conclusions: These findings underscore the potential of VR in medical education, suggesting that perspective-taking should be carefully considered when designing immersive learning experiences. The study advocates for broader integration of VR technologies into medical curricula to enhance instruction quality and patient-centered care. UR - https://mededu.jmir.org/2025/1/e59083 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/59083 ID - info:doi/10.2196/59083 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Hewko, Mark AU - Gagnon Shaigetz, Vincent AU - Smith, S. Michael AU - Kohlenberg, Elicia AU - Ahmadi, Pooria AU - Hernandez Hernandez, Elena Maria AU - Proulx, Catherine AU - Cabral, Anne AU - Segado, Melanie AU - Chakrabarty, Trisha AU - Choudhury, Nusrat PY - 2025/3/31 TI - Considering Theory-Based Gamification in the Co-Design and Development of a Virtual Reality Cognitive Remediation Intervention for Depression (bWell-D): Mixed Methods Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e59514 VL - 13 KW - virtual reality KW - clinical psychology KW - cognitive assessment KW - neuropsychology KW - mental health KW - cognitive training KW - cognitive remediation KW - cognitive rehabilitation KW - digital therapeutics N2 - Background: In collaboration with clinical domain experts, we developed a prototype of immersive virtual reality (VR) cognitive remediation for major depressive disorder (bWell-D). In the development of a new digital intervention, there is a need to determine the effective components and clinical relevance using systematic methodologies. From an implementation perspective, the effectiveness of digital intervention delivery is challenged by low uptake and high noncompliance rates. Gamification may play a role in addressing this as it can boost adherence. However, careful consideration is required in its application to promote user motivation intrinsically. Objective: We aimed to address these challenges through an iterative process for development that involves co-design for developing content as well as in the application of gamification while also taking into consideration behavior change theories. This effort followed the methodological framework guidelines outlined by an international working group for development of VR therapies. Methods: In previously reported work, we collected qualitative data from patients and care providers to understand end-user perceptions on the use of VR technologies for cognitive remediation, reveal insights on the drivers for behavior change, and obtain suggestions for changes specific to the VR program. In this study, we translated these findings into concrete representative software functionalities or features and evaluated them against behavioral theories to characterize gamification elements in terms of factors that drive behavior change and intrinsic engagement, which is of particular importance in the context of cognitive remediation. The implemented changes were formally evaluated through user trials. Results: The results indicated that feedback from end users centered on using gamification to add artificial challenges, personalization and customization options, and artificial assistance while focusing on capability as the behavior change driver. It was also found that, in terms of promoting intrinsic engagement, the need to meet competence was most frequently raised. In user trials, bWell-D was well tolerated, and preliminary results suggested an increase in user experience ratings with high engagement reported throughout a 4-week training program. Conclusions: In this paper, we present a process for the application of gamification that includes characterizing what was applied in a standardized way and identifying the underlying mechanisms that are targeted. Typical gamification elements such as points and scoring and rewards and prizes target motivation in an extrinsic fashion. In this work, it was found that modifications suggested by end users resulted in the inclusion of gamification elements less commonly observed and that tend to focus more on individual ability. It was found that the incorporation of end-user feedback can lead to the application of gamification in broader ways, with the identification of elements that are potentially better suited for mental health domains. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e59514 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/59514 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/59514 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Sheehy, Lisa AU - Taillon-Hobson, Anne AU - Sveistrup, Heidi AU - Bilodeau, Martin AU - Yang, Christine AU - Welch, Vivian AU - Finestone, Hillel PY - 2025/3/28 TI - Home-Based Nonimmersive Virtual Reality Training After Discharge From Inpatient or Outpatient Stroke Rehabilitation: Parallel Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol SP - e64729 VL - 12 KW - virtual reality KW - telerehabilitation KW - stroke KW - home KW - exercises KW - physical activity KW - physiotherapy KW - exergames KW - rehabilitation intensity KW - randomized controlled feasibility trial KW - motor KW - movement KW - patient care KW - patient engagement KW - health intervention KW - stroke rehabilitation KW - interactive games KW - game therapy KW - interactive therapy KW - rehabilitation N2 - Background: Nonimmersive virtual reality training (NIVRT) can be used to continue rehabilitative exercise for stroke recovery at home after discharge from inpatient or outpatient therapy. Objective: The objectives of this randomized controlled feasibility trial were to assess home-based NIVRT as telerehabilitation with patients living with stroke, and its potential to improve standing function and gait. Methods: Patients approaching discharge from inpatient or outpatient stroke rehabilitation were randomly allocated to NIVRT or iPad interventions. NIVRT provided interactive games and exercises designed to improve balance, stepping, and aerobic capacity. iPad apps addressed cognition and fine motor skills. Participants were visited in their homes by a physiotherapist, taught to use the program, and asked to do 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week for 6 weeks, asynchronously. Feasibility was assessed by measuring recruitment, adherence, ability to set up and learn NIVRT, enjoyment, intent to continue, perception of impact, and safety. Participants completed assessments of standing balance, gait, and general function, before and after the intervention, by a blinded assessor. Results: NIVRT participants (n=11; 10 male participants; mean age 64, SD 12 years) did an average of 26 sessions (total 700 minutes), while iPad participants (n=9; 6 male participants; mean age 61, SD 20 years) did an average of 33 sessions (total 1241 minutes). Space was tight in 5 homes. All but 1 participant learned NIVRT and progressed. Most enjoyed it and felt that it improved their recovery. There were no serious adverse events. Most assessments showed improvement over time for both groups. Conclusions: Home-based NIVRT is safe and feasible to continue rehabilitative exercise after discharge. More research on efficacy and effectiveness in this population is required. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03261713; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03261713 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1186/s13063-019-3438-9 UR - https://rehab.jmir.org/2025/1/e64729 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/64729 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/64729 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Sermsinsaithong, Natsinee AU - Yuenyongchaiwat, Kornanong AU - Thanawattano, Chusak AU - Buekban, Chatchai AU - Kulchanarat, Chitima AU - Buranapuntalug, Sasipa AU - Wattanananont, Khanistha AU - Satdhabudha, Opas PY - 2025/3/28 TI - Effects of a Home-Based Rehabilitation Exercise Program on Cardiorespiratory Performance in Community-Dwelling Adults Who Underwent Heart Surgery: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol SP - e68504 VL - 12 KW - virtual reality KW - cardiac surgery KW - cardiac rehabilitation KW - cardiopulmonary KW - aerobic exercise N2 - Background: Patients undergoing heart surgery demonstrate impaired cardiorespiratory performance. Phase II cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in people undergoing open heart surgery (OHS) aims to reduce the adverse physical effects of cardiovascular diseases. Virtual reality (VR) exercise is now used in CR. Objective: This study aimed to explore the effects of VR exercise on functional capacity, pulmonary function, and respiratory muscle strength in patients who underwent OHS and were in phase II CR. Methods: Forty-nine patients who underwent elective OHS and were in phase II CR were randomized into a VR group (N=24) and a control group (N=25). The VR group completed 8 weeks of a home-based VR exercise program, including chest trunk mobilization and aerobic circuit training for 30 minutes, whereas the control group received an exercise brochure and information regarding the benefits of exercise. Intention-to-treat analysis was conducted, and 2-way mixed ANOVA was performed to compare between- and within-group differences in functional capacity and respiratory performance. Results: After completing the 8-week program, the VR group showed significant improvement in functional capacity compared to the control group (66.29, SD 25.84 m; P=.01). Inspiratory muscle strength increased in both the VR and control groups compared to baseline (9.46, SD 2.85 and 9.64, SD 2.78 cm H2O, respectively). In addition, after the 8-week intervention, significant improvements were found in expiratory muscle strength (15.79, SD 4.65 cm H2O) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second as a percentage of predicted values (2.96%, SD 1.52%) in the VR group compared to the baseline session. Conclusions: The home-based VR exercise program significantly improved functional capacity but not respiratory muscle or pulmonary function. Trial Registration: Thai Clinical Trial Registry TCTR20230602001; https://tinyurl.com/3xn44bku UR - https://rehab.jmir.org/2025/1/e68504 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/68504 ID - info:doi/10.2196/68504 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Martín-Valero, Rocío AU - Vega-Morales Sr, Alejandro AU - Martín-Vega, Javier Francisco AU - Rodriguez-Huguet, Manuel AU - Rodríguez-Martínez, Carmen Maria AU - Vinolo-Gil, Jesus Maria PY - 2025/3/27 TI - Effectiveness of Augmented Reality in the Teaching of Health University Students: Quasi-Experimental Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e54312 VL - 13 KW - augmented reality KW - qualifications KW - usability KW - university KW - teaching KW - education KW - implementation KW - academic performance KW - quasi-experimental design KW - control group KW - applications KW - experimental group N2 - Background: The exponential growth of new technologies has resulted in the need for updating the field of education. From the educational point of view, there are some studies that have promoted the implementation of new technologies. These facts have raised the need to implement augmented reality in the university environment, especially among students of health sciences. The use of augmented reality can mean a new approach to teaching by teachers and better learning by students. Objective: We aimed to analyze the degree of usability of two augmented reality applications and to compare the academic performance between the control group and the experimental group at the Universities of Cádiz and Málaga. The students at the University of Málaga used the Zapworks augmented reality software, while those at the University of Cádiz used the Aumentaty augmented reality software for their respective experimental groups. The secondary objective was to measure the relationships between all the studied variables. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental design with a posttest as the only evaluation measure. We followed the SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials) statement and the ethical and legal aspects of the Principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. An intervention was carried out using two augmented reality applications on the subject of General Procedures in Physiotherapy II at the Universities of Málaga and Cádiz. Results: A total of 199 participants took part in the study. Demographic variables, ratings, and usability were assessed, followed by statistical analysis, with the results and their interpretation being described in the study. Significant differences (P<.001) were found in the ratings at both the universities. In addition, significant differences (P<.001) were found between the experimental group and the control group. Regarding the degree of usability in the univariate analysis, no significant differences were found (P=.049). A multiple regression analysis of the rating and usability was performed. The rating showed significant differences, with a beta of 1.4 (P<.001), and usability was also significant (P=.03) in favor of the Aumentaty group. Conclusions: Significant differences were observed in those who used augmented reality compared to the control group, with higher values observed in the University of Cádiz. There are no correlations between the variables of usability and qualifications. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05798468; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05798468 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e54312 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/54312 ID - info:doi/10.2196/54312 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Wang, Chenxi AU - Gao, Lanqi AU - Zhang, Chuan AU - Li, Jun AU - Liu, Jixin PY - 2025/3/19 TI - Neurobiological Mechanisms of Enhanced Pain-Relieving Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation via Visuo-Tactile Stimulation in Immersive Virtual Reality: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e63137 VL - 27 KW - pain KW - pain-relieving KW - transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation KW - virtual reality KW - electroencephalography N2 - Background: Enhancing the effectiveness of current pain relief strategies is a persistent clinical challenge. Although transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is used in various painful conditions, its effectiveness may decline over time, requiring additional pain management strategies. Immersive virtual reality (VR) with personalized visuo-tactile stimulation has demonstrated analgesic properties. Nevertheless, whether visuo-tactile stimulation can enhance the pain-relieving outcomes of TENS and its underlying neurophysiological mechanisms remains largely unknown. Objective: The study aims to investigate whether the integration of visuo-tactile stimulation with TENS can enhance the pain-relieving outcomes of TENS alone, and we also aim to explore the brain mechanisms underlying the analgesic effect of this integrated intervention. Methods: In this study, 75 healthy participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: congruent TENS-VR (TENS-ConVR) and 2 control groups (incongruent TENS-VR [TENS-InVR] and TENS alone). In the context of TENS-ConVR, we combined TENS and VR by connecting TENS-induced paresthesia with personalized visual bodily feedback. The visual feedback was designed to align with the spatiotemporal patterns of the paresthesia induced by TENS. A pain rating task and a 32-channel electroencephalography were applied. Results: Two-way ANOVAs showed that TENS-ConVR exhibited a statistically greater reduction in pain rating (F1,48=6.84; P=.01) and N2 amplitude (F1,48=5.69; P=.02) to high-intensity pain stimuli before and after stimulation than TENS alone. The reduction of brain activity was stronger in participants who reported stronger pain-relieving outcomes. TENS-ConVR reduced the brain oscillation in the gamma band, whereas this result was not found in TENS alone. Conclusions: This study observed that combining TENS and visual stimulation in a single solution could enhance the pain-relieving effect of TENS, which has the potential to improve the effectiveness of current pain management treatments. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2500098834; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojEN.html?proj=254171 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e63137 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/63137 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/63137 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Fleet, Andrew AU - Kaustov, Lilia AU - Belfiore, BR Elio AU - Kapralos, Bill AU - Matava, Clyde AU - Wiegelmann, Julian AU - Giacobbe, Peter AU - Alam, Fahad PY - 2025/3/11 TI - Current Clinical and Educational Uses of Immersive Reality in Anesthesia: Narrative Review JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e62785 VL - 27 KW - virtual reality KW - augmented reality KW - mixed reality KW - anesthesia KW - immersive reality KW - medical education KW - artificial intelligence N2 - Background: The concept of immersive reality (IR), an umbrella term that encompasses virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality, has been established within the health care realm as a potentially valuable tool with numerous applications in both medical education and patient care. Objective: This review aimed to introduce anesthesiologists to the emerging and rapidly evolving literature on IR, its use in anesthesia education, and its transferability into the clinical context. Methods: A review of the relevant literature was conducted using the PubMed database from inception to July 5, 2023. Additional references were identified from the reference lists of selected papers. Results: A total of 51 papers related to the use of IR in anesthesia medical education (including both technical and nontechnical skills) and 63 papers related to applications in clinical practice (eg, preprocedure planning, patient education, and pain management) were included. We present evidence supporting the use of IR in the training and clinical practice of modern anesthesiologists. Conclusions: IR is useful for a variety of applications in anesthesia medical education and has potential advantages over existing simulation approaches. Similarly, IR has demonstrated potential improvements in patient care across several clinical contexts relevant to practicing anesthesiologists. However, many applications remain in the early stages of development, and robust trials are urgently needed to confirm clinical or educational effectiveness and to assess mechanisms, educational validity, and cost-effectiveness. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e62785 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/62785 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/62785 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Luo, Ziyue AU - Deng, Sisi AU - Zhou, Ruihao AU - Ye, Ling AU - Zhu, Tao AU - Chen, Guo PY - 2025/3/10 TI - Comparative Efficacy of Video Games Versus Midazolam in Reducing Perioperative Anxiety in Pediatric Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e67007 VL - 13 KW - video games KW - midazolam KW - perioperative period KW - anxiety KW - meta-analysis KW - pediatric patients N2 - Background: Pediatric patients undergoing surgery frequently experience significant anxiety, which can result in adverse effects such as prolonged sedation and behavioral changes associated with pharmacological interventions such as oral midazolam. Video games offer a nonpharmacological distraction method that shows promise in alleviating procedural anxiety without significant adverse effects. However, the effectiveness of video games compared to midazolam in managing perioperative anxiety remains uncertain. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of video game interventions in reducing perioperative anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing general anesthesia. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, supplemented by reference screening. Primary outcomes included anxiety levels assessed during parent separation and mask induction procedures, while secondary outcomes encompassed emergence delirium, postoperative behavior, and length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 scale. Data were synthesized descriptively and through meta-analysis, with the certainty of the evidence evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Results: Six randomized controlled trials involving 612 participants were included in the analysis. Children who participated in video game interventions reported significantly lower anxiety levels during parent separation (standardized mean difference, SMD ?0.31, 95% CI ?0.50 to ?0.12; P=.001), with high certainty, and during mask induction (SMD ?0.29, 95% CI ?0.52 to ?0.05; P=.02), with moderate certainty, compared to those receiving oral midazolam. Additionally, significant differences in postoperative behavior changes in children were observed compared to oral midazolam (SMD ?0.35, 95% CI ?0.62 to ?0.09; P=.008). Children in the video game intervention groups also had a shorter length of stay in the PACU (mean difference, MD ?19.43 min, 95% CI ?31.71 to ?7.16; P=.002). However, no significant differences were found in emergence delirium (MD ?2.01, 95% CI ?4.62 to 0.59; P=.13). Conclusions: Video game interventions were more effective than midazolam in reducing perioperative anxiety among pediatric patients, improving postoperative behavior, and shortening the length of stay in the PACU. However, video games alone did not outperform midazolam in managing emergence delirium. Further high-quality research is needed for more conclusive results. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42023486085; https://tinyurl.com/yc3suavb UR - https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e67007 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/67007 ID - info:doi/10.2196/67007 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Pallavicini, Federica AU - Orena, Eleonora AU - Arnoldi, Lisa AU - Achille, Federica AU - Stefanini, Stefano AU - Cassa, Maddalena AU - Pepe, Alessandro AU - Veronese, Guido AU - Bernardelli, Luca AU - Sforza, Francesca AU - Fascendini, Sara AU - Defanti, Alberto Carlo AU - Gemma, Marco AU - Clerici, Massimo AU - Riva, Giuseppe AU - Mantovani, Fabrizia PY - 2025/3/6 TI - Effects and Acceptability of a 1-Week Home-Based Virtual Reality Training for Supporting the Management of Stress and Anxiety: Randomized Pilot Trial JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e50326 VL - 13 KW - virtual reality KW - relaxation KW - anxiety KW - depression KW - emotions KW - health care professionals KW - health care workers KW - hospital KW - randomized clinicial trial KW - hospitals N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) is helpful for the management of stress and anxiety. However, current interventions have limitations related to location (ie, therapist?s office or hospitals) and content (ie, virtual experiences only for relaxation). Objective: This randomized pilot trial aims to investigate the efficacy and acceptability of a brief remote VR-based training for supporting stress and anxiety management in a sample of Italian health care workers. Methods: A total of 29 doctors and nurses (n=21; 72% female; mean age 35.6, SD 10.3 years) were recruited and randomized to a VR intervention group or a control group in a passive control condition. Participants assigned to the VR intervention group received remote VR-based training consisting of 3 sessions at home delivered in 1 week using the VR psychoeducational experience ?MIND-VR? and the 360° relaxing video ?The Secret Garden.? The primary outcome measures were stress, anxiety, depression, and the knowledge of stress and anxiety assessed at baseline and posttreatment. We also evaluated the immediate effect of the remote VR-based training sessions on the perceived state of anxiety and negative and positive emotions. The secondary outcome measure was the usability at home of the VR system and content. Results: The VR intervention significantly reduced stress levels as assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale (6.46, 95% CI 2.77 to 10.5; P=.046) and increased the knowledge of stress and anxiety, as evaluated by the ad hoc questionnaire adopted (?2.09, 95% CI ?3.86 to ?0.529; P=.046). However, the home-based VR training did not yield similar reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression levels as assessed by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 items or in trait anxiety as evaluated through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y-1. After the home training sessions with VR, there was a significant decrease in anxiety, anger, and sadness and an increase in happiness levels. Analyses of the questionnaires on usability indicated that the health care workers found using the VR system at home easy and without adverse effects related to cybersickness. Of 33 participants, 29 (88%) adhered to the protocol. Conclusions: The results of this randomized pilot study suggest that a week-long home VR intervention, created with content created specifically for this purpose and available free of charge, can help individuals manage stress and anxiety, encouraging further research investigating the potential of remote VR interventions to support mental health. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04611399; https://tinyurl.com/scxunprd UR - https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e50326 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/50326 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40053782 ID - info:doi/10.2196/50326 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Miranda, Macedo Juliana AU - Browne, Vieira Rodrigo Alberto AU - da Silva, Alves Weslley Quirino AU - Rodrigues dos Santos, Paulo João AU - Campbell, Grubert Carmen Silvia AU - Ramos, Almeida Isabela PY - 2025/3/5 TI - Effects of a Session of Exergames and Traditional Games on Inhibitory Control in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e65562 VL - 13 KW - children KW - pediatric KW - autism KW - ASD, autistic KW - behavior KW - exergame KW - physical education KW - exercise KW - physical activity KW - cognition KW - anthropometric KW - Flanker test KW - inhibitory control KW - randomized control trial KW - crossover N2 - Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in executive functions, such as inhibitory control, which affect behavior and social adaptation. Although physical activity?based interventions, such as exergames, have shown potential to improve these functions, their comparative effects with active traditional games remain underexplored, particularly regarding inhibitory control in children with ASD. Objective: We aim to analyze the effects of a session of exergames and active traditional games on inhibitory control in children with ASD. Methods: This randomized controlled crossover trial included 9 male children with ASD (mean age 8.6, SD 1.4 y). Participants completed three 20-minute experimental sessions in random order, with a minimum interval of 48 hours: (1) active traditional games, (2) exergames using Just Dance 2022, and (3) a control session with manual painting activities. Inhibitory control was assessed 5 minutes postsession using a modified flanker task in the E-Prime (version 3.0; Psychological Software Tools Inc) program, recording reaction time (RT) and accuracy in congruent and incongruent phases. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare RT and accuracy between experimental and control conditions. Data are presented as means and 95% CIs. Results: There was a statistically significant effect of condition on RT in the incongruent phase (P=.02). RT in the exergame session (849 ms, 95% CI 642 to 1057) was lower compared to the traditional games (938 ms, 95% CI 684 to 1191; P=.02) and control (969 ms, 95% CI 742, 1196 to P=.01) sessions. No significant differences were observed in RT during the congruent phase or in accuracy across either phase. Conclusions: A 20-minute session of exergame improved inhibitory control performance in children with ASD compared to active traditional games and painting activities. Trial Registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) RBR-5r9xzbq, Universal Trial Number U1111-1302-3490; https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-5r9xzbq UR - https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e65562 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/65562 ID - info:doi/10.2196/65562 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Khundrakpam, Budhachandra AU - Segado, Melanie AU - Pazdera, Jesse AU - Gagnon Shaigetz, Vincent AU - Granek, A. Joshua AU - Choudhury, Nusrat PY - 2025/3/4 TI - An Integrated Platform Combining Immersive Virtual Reality and Physiological Sensors for Systematic and Individualized Assessment of Stress Response (bWell): Design and Implementation Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e64492 VL - 9 KW - virtual reality KW - stress KW - physiological response KW - NASA-Task Load Index KW - cognitive demand KW - physical demand KW - vagal tone KW - heart rate variability N2 - Background: Stress is a pervasive issue in modern society, manifesting in various forms such as emotional, physical, and work-related stress, each with distinct impacts on individuals and society. Traditional stress studies often rely on psychological, performance, or social tests; however, recently, immersive virtual reality (VR), which provides a sense of presence and natural interaction, offers the opportunity to simulate real-world tasks and stressors in controlled environments. Despite its potential, the use of VR to investigate the multifaceted manifestations of stress has not been thoroughly explored. Objective: This study aimed to explore the feasibility of using a VR-based platform, bWell, to elicit multifaceted stress responses and measure the resulting behavioral and physiological changes. Specifically, we aimed to design various VR stress exercises based on neurocardiac models to systematically test cardiac functioning within specific contexts of self-regulation (executive functioning, physical efforts, and emotional regulation). Methods: The development process adhered to guidelines for VR clinical trials and complex health interventions, encompassing 3 phases: preparation, development, and verification. The preparation phase involved a comprehensive literature review to establish links between stress, the heart, and the brain, leading to the formulation of a conceptual model based on the Neurovisceral Integration Model (NVIM) and Vagal Tank Theory (VTT). The development phase involved designing VR exercises targeting specific stressors and integrating physiological sensors such as photoplethysmography (PPG) and electromyography (EMG) to capture heart rate variability (HRV) and facial expressions. The verification phase, conducted with a small number of trials, aimed to design a study and implement a workflow for testing the feasibility, acceptability, and tolerability of the VR exercises. In addition, the potential for capturing physiological measures along with subjective ratings of stress for specific dimensions was assessed. Results: Verification trials demonstrated that the VR exercises were well tolerated, with negligible cybersickness and high user engagement. The different VR exercises successfully elicited the intended stress demands, along with the physiological responses. Conclusions: The study presents a novel VR-based experimental setup that allows a systematic and individualized assessment of stress responses, paving the way for future research to identify features that confer stress resilience and help individuals manage stress effectively. While our conceptual model highlights the role of HRV in providing valuable insights into stress responses, future research will involve multivariate and machine learning analyses to predict individual stress responses based on comprehensive sensor data, including EMG and the VR-based behavioral data, ultimately guiding personalized stress management interventions. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e64492 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/64492 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40053709 ID - info:doi/10.2196/64492 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Slatman, Syl AU - Heesink, Lieke AU - Achterkamp, Reinoud AU - Broeks, José AU - Monteiro de Oliveira, Nelson AU - ter Riet, Remko AU - Stegeman, Marjolein AU - Tabak, Monique PY - 2025/3/4 TI - At-Home Virtual Reality Intervention for Patients With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Single-Case Experimental Design Study JO - JMIR XR Spatial Comput SP - e58784 VL - 2 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - chronic musculoskeletal pain KW - CMP KW - single-case experimental design KW - SCED KW - user experience KW - self-management KW - musculoskeletal pain N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) could possibly alleviate complaints related to chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP); however, little is known about how it affects pain-related variables on an individual level and how patients experience this intervention. Objective: This study aimed to gain detailed insight into the influence of an at-home VR intervention for pain education and management on pain-related variables, and to explore its feasibility and general experience. Methods: The study applied a single-case experimental design in which an at-home VR intervention was used for 4 weeks by patients with CMP who were on a waiting list for regular pain treatment. Outcome measures included pain-related variables, functioning, and objectively measured outcomes (ie, stress, sleep, and steps). Outcomes were analyzed using data visualization (based on line plots) and statistical methods (ie, Tau-U and reliable change index) on an individual and group level. In addition, a focus group was conducted to assess feasibility and general experience to substantiate findings from the single-case experimental design study. This focus group was analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: A total of 7 participants (female: n=6, 86%) with a median age of 45 (range 31?61) years participated in this study. A dataset with 42 measurement moments was collected with a median of 280 (range 241?315) data points per participant. No statistically significant or clinically relevant differences between the intervention and no-intervention phases were found. Results of the visual analysis of the diary data showed that patients responded differently to the intervention. Results of the focus group with 3 participants showed that the VR intervention was perceived as a feasible and valued additional intervention. Conclusions: Although patients expressed a positive perspective on this VR intervention, it did not seem to influence pain-related outcomes. Individual patients responded differently to the intervention, which implies that this intervention might not be suitable for all patients. Future studies should examine which CMP patients VR is effective for and explore its working mechanisms. In addition, future larger trials should be conducted to complement this study?s findings on the effectiveness of this intervention for patients with CMP and whether VR prevents deterioration on the waiting list compared with a control group. UR - https://xr.jmir.org/2025/1/e58784 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/58784 ID - info:doi/10.2196/58784 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Everard, Gauthier AU - Declerck, Louise AU - Lejeune, Thierry AU - Edwards, Gareth Martin AU - Bogacki, Justine AU - Reiprich, Cléo AU - Delvigne, Kelly AU - Legrain, Nicolas AU - Batcho, Sebiyo Charles PY - 2025/3/3 TI - A Self-Adaptive Serious Game to Improve Motor Learning Among Older Adults in Immersive Virtual Reality: Short-Term Longitudinal Pre-Post Study on Retention and Transfer JO - JMIR Aging SP - e64004 VL - 8 KW - virtual reality KW - aged KW - learning KW - upper extremity KW - video games KW - kinematics N2 - Background: Despite their potential, the use of serious games within immersive virtual reality (iVR) for enhancing motor skills in older adults remains relatively unexplored. In this study, we developed a self-adaptive serious game in iVR called REAsmash-iVR. This game involves swiftly locating and striking a digital mole presented with various distractors. Objective: This short-term longitudinal pre-post study aims to evaluate REAsmash-iVR?s efficacy in promoting motor learning in older adults. Specifically, we seek to determine the transfer and retention of motor learning achieved through REAsmash-iVR to other iVR tasks. Methods: A total of 20 older adults participated in the study, engaging with REAsmash-iVR over 7 consecutive days. The evaluation included iVR tests such as KinematicsVR and a VR adaptation of the Box and Block Test (BBT-VR). KinematicsVR tasks included drawing straight lines and circles as fast and as accurately as possible, while BBT-VR required participants to move digital cubes as quickly as possible within 60 seconds. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention, with a follow-up at 1 week post intervention. The primary outcome focused on evaluating the impact of REAsmash-iVR on speed-accuracy trade-off during KinematicsVR tasks. Secondary outcomes included analyzing movement smoothness, measured by spectral arc length, and BBT-VR scores. Results: Results revealed significant improvements in speed-accuracy trade-off post intervention compared to that before the intervention, with notable retention of skills for straight lines (t19=5.46; P<.001; Cohen d=1.13) and circle drawing (t19=3.84; P=.001; Cohen d=0.787). Likewise, there was a significant enhancement in spectral arc length, particularly for circle drawing (?²2=11.2; P=.004; ?2=0.23), but not for straight-line drawing (?²2=2.1; P=.35; ?2=0.003). Additionally, participants demonstrated transfer with significant improvement (q=5.26; P<.001; Cohen r=0.678) and retention (q=6.82; P<.001; Cohen r=0.880) in BBT-VR skills. Conclusions: These findings provide perspectives for the use of iVR to improve motor learning in older adults through delivering self-adaptive serious games targeting motor and cognitive functions. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04694833; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04694833 UR - https://aging.jmir.org/2025/1/e64004 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/64004 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40053708 ID - info:doi/10.2196/64004 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Borg, Alexander AU - Georg, Carina AU - Jobs, Benjamin AU - Huss, Viking AU - Waldenlind, Kristin AU - Ruiz, Mini AU - Edelbring, Samuel AU - Skantze, Gabriel AU - Parodis, Ioannis PY - 2025/3/3 TI - Virtual Patient Simulations Using Social Robotics Combined With Large Language Models for Clinical Reasoning Training in Medical Education: Mixed Methods Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e63312 VL - 27 KW - virtual patients KW - clinical reasoning KW - large language models KW - social robotics KW - medical education KW - sustainable learning KW - medical students N2 - Background: Virtual patients (VPs) are computer-based simulations of clinical scenarios used in health professions education to address various learning outcomes, including clinical reasoning (CR). CR is a crucial skill for health care practitioners, and its inadequacy can compromise patient safety. Recent advancements in large language models (LLMs) and social robots have introduced new possibilities for enhancing VP interactivity and realism. However, their application in VP simulations has been limited, and no studies have investigated the effectiveness of combining LLMs with social robots for CR training. Objective: The aim of the study is to explore the potential added value of a social robotic VP platform combined with an LLM compared to a conventional computer-based VP modality for CR training of medical students. Methods: A Swedish explorative proof-of-concept study was conducted between May and July 2023, combining quantitative and qualitative methodology. In total, 15 medical students from Karolinska Institutet and an international exchange program completed a VP case in a social robotic platform and a computer-based semilinear platform. Students? self-perceived VP experience focusing on CR training was assessed using a previously developed index, and paired 2-tailed t test was used to compare mean scores (scales from 1 to 5) between the platforms. Moreover, in-depth interviews were conducted with 8 medical students. Results: The social robotic platform was perceived as more authentic (mean 4.5, SD 0.7 vs mean 3.9, SD 0.5; odds ratio [OR] 2.9, 95% CI 0.0-1.0; P=.04) and provided a beneficial overall learning effect (mean 4.4, SD 0.6 versus mean 4.1, SD 0.6; OR 3.7, 95% CI 0.1-0.5; P=.01) compared with the computer-based platform. Qualitative analysis revealed 4 themes, wherein students experienced the social robot as superior to the computer-based platform in training CR, communication, and emotional skills. Limitations related to technical and user-related aspects were identified, and suggestions for improvements included enhanced facial expressions and VP cases simulating multiple personalities. Conclusions: A social robotic platform enhanced by an LLM may provide an authentic and engaging learning experience for medical students in the context of VP simulations for training CR. Beyond its limitations, several aspects of potential improvement were identified for the social robotic platform, lending promise for this technology as a means toward the attainment of learning outcomes within medical education curricula. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e63312 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/63312 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40053778 ID - info:doi/10.2196/63312 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Mills, Jodie AU - Duffy, Orla PY - 2025/2/27 TI - Speech and Language Therapists? Perspectives of Virtual Reality as a Clinical Tool for Autism: Cross-Sectional Survey JO - JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol SP - e63235 VL - 12 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - autistic KW - ASD KW - speech KW - language KW - autism KW - speech and language therapy KW - speech-language pathology KW - SLT KW - immersive KW - voice KW - vocal KW - cross sectional KW - surveys KW - questionnaires KW - experiences KW - attitudes KW - opinions KW - perceptions KW - perspectives KW - autism spectrum disorder N2 - Background: Persistent difficulties with social skills form part of the diagnostic criteria for autism and in the past have required speech and language therapy (SLT) management. However, many speech and language therapists are moving toward neuro-affirmative practices, meaning that social skills approaches are now becoming redundant. Research demonstrates that virtual reality (VR) interventions have shown promise in overcoming challenges and promoting skill generalization for autistic children; however, the majority of these focus on social skills interventions. While VR is emerging as an SLT intervention, its application for autism remains unexamined in clinical practice. Objective: This research aimed to examine speech and language therapists? knowledge and attitudes toward immersive VR as a clinical tool for autistic children and explore the reasons for its limited integration into clinical practice. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was available from April 3, 2023 to June 30, 2023. The survey, consisting of 23 questions, focused on VR knowledge, attitudes, and the support required by speech and language therapists to incorporate VR into clinical practice. Dissemination occurred through the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists Clinical Excellence Networks to recruit speech therapists specializing in autism. Results: Analysis included a total of 53 responses from the cross-sectional survey. Approximately 92% (n=49) of speech and language therapists were aware of VR but had not used it, and 1.82% (n=1) had used VR with autistic children. Three key themes that emerged were (1) mixed general knowledge of VR, which was poor in relation to applications for autism; (2) positive and negative attitudes toward VR, with uncertainty about autism specific considerations for VR; and (3) barriers to adoption were noted and speech and language therapists required an improved neuro-affirming evidence base, guidelines, and training to adopt VR into clinical practice. Conclusions: While some speech and language therapists perceive VR as a promising intervention tool for autistic children, various barriers must be addressed before its full integration into the clinical toolkit. This study establishes a foundation for future co-design, development, and implementation of VR applications as clinical tools for autistic children. This study is the first to explore clinical implementation factors for the use of VR in SLT field, specifically with autistic children. Poor autism-specific VR knowledge, and mixed attitudes toward VR, highlight that specific barriers must be addressed before the technology can successfully integrate into the SLT clinical toolkit. Speech and language therapists require support from employers, funding, a robust neuro-affirming evidence base, and education and training to adopt VR into practice. Recommendations for a SLT VR education and training program for use with autistic children, are provided. UR - https://rehab.jmir.org/2025/1/e63235 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/63235 ID - info:doi/10.2196/63235 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Galvin, Charlotte AU - Watt, Jonathan AU - Ghatnekar, Payal AU - Peres, Nicholas AU - Rees-Lee, Jacqueline PY - 2025/2/27 TI - A Local Training Program to Increase Awareness of Emerging Extended Reality Technologies Among Health Care Professionals: Development Study JO - JMIR XR Spatial Comput SP - e57361 VL - 2 KW - health care XR KW - extended reality in health care KW - XR KW - virtual reality in health care KW - VR KW - digital awareness training KW - digital deep dive KW - digital literacy KW - emerging health care technology KW - digital future KW - extended reality KW - virtual reality N2 - Background: Demands on health care services can greatly outweigh capacity. Multifactorial causative factors present great challenges, forcing the National Health Service (NHS) to increase efficiency and adaptivity. Concurrently, digital advancements are excelling and long-term plans for NHS sustainability are focusing on the use of technological interventions to benefit patients. As a result, integration of extended reality (XR) technology has become an important focus of health care research. However, models of how the digital literacy of health care workforces can be developed and how frontline staff can be actively involved in the design and development of creative digital interventions are lacking. Such programs are essential to allow the development and upscaling of digital innovation within the NHS for the benefit of the patients. Such a program has been developed in the Digital Futures research lab at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, representing one of the first immersive digital technologies research spaces embedded within the NHS. A ?Digital Deep Dive? training program has been developed, allowing local health care workers to recognize the possibilities of digital health care technologies and supporting them in the evolution of ideas for potential bespoke digital solutions appropriate to their own patient groups and care pathways. Objective: This paper aims to explain the development of this unique XR Deep Dive program and present the evaluation that informed future directions for its ongoing development. Methods: The Deep Dive sessions were designed according to relevant pedagogic principles, including experiential, active, and contextual learning theories. Voluntary pilot sessions were held for local clinical teams comprised of junior doctors, consultants, nurses, and allied health professionals. Self-selection sampling was used. Participants completed an anonymous postsession feedback form, which was used to conduct a service evaluation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (quantitative) and thematic analysis (qualitative). Results: In total, 21 completed questionnaires were analyzed. Overall, the sessions were positively received: all participants reported increased awareness of the potential for digital health care innovation postsession and most found it useful and relevant to their clinical careers. Participants valued the sessions being grounded in a context relevant to local practice with opportunities to interact with the technology through the lens of use cases. Conclusions: We have developed a unique training initiative providing contextually relevant XR technology awareness training for health care professionals locally. Despite the growing pace of digital health care innovation, we recognized a knowledge gap in our local workforce regarding the potential of XR technologies within health care. We responded by developing a training program grounded in the concept of digital co-creation?working with staff and service users to develop bespoke solutions integrated within patient pathways. The results from this paper will help to inform future directions for developing digital awareness training in our trust and have implications for wider NHS digital literacy training. UR - https://xr.jmir.org/2025/1/e57361 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/57361 ID - info:doi/10.2196/57361 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Maheta, Bhagvat AU - Kraft, Alexandra AU - Interrante, Nickolas AU - Fereydooni, Soraya AU - Bailenson, Jeremy AU - Beams, Brian AU - Keny, ??Christina AU - Osborne, Thomas AU - Giannitrapani, Karleen AU - Lorenz, Karl PY - 2025/2/26 TI - Using Virtual Reality to Improve Outcomes Related to Quality of Life Among Older Adults With Serious Illnesses: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e54452 VL - 27 KW - virtual reality KW - serious illness KW - pain KW - anxiety KW - older adults KW - patient outcomes KW - systematic review KW - palliative care KW - hospice N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) has promise as an innovative nonpharmacologic treatment for improving a patient?s quality of life. VR can be used as an adjunct or treatment for many acute and chronic conditions, including serious illnesses. Objective: This systematic review aims to assess the current state of the literature of randomized controlled trials that use VR in patients with serious illnesses. Two secondary aims include assessing intervention components associated with improved quality of life and functional outcomes among older adults, as well as evaluating how well the randomized controlled trials adhere to consensus standards for VR research. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL for randomized controlled studies published at any time. We screened and accepted studies that reported outcomes related to patients? quality of life, provided an immersive VR intervention, and included patients with serious illness. We narratively summarized key attributes of publications that shed light on study efficacy, generalizability, replicability, and clinical utility. All studies were assessed for study quality with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and for concordance with 8 recent consensus standards for VR research. Results: From the 12,621 articles searched in May 2024, a total of 24 (0.19%) studies met the inclusion criteria, and of these, 88% (21/24) reported an improvement in at least 1 patient quality of life outcome and 67% (16/24) had a high risk of bias. In 7 (n=24, 29%) studies, VR was used to provide distraction therapy to reduce pain. In total, 5 (n=24, 21%) studies included training, supervision, and assistance in VR use, which demonstrated improvements in patient quality of life?related outcomes. Of 24 studies, 9 (38%) included patients with stroke, 9 (38%) included patients with cancer, 4 (17%) included patients with cardiovascular disease, 1 (4%) included patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 1 (4%) included patients who reported pain in hospital. In all 9 studies that included patients with stroke, the main purpose of VR was to improve mobility and strength; these studies had higher frequency and longer durations of VR use, ranging from 2 to 9 weeks, as compared to a VR use duration of <2 weeks for studies aiming to reduce pain or anxiety. Regarding consensus standards for VR research, 29% (7/24) of the studies adhered to all 8 criteria, and all studies (24/24, 100%) adhered to ?5 criteria. Conclusions: Nascent evidence suggests VR?s potential in mitigating pain, anxiety, and depression and improving mobility among persons with serious illnesses. Most studies did not provide detailed information about unassisted or assisted use, suggesting that VR for older adults is currently most appropriate for observed settings with assistance available. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022346178; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=346178 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e54452 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/54452 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/54452 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Fang, Hao AU - Fang, Changqing AU - Che, Yan AU - Peng, Xinyuan AU - Zhang, Xiaofan AU - Lin, Di PY - 2025/2/24 TI - Reward Feedback Mechanism in Virtual Reality Serious Games in Interventions for Children With Attention Deficits: Pre- and Posttest Experimental Control Group Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e67338 VL - 13 KW - serious games KW - virtual reality KW - attention deficit KW - inhibitory control ability KW - reward feedback N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) serious games, due to their high level of freedom and realism, influence the rehabilitation training of inhibitory control abilities in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although reward feedback has a motivating effect on improving inhibitory control, the effectiveness and differences between various forms of rewards lack empirical research. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of different forms of reward feedback on the inhibitory control abilities of children with attention deficits in a VR serious game environment. Methods: This study focuses on children who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD tendencies, using a 2 (material rewards: coin reward and token reward) × 2 (psychological rewards: verbal encouragement and badge reward) factorial between-subject design (N=84), with a control group (n=15) for pre- and posttest experiments. The experimental group received VR feedback reinforcement training, while the control group underwent conventional VR training without feedback. The training period lasted 0.5 months, with each intervention session lasting 25 minutes, occurring twice daily with an interval of at least 5 hours for 28 sessions. Before and after training, the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham, Version IV Scale (SNAP-IV) Scale, stop signal task, inhibition conflict task, and Simon task were administered to assess the hyperactivity index and the 3 components of inhibitory control ability. The pretest included the SNAP-IV Scale and 3 task tests to obtain baseline data; the posttest involved repeating the above tests after completing all training. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS (IBM) software. Independent sample t tests were performed on the experimental and control groups? pre- and posttest task results to determine whether significant differences existed between group means. Paired sample t tests were also conducted on the SNAP-IV Scale?s pre- and posttest results to assess the intervention effect?s significance. Results: Reward feedback was more effective than no reward feedback in improving behaviors related to attention deficits in children. Material rewards showed significant effects in the Stop-Signal Task (F1=13.04, P=.001), Inhibition Conflict Task (F1=7.34, P=.008), and SNAP-IV test (F1=69.23, P<.001); mental rewards showed significant effects in the Stop-Signal Task (F1=38.54, P<.001) and SNAP-IV test (F1=70.78, P<.001); the interaction between the 2 showed significant effects in the Stop-Signal Task (F1=4.47, P=.04) and SNAP-IV test (F1=23.85, P<.001). Conclusions: Combining material and psychological rewards within a VR platform can effectively improve attention-deficit behaviors in children with ADHD, enhancing their inhibitory control abilities. Among these, coin rewards are more effective than token rewards, and verbal encouragement outperforms badge rewards. The combined feedback of coin rewards and verbal encouragement yields the most significant improvement in inhibitory control abilities. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e67338 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/67338 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/67338 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Balloufaud, Maxime AU - Boujut, Arnaud AU - Marie, Romain AU - Guinaldo, Aurélie AU - Fourcade, Laurent AU - Hamonet-Torny, Julia AU - Perrochon, Anaick PY - 2025/2/19 TI - Augmented Reality Exergames for Upcoming Cognitive-Motor Rehabilitation: User-Centered Design Approach and User Experience of Healthy Children JO - JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol SP - e69205 VL - 12 KW - augmented reality KW - exergames KW - user experience KW - healthy children KW - cognitive-motor intervention N2 - Background: Traditional rehabilitation programs for children with cerebral palsy and acquired brain injuries aim to enhance motor and cognitive abilities through repetitive exercises, which are often perceived as tedious and demotivating. Extended reality technologies, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality, offer more engaging methods through exergames. However, to date, no AR exergames simultaneously integrate cognitive and motor aspects within navigational tasks. Developing these exergames necessitates rigorous methodological steps, especially when using emerging technologies such as AR. The MIDE (Multidisciplinary Iterative Design of Exergames) framework advocates a participatory design approach, involving users from the outset, the objective being to optimize the interface and validate game mechanics through user experience (UX) assessment. Some researchers initially test these mechanisms on healthy children before applying them to clinical populations. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the UX of our AR exergames, consisting of two games (AR Corsi and AR Zoo), in typically developing children. Methods: Typically developing children participated in two 1.5-hour sessions. During each session, they played one of two AR games using the Microsoft HoloLens 2 headset: AR Corsi and AR Zoo, both of which are designed to engage executive functions and motor skills through navigational capabilities. UX was assessed after each session using the following measures: System Usability Scale scores for usability, AttrakDiff for attractiveness and game quality, MeCue for emotional experience, and Rating scale of Perceived Exertion for Children for pre- and postsession mental and physical fatigue. Results: A total of 27 participants (mean age 11.9, SD 1.2 years) were included in the study. Mean System Usability Scale scores were 79.9 (SD 11.4) for AR Corsi and 76.3 (SD 12.1) for AR Zoo, indicating good usability. The AttrakDiff questionnaire yielded favorable results, with scores between 1 and 3 for overall attractiveness, pragmatic quality, and stimulation for both AR games. However, the hedonic quality ?identity? received neutral scores (mean 0.6, SD 0.5 for AR Corsi and mean 0.7, SD 0.8 for AR Zoo). The MeCue emotions module yielded average scores of 5.2 (SD 0.7) for AR Corsi and 5.3 (SD 0.8) for AR Zoo, significantly exceeding the theoretical mean of 4 (P<.001). We observed a significant effect of physical fatigue (P=.02) and mental fatigue (P=.002) after exposure to both games. A comparative analysis of UX between the two games showed no significant differences. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that our exergame, comprising two AR games, is user-friendly and well-received by typically developing children, eliciting positive emotions and overall appeal. Although some children reported fatigue, favorable UX evaluation confirms the validity of the game?s content and mechanisms, suggesting its suitability for use among children with cerebral palsy and acquired brain injuries. UR - https://rehab.jmir.org/2025/1/e69205 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/69205 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39970421 ID - info:doi/10.2196/69205 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Wankah, Paul AU - Chandra, Shivani AU - Lofters, Aisha AU - Mohamednur, Nebila AU - Osei, Beverley AU - Makuwaza, Tutsirai AU - Sayani, Ambreen PY - 2025/2/19 TI - Improving Digital Cancer Care for Older Black Adults: Qualitative Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e63324 VL - 27 KW - digital care KW - cancer care KW - older Black adults KW - health equity KW - social determinants of health KW - access to care KW - health quality N2 - Background: Health systems are rapidly promoting digital cancer care models to improve cancer care of their populations. However, there is growing evidence that digital cancer care can exacerbate inequities in cancer care for communities experiencing social disadvantage, such as Black communities. Despite the increasing recognition that older Black adults face significant challenges in accessing and using health care services due to multiple socioeconomic and systemic factors, there is still limited evidence regarding how older Black adults? access and use digital cancer care. Objective: This study aims to better understand the digital cancer care experience of older Black adults, their caregivers, and health care providers to identify strategies that can better support patient-centered digital cancer care. Methods: A total of 6 focus group interviews were conducted with older Black adults living with cancer, caregivers, and health care providers (N=55 participants) across 10 Canadian provinces. Focus group interviews were recorded and transcribed. Through a theory-informed thematic analysis approach, experienced qualitative researchers used the Patient Centered Care model and the synergies of oppression conceptual lens to inductively and deductively code interview transcripts in order to develop key themes that captured the digital cancer care experiences of older Black adults. Results: In total, 5 overarching themes describe the experience of older Black adults, caregivers, and health care providers in accessing and using digital cancer care: (1) barriers to access and participation in digital care services, (2) shifting caregivers? dynamics, (3) autonomy of choice and choosing based on the purpose of care, (4) digital accessibility, and (5) effective digital communication. We identify 8 barriers and 6 facilitators to optimal digital cancer for older Black adults. Barriers include limited digital literacy, linguistic barriers in traditional African or Caribbean languages, and patient concerns of shifting power dynamics when supported by their children for digital cancer care; and facilitators include community-based cancer support groups, caregiver support, and key features of digital technologies. Conclusions: These findings revealed a multifaceted range of barriers and facilitators to digital cancer care for older Black adults. This means that a multipronged approach that simultaneously focuses on addressing barriers and leveraging community strengths can improve access and usage of digital cancer care. A redesign of digital cancer care programs, tailored to the needs of most structurally marginalized groups like older Black adults, can enhance the digital care experience for all population groups. Public policies and organizational practices that address issues like availability of internet in remote areas, resources to support linguistic barriers, or culturally sensitive training are important in responding to the complexity of access to digital l cancer care. These findings have implications for other structurally marginalized and underresourced communities that have suboptimal access and usage of digital care. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e63324 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/63324 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/63324 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Xu, Shiqi AU - Xu, Yanwen AU - Wen, Ruyi AU - Wang, Jun AU - Qiu, Yuyu AU - Chan, CH Chetwyn PY - 2025/2/19 TI - Virtual Reality Enhanced Exercise Training in Upper Limb Function of Patients With Stroke: Meta-Analytic Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e66802 VL - 27 KW - virtual reality KW - stroke KW - upper limb function KW - exercise training KW - meta-analysis N2 - Background: Recovery of upper limb function after stroke secondary to ischemia or hemorrhage is crucial for patients? independence in daily living and quality of life. Virtual reality (VR) is a promising computer-based technology designed to enhance the effects of rehabilitation; however, the results of VR-based interventions remain equivocal. Objective: This study aims to review the plausible factors that may have influenced VR?s therapeutic effects on improving upper limb function in patients with stroke, with the goal of synthesizing an optimal VR intervention protocol. Methods: The databases PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were queried for English-language papers published from May 2022 onward. Two reviewers independently extracted data from the included papers, and discrepancies in their findings were resolved through consensus during joint meetings. The risk of bias was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale and the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies. Outcome variables included the Action Research Arm Test, Box-Block Test, Functional Independence Measure, Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and Wolf Motor Function Test. The plausible factors examined were age, total dosage (hours), trial length (weeks), session duration (hours/session), frequency (sessions/week), and VR content design. The Bonferroni adjustment was applied to P values to prevent data from being incorrectly deemed statistically significant. Results: The final sample included 15 articles with a total of 1243 participants (age range 48.6-75.59 years). Participants in the VR therapy (VRT) group (n=455) demonstrated significantly greater improvements in upper limb function and independence in activities of daily living compared with those in the conventional therapy group (n=301). Significant factors contributing to improved outcomes in upper limb function were younger age (mean difference [MD] 5.34, 95% CI 2.18-8.5, P<.001; I2=0%), interventions lasting more than 15 hours (MD 9.67, 95% CI 4.19-15.15, P<.001; I2=0%), trial lengths exceeding 4 weeks (MD 4.02, 95% CI 1.39-6.65, P=.003; I2=15%), and more than 4 sessions per week (MD 3.48, 95% CI 0.87-6.09, P=.009; I2=0%). However, the design of the VR content, including factors such as the number of features (eg, offering exercise and functional tasks; individualized goals; activity quantification; consideration of comorbidities and baseline activity level; addressing patient needs; aligning with patient background such as education level; patient-directed goals and interests; goal setting; progressive difficulty levels; and promoting self-efficacy), did not demonstrate significant effects (MD 3.89, 95% CI ?6.40 to 1.09; effect Z=1.36, P=.16). Conclusions: Greater VR effects on improving upper limb function in patients with stroke were associated with higher training doses (exceeding 15 hours) delivered over 4-6 weeks, with shorter sessions (approximately 1 hour) scheduled 4 or more times per week. Additionally, younger patients appeared to benefit more from the VR protocol compared with older patients. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e66802 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/66802 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39969977 ID - info:doi/10.2196/66802 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ding, E. Michael AU - Traiba, Hajar AU - Perez, R. Hector PY - 2025/2/18 TI - Virtual Reality Interventions and Chronic Pain: Scoping Review JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e59922 VL - 27 KW - virtual reality KW - chronic pain KW - scoping review KW - pain management KW - efficacy KW - anxiety disorders KW - mood KW - health condition KW - health intervention KW - adults KW - aging KW - therapeutic KW - descriptive?analytical method KW - monitoring KW - US KW - PRISMA N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) interventions have demonstrated efficacy for more than a decade for mood and anxiety disorders and emerging evidence suggests they can reduce pain symptoms in both acute and chronic pain. More recently, these interventions have abounded within the commercial and academic sectors, immersing participants within a virtual environment to confer health benefits to users. VR immersion can facilitate the delivery of health interventions by isolating participants from distractors and stressors in a therapeutic environment. While recent studies of VR interventions have exploded, they are not uniform in approach or device type, limiting generalizability. Recent scoping reviews on VR and chronic pain have focused on specific diseases or limited inquiries to specific interventions or study types. Objective: We conducted a scoping review to generate new knowledge about the sum total of VR studies on chronic pain with specific emphasis on the methods and results of each study, including (1) the type of interventions, (2) outcomes chosen, (3) samples studied, and (4) data generated. Methods: A scoping review was performed on the literature on VR and chronic pain to describe themes associated with the literature to date and identify important gaps and unanswered questions to guide future research. CINAHL [EBSCO] (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) and PubMed were queried for the terms ?virtual reality? and ?pain,? providing studies of chronic pain adult participants using VR delivered through headset displays. We included English-language manuscripts that had at least one VR intervention arm with adults with chronic pain. For this analysis, we only included VR interventions that were immersive (ie, using headsets). Non?study reports, studies with no specific chronic pain component, those not involving adults, and those using VR as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program were excluded. A descriptive analytical method was used to extract data, compare studies, and contextualize the presented outcomes. Articles were categorized into several themes including the type of intervention, outcomes chosen, participant characteristics, degree to which immersion was achieved, and adverse effect monitoring and reporting. Results: A total of 36 articles were included in our analysis. We summarize the literature using 5 themes: (1) heterogeneity of chronic pain types, (2) highly variable intervention types, (3) highly variable secondary and exploratory outcomes, (4) immersion was highly variable between studies and not systemically explored in many articles, and (5) side effect monitoring was limited. Conclusions: The literature on VR in chronic pain is highly variable and lacks theoretical rigor. While there is emerging evidence that supports VR use in a wide variety of health conditions including chronic pain, future research should focus on producing theoretically rigorous work that focuses on mechanisms and that systematically assesses side effects to generate robust generalizable knowledge. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e59922 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/59922 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/59922 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Kitapcioglu, Dilek AU - Aksoy, Emin Mehmet AU - Ozkan, Ekin Arun AU - Usseli, Tuba AU - Cabuk Colak, Dilan AU - Torun, Tugrul PY - 2025/2/14 TI - Enhancing Immersion in Virtual Reality?Based Advanced Life Support Training: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e68272 VL - 13 KW - artificial intelligence KW - voice recognition KW - serious gaming KW - immersion KW - virtual reality N2 - Background: Serious game?based training modules are pivotal for simulation-based health care training. With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing, voice command interfaces offer an intuitive alternative to traditional virtual reality (VR) controllers in VR applications. Objective: This study aims to compare AI-supported voice command interfaces and traditional VR controllers in terms of user performance, exam scores, presence, and confidence in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) training. Methods: A total of 62 volunteer students from Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Vocational School for Anesthesiology, aged 20-22 years, participated in the study. All the participants completed a pretest consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions about ACLS. Following the pretest, participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: the voice command group (n=31) and the VR controller group (n=31). The voice command group members completed the VR-based ACLS serious game in training mode twice, using an AI-supported voice command as the game interface. The VR controller group members also completed the VR-based ACLS serious game in training mode twice, but they used VR controllers as the game interface. The participants completed a survey to assess their level of presence and confidence during gameplay. Following the survey, participants completed the exam module of the VR-based serious gaming module. At the final stage of the study, participants completed a posttest, which had the same content as the pretest. VR-based exam scores of the voice command and VR controller groups were compared using a 2-tailed, independent-samples t test, and linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the effect of presence and confidence rating. Results: Both groups showed an improvement in performance from pretest to posttest, with no significant difference in the magnitude of improvement between the 2 groups (P=.83). When comparing presence ratings, there was no significant difference between the voice command group (mean 5.18, SD 0.83) and VR controller group (mean 5.42, SD 0.75; P=.25). However, when comparing VR-based exam scores, the VR controller group (mean 80.47, SD 13.12) significantly outperformed the voice command group (mean 66.70, SD 21.65; P=.005), despite both groups having similar time allocations for the exam (voice command group: mean 18.59, SD 5.28 minutes and VR controller group: mean 17.3, SD 4.83 minutes). Confidence levels were similar between the groups (voice command group: mean 3.79, SD 0.77 and VR controller group: mean 3.60, SD 0.72), but the voice command group displayed a significant overconfidence bias (voice command group: mean 0.09, SD 0.24 and VR controller group: mean ?0.09, SD 0.18; P=.002). Conclusions: VR-based ACLS training demonstrated effectiveness; however, the use of voice commands did not result in improved performance. Further research should explore ways to optimize AI?s role in education through VR. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06458452; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06458452 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e68272 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/68272 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/68272 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Koivisto, Jaana-Maija AU - Kämäräinen, Sanna AU - Mattsson, Katri AU - Jumisko-Pyykkö, Satu AU - Ikonen, Riikka AU - Haavisto, Elina PY - 2025/2/13 TI - Exploring Nursing Students? Experiences of Empathy and User Experiences in an Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation Game: Cross-Sectional Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e62688 VL - 13 KW - education KW - nursing KW - learning KW - empathy KW - virtual reality KW - simulation KW - user experience KW - cross sectional N2 - Background: Empathy is associated with better clinical outcomes and patient-care experiences, and it has been demonstrated that training can improve nursing students? empathy. The use of virtual reality (VR) as an experiential learning strategy may increase the empathetic behavior of caregivers. Although much research exists on the use of VR in education, there is still little research on learning empathy in nursing education through immersive VR games that include a head-mounted display and hand controllers. In addition, it is important to study both learning and user experiences in nursing education that utilizes VR technology. Objective: This study aims to explore nursing students? experiences of empathy and user experiences in an immersive VR simulation game. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. A total of 52 graduating nursing students from 3 universities of applied sciences in Finland participated in the study. The immersive VR simulation game employed in the study was played with a head-mounted display and hand controllers. The instruments used were the Basic Empathy Scale in Adults (BES-A) before the VR simulation gaming session and the Comprehensive State Empathy Scale (CSES) and AttrakDiff 2.0 Scale after the session. Results: The students? overall level of empathy experienced in the immersive VR simulation game was favorable (CSES; mean 2.9, SD 0.57). Participants who had a higher level of empathy (BES-A) before playing the immersive VR simulation game also experienced slightly more feelings of empathy after playing (CSES). However, the association between the measures was not statistically significant (r=0.187, P=.18). The overall empathy (CSES) experienced in the immersive VR simulation game was positively correlated with its subscales. The use of the VR simulation provided a positive user experience in all 4 factors of the AttrakDiff 2.0 Scale. Overall User Experience and Emotion Sharing correlated negatively (r=?0.248, P=.042), as did Attractiveness and Emotion Sharing (r=?0.327, P=.018). Hedonic Quality Stimulation correlated negatively with Cognitive Empathy (r=?0.279, P=.045). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the use of an immersive VR simulation game in nursing education as a means of increasing empathy seems promising and justified. The immersive VR simulation game offered positive user experiences, which further supported the idea of implementing it in education. However, more research is needed on what kinds of VR environments are the most effective in promoting empathy among nursing students. Furthermore, when using VR technology in learning, one should consider that the VR setting must not be too technical but rather simple, straightforward, and predictable. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e62688 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/62688 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/62688 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Verstegen, Amandine AU - Van Daele, Tom AU - Bonroy, Bert AU - Debard, Glen AU - Sels, Romy AU - van Loo, Marlon AU - Bernaerts, Sylvie PY - 2025/2/13 TI - Designing a Smartphone-Based Virtual Reality App for Relaxation: Qualitative Crossover Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e62663 VL - 9 KW - smartphone-based virtual reality KW - virtual reality KW - relaxation KW - stress KW - user experience KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: Accumulating evidence supports the use of virtual reality (VR) in mental health care, with one potential application being its use to assist individuals with relaxation exercises. Despite studies finding support for the potential of VR to effectively aid in relaxation, its implementation remains limited outside of specialized clinics. Known barriers are insufficient knowledge regarding VR operation, lack of availability of VR relaxation apps tailored to local health care systems, and cost concerns. Unfortunately, many VR relaxation apps are designed exclusively for stand-alone headsets, limiting accessibility for a broad audience. Objective: We aimed to design an accessible, smartphone-based VR relaxation app based on user preferences. This paper describes the assessment of 2 stand-alone VR relaxation apps and the resulting smartphone-based VR relaxation app design. Methods: Overall, 30 participants (n=23, 77% women; n=7, 23% men) took part in 2 separate VR sessions, assessing 1 of the 2 VR relaxation apps (Flowborne and Calm Place) in each session. After each session, participants were presented with open-ended questions to assess their experiences via a web-based survey tool. These questions explored positive and negative features, shortcomings, and suggestions for improvements while also allowing space for additional remarks concerning the 2 VR relaxation apps. Three of the authors analyzed the responses using inductive thematic analysis, a process comprising 6 phases. Results: Across both the apps, 5 recurring themes and 13 recurring subthemes were identified in the participants? answers: audio (music and sounds, guidance), visuals (content, realism, variation and dynamics in the environment), features (language, options, feedback and instructions, duration, exercise), implementation (technical aspects, cybersickness, acceptability and usability), and experience. We analyzed the participants? findings and conducted a literature review, which served as the basis for developing the app. The resulting app is a Dutch-language, smartphone-based VR relaxation app, with customization options including 3 types of relaxation exercises, 2 guiding voices, and 3 different environments. Efforts have been made to ensure maximum variation and dynamism in the environments. Calming music and nature sounds accompany the exercises. The efficacy and effectiveness of the resulting app design were not assessed. Conclusions: This study provides insights into key features of VR relaxation apps, which were subsequently used for the development of a novel smartphone-based VR relaxation app. Further research concerning the effectiveness of this app, along with a broader evaluation of the efficacy and user feedback for smartphone-based VR relaxation apps, is needed. More generally, there is a clear need for more research on the impact of interactivity, biofeedback, and type of environment in VR relaxation. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e62663 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/62663 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/62663 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Beverly, A. Elizabeth AU - Miller, Samuel AU - Love, Matthew AU - Love, Carrie PY - 2025/2/12 TI - Feasibility of a Cinematic?Virtual Reality Program Educating Health Professional Students About the Complexity of Geriatric Care: Pilot Pre-Post Study JO - JMIR Aging SP - e64633 VL - 8 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - aging KW - geriatric syndromes KW - diabetes KW - elder abuse and neglect KW - gerontology KW - geriatrics KW - older KW - elderly KW - education KW - student KW - cinematic KW - video KW - head mounted KW - feasibility KW - experience KW - attitude KW - opinion KW - perception KW - elder abuse KW - chronic conditions KW - older adult care KW - health intervention KW - randomized controlled trial N2 - Background: The US population is aging. With this demographic shift, more older adults will be living with chronic conditions and geriatric syndromes. To prepare the next generation of health care professionals for this aging population, we need to provide training that captures the complexity of geriatric care. Objective: This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of the cinematic?virtual reality (cine-VR) training in the complexity of geriatric care. We measured changes in attitudes to disability, self-efficacy to identify and manage elder abuse and neglect, and empathy before and after participating in the training program. Methods: We conducted a single-arm, pretest-posttest pilot study to assess the feasibility of a cine-VR training and measure changes in attitudes to disability, self-efficacy to identify and manage elder abuse and neglect, and empathy. Health professional students from a large university in the Midwest were invited to participate in 1 of 4 cine-VR trainings. Participants completed 3 surveys before and after the cine-VR training. We performed paired t tests to examine changes in these constructs before and after the training. Results: A total of 65 health professional students participated in and completed the full cine-VR training for 100% retention. Participants did not report any technological difficulties or adverse effects from wearing the head-mounted displays or viewing the 360-degree video. Out of the 65 participants, 48 completed the pre- and postassessments. We observed an increase in awareness of discrimination towards people with disability (t47=?3.97; P<.001). In addition, we observed significant improvements in self-efficacy to identify and manage elder abuse and neglect (t47=?3.36; P=.002). Finally, we observed an increase in participants? empathy (t47=?2.33; P=.02). Conclusions: We demonstrated that our cine-VR training program was feasible and acceptable to health professional students at our Midwestern university. Findings suggest that the cine-VR training increased awareness of discrimination towards people with disabilities, improved self-efficacy to identify and manage elder abuse and neglect, and increased empathy. Future research using a randomized controlled trial design with a larger, more diverse sample and a proper control condition is needed to confirm the effectiveness of our cine-VR training. UR - https://aging.jmir.org/2025/1/e64633 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/64633 ID - info:doi/10.2196/64633 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Chang, Wen AU - Lin, Chun-Chih AU - Crilly, Julia AU - Lee, Hui-Ling AU - Chen, Li-Chin AU - Han, Chin-Yen PY - 2025/2/11 TI - Virtual Reality Simulation for Undergraduate Nursing Students for Care of Patients With Infectious Diseases: Mixed Methods Study JO - JMIR Med Educ SP - e64780 VL - 11 KW - virtual reality KW - infection control KW - learning motivation KW - learning attitudes KW - nursing education N2 - Background: Virtual reality simulation (VRS) teaching offers nursing students a safe, immersive learning environment with immediate feedback, enhancing learning outcomes. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing students had limited training and opportunities to care for patients in isolation units with infectious diseases. However, the pandemic highlighted the ongoing global priority of providing care for patients with infectious diseases. Objective: This study aims to (1) examine the effectiveness of VRS in preparing nursing students to care for patients with infectious diseases by assessing its impact on their theoretical knowledge, learning motivation, and attitudes; and (2) evaluate their experiences with VRS. Methods: This 2-phased mixed methods study recruited third-year undergraduate nursing students enrolled in the Integrated Emergency and Critical Care course at a university in Taiwan. Phase 1 used a quasi-experimental design to address objective 1 by comparing the learning outcomes of students in the VRS teaching program (experimental group) with those in the traditional teaching program (control group). Tools included an infection control written test, the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey, and a learning attitude questionnaire. The experimental group participated in a VRS lesson titled ?Caring for a Patient with COVID-19 in the Negative Pressure Unit? as part of the infection control unit. In phase 2, semistructured interviews were conducted to address objective 2, exploring students? learning experiences. Results: A total of 107 students participated in phase 1, and 18 students participated in phase 2. Both the VRS and control groups showed significant improvements in theoretical knowledge scores (for the VRS group t46=?7.47; P<.001, for the control group t59=?4.04; P<.001). However, compared with the control group, the VRS group achieved significantly higher theoretical knowledge scores (t98.13=2.70; P=.008) and greater learning attention (t105=2.30; P=.02) at T1. Additionally, the VRS group demonstrated a statistically significant higher regression coefficient for learning confidence compared with the control group (?=.29; P=.03). The students? learning experiences in the VRS group were categorized into 4 themes: Applying Professional Knowledge to Patient Care, Enhancing Infection Control Skills, Demonstrating Patient Care Confidence, and Engaging in Real Clinical Cases. The core theme identified was Strengthening Clinical Patient Care Competencies. Conclusions: The findings suggest that VRS teaching significantly enhanced undergraduate nursing students? infection control knowledge, learning attention, and confidence. Qualitative insights reinforced the quantitative results, highlighting the holistic benefits of VRS teaching in nursing education, including improved learning outcomes. The positive impact on student motivation and attitudes indicates a potentially transformative approach to nursing education, particularly in the post?COVID-19 era, where digital and remote learning tools play an increasingly vital role. UR - https://mededu.jmir.org/2025/1/e64780 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/64780 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/64780 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Anguera, A. Joaquin AU - Choudhry, Aleem AU - Seaman, Michael AU - Fedele, Dominick PY - 2025/2/7 TI - Assessing the Impact of a Virtual Reality Cognitive Intervention on Tennis Performance in Junior Tennis Players: Pilot Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e66979 VL - 9 KW - executive function KW - serious games KW - cognitive training KW - performance enhancement KW - athletes KW - sport KW - pilot study KW - VR KW - virtual reality KW - serious game KW - tennis KW - adolescents KW - teenagers KW - youth KW - randomized controlled trial KW - players N2 - Background: There is evidence that cognitive training interventions can positively impact executive functions, and that some studies have demonstrated that athletes typically exhibit greater accuracy and faster response times on select cognitive tasks. While the engagement of executive functions is suggested to be part of high-level sporting activities, it is unclear whether such training approaches could directly benefit athletic performance. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a combined virtual reality (VR)? and tablet-based cognitive training intervention on adolescent tennis players? performance. Here, we examined differences in Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) between players who supplemented their regular tennis training with a cognitive training intervention and a group that continued regular tennis training alone. This custom cognitive training program targeted specific cognitive control abilities including attention, working memory, and goal management. Methods: Data were collected from a cohort of tennis players in a randomized controlled trial design led by the dedicated research team. Participants (N=23, age: mean 14.8, SD 2.4 years) from the Czech Lawn Tenis Klub (Prague, Czech Republic) were invited to participate in this study. These individuals were randomized into an intervention + training-as-usual group (n=13) or training-as-usual group (control group; n=10), with the change in UTR score being the primary metric of interest. Results: There was no difference in UTR between the 2 groups at baseline (intervention: mean 8.32, SD 2.7; control: mean 7.60, SD 2.3). Following the treatment period, individuals in the intervention group showed a significant improvement in their UTR (an increase of 0.5; t12=4.88, P<.001) unlike the control group (an increase of 0.02; t9=1.77, P=.12). On comparing the change in UTR (posttraining UTR minus pretraining UTR) attained by each group, we found that the intervention group had a 38% greater improvement in UTR than the control group. An analysis of covariance revealed a significantly greater improvement in UTR for the intervention group than for the control group (F1,20=8.82, P=.008). Conclusions: The present findings suggest that training cognitive abilities through an immersive visual platform may benefit athletic performance, including tennis. Such a result warrants careful consideration, given the known difficulties in evidencing far transfer not only in cognitive studies but also in athletic activities. These preliminary pilot findings suggest that the Mastermind Cognitive Training program may be a viable tool for supplementing athletic training practices, although this result warrants further investigation and replication. However, many questions remain unanswered, and further work is needed to better understand the potential utility and mechanisms underlying potential effects of such a platform. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e66979 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/66979 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39918854 ID - info:doi/10.2196/66979 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Wu, Richard AU - Chakka, Keerthana AU - Belko, Sara AU - Khargonkar, Ninad AU - Desai, Kevin AU - Prabhakaran, Balakrishnan AU - Annaswamy, Thiru PY - 2025/2/5 TI - Comparing In-Person, Standard Telehealth, and Remote Musculoskeletal Examination With a Novel Augmented Reality Exercise Game System: Pilot Cross-Sectional Comparison Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e57443 VL - 13 KW - physical examination KW - telemedicine KW - tele-health KW - virtual care KW - virtual health KW - telerehabilitation KW - augmented reality KW - AR KW - game KW - simulation KW - digital world KW - virtual environment KW - motion KW - strength KW - force KW - musculoskeletal KW - remote examination KW - exercise KW - physical examinations KW - telehealth KW - cross-sectional KW - VIRTEPEX KW - patient KW - exergame N2 - Background: Current telemedicine technologies are not fully optimized for conducting physical examinations. The Virtual Remote Tele-Physical Examination (VIRTEPEX) system, a novel proprietary technology platform using a Microsoft Kinect-based augmented reality game system to track motion and estimate force, has the potential to assist with conducting asynchronous, remote musculoskeletal examinations. Objective: This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of the VIRTEPEX system as a supplement to telehealth musculoskeletal strength assessments. Methods: In this cross-sectional pilot study, 12 study participants with upper extremity pain and/or weakness underwent strength evaluations for four upper extremity movements using in-person, telehealth, VIRTEPEX, and composite (telehealth plus VIRTEPEX) assessments. The evaluators were blinded to each other?s assessments. The primary outcome was feasibility, as determined by participant recruitment, study completion, and safety. The secondary outcome was preliminary evaluation of inter-rater agreement between in-person, telehealth, and VIRTEPEX strength assessments, including ? statistics. Results: This pilot study had an 80% recruitment rate, a 100% completion rate, and reported no adverse events. In-person and telehealth evaluations achieved highest overall agreement (85.71%), followed by agreements between in-person and composite (75%), in-person and VIRTEPEX (62.5%), and telehealth and VIRTEPEX (62.5%) evaluations. However, for shoulder flexion, agreement between in-person and VIRTEPEX evaluations (78.57%; ?=0.571, 95% CI 0.183 to 0.960) and in-person and composite evaluations (78.57%; ?=0.571, 95% CI 0.183 to 0.960) was higher than that between in-person and telehealth evaluations (71.43%; ?=0.429, 95% CI ?0.025 to 0.882). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility of asynchronous VIRTEPEX examinations and supports the potential for VIRTEPEX to supplement and add value to standard telehealth platforms. Further studies with an additional development of VIRTEPEX and larger sample sizes for adequate power are warranted. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e57443 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/57443 ID - info:doi/10.2196/57443 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Jang, Byeul AU - Yuh, Chisung AU - Lee, Hyeri AU - Shin, Yu-Bin AU - Lee, Heon-Jeong AU - Kang, Kyoung Eun AU - Heo, Jeongyun AU - Cho, Chul-Hyun PY - 2025/2/5 TI - Exploring User Experience and the Therapeutic Relationship of Short-Term Avatar-Based Psychotherapy: Qualitative Pilot Study JO - JMIR Hum Factors SP - e66158 VL - 12 KW - avatar-based psychotherapy KW - telehealth KW - therapeutic relationship KW - user experience KW - anonymity KW - nonverbal communication KW - mental health KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: The rapid advancement of telehealth has led to the emergence of avatar-based psychotherapy (ABP), which combines the benefits of anonymity with nonverbal communication. With the adoption of remote mental health services, understanding the efficacy and user experience of ABP has become increasingly important. Objective: This study aimed to explore the user experience and therapeutic relationship formation in short-term ABP environments, focusing on psychological effects, user satisfaction, and critical factors for implementation. Methods: This qualitative study involved 18 adult participants (8 women and 10 men). Participants engaged in two short-term ABP sessions (approximately 50 minutes per session) over 2 weeks, using an ABP metaverse system prototype. Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with both the participants and therapists before and after the ABP sessions. The interviews were conducted via an online platform, with each interview lasting approximately 30 minutes. The key topics included the sense of intimacy, communication effectiveness of avatar expressions, emotions toward one?s avatar, concentration during sessions, and perceived important aspects of the ABP. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The analysis revealed 3 main themes with 8 subthemes: (1) reduction of psychological barriers through avatar use (subthemes: anonymity, ease of access, self-objectification, and potential for self-disclosure); (2) importance of the avatar?self-connection in therapeutic relationship formation (subthemes: avatar self-relevance and avatar?self-connection fostering intimacy and trust); and (3) importance of nonverbal communication (subthemes: significance of nonverbal expressions and formation of empathy and trust through nonverbal expressions). Participants reported enhanced comfort and self-disclosure owing to the anonymity provided by avatars, while emphasizing the importance of avatar customization and the role of nonverbal cues in facilitating communication and building rapport. Conclusions: This pilot study provides valuable insights into the short-term ABP user experience and therapeutic relationship formation. Our findings suggest that ABP has the potential to reduce barriers to therapy through anonymity, ease of access, and potential for self-disclosure, while allowing for meaningful nonverbal communication. The avatar?self-connection emerged as a crucial factor in the effectiveness of ABP, highlighting the importance of avatar customization in enhancing user engagement and therapeutic outcomes. Future research and development in ABP should focus on improving avatar customization options, enhancing the fidelity of nonverbal cues, and investigating the long-term effectiveness of ABP compared with traditional face-to-face therapy. Trial Registration: CRIS KCT0009695; https://tinyurl.com/2a48s7dh UR - https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2025/1/e66158 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/66158 ID - info:doi/10.2196/66158 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Zheng, Yuanyuan AU - Chen, Yizhen AU - Chen, Yan AU - Lin, Liang AU - Xue, Ting AU - Chen, Chuhui AU - Wen, Junping AU - Lin, Wei AU - Chen, Gang PY - 2025/2/5 TI - Metaverse Clinic for Pregnant Women With Subclinical Hypothyroidism: Prospective Randomized Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e64634 VL - 27 KW - metaverse KW - subclinical hypothyroidism KW - adverse pregnancy outcomes KW - psychological health KW - neurobehavioral development N2 - Background: Health care is experiencing new opportunities in the emerging digital landscape. The metaverse, a shared virtual space, integrates technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. It allows users to interact with immersive digital worlds, connect with others, and explore unknowns. While the metaverse is gaining traction across various medical disciplines, its application in thyroid diseases remains unexplored. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is the most common thyroid disorder during pregnancy and is frequently associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a metaverse platform in managing SCH during pregnancy. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Fujian Provincial Hospital, China, from July 2022 to December 2023. A total of 60 pregnant women diagnosed with SCH were randomly assigned into two groups: the standard group (n=30) and the metaverse group (n=30). Both groups received levothyroxine sodium tablets. Additionally, participants in the metaverse group had access to the metaverse virtual medical consultations and metaverse-based medical games. The primary outcomes were adverse maternal and offspring outcomes, and the secondary outcomes included the neurobehavioral development of offspring and maternal psychological assessments. Results: Of the 30 participants in each group, adverse maternal outcomes were observed in 43% (n=13) of the standard group and 37% (n=11) of the metaverse group (P=.60). The incidence of adverse offspring outcomes was 33% (n=10) in the standard group, compared to 7% (n=2) in the metaverse group (P=.01). The Gesell Development Scale did not show significant differences between the two groups. Notably, the metaverse group demonstrated significantly improved scores on the Self-Rating Depression Scale and the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale scores compared to the standard group (P<.001 and P=.001, respectively). Conclusions: The use of metaverse technology significantly reduced the incidence of adverse offspring outcomes and positively impacted maternal mental health. Maternal adverse outcomes and offspring neurobehavioral development were comparable between the two groups. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2300076803; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=205905 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e64634 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/64634 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/64634 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Yang, Xipeng AU - Wu, Jinlong AU - Ma, Yudan AU - Yu, Jingxuan AU - Cao, Hong AU - Zeng, Aihua AU - Fu, Rui AU - Tang, Yucheng AU - Ren, Zhanbing PY - 2025/2/5 TI - Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Technology Interventions in Improving the Social Skills of Children and Adolescents With Autism: Systematic Review JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e60845 VL - 27 KW - VR technology KW - autism spectrum disorder KW - children KW - adolescents KW - social skills KW - virtual reality KW - VR N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) technology has shown significant potential in improving the social skills of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Objective: This study aimed to systematically review the evidence supporting the effectiveness of VR technology in improving the social skills of children and adolescents with ASD. Methods: The search for eligible studies encompassed 4 databases: PubMed, Web of Science, IEEE, and Scopus. Two (XY and JW) researchers independently assessed the extracted studies according to predefined criteria for inclusion and exclusion. These researchers also independently extracted information regarding gathered data on the sources, samples, measurement methods, primary results, and data related to the main results of the studies that met the inclusion criteria. The quality of the studies was further evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Results: This review analyzed 14 studies on using VR technology interventions to improve social skills in children and adolescents with ASD. Our findings indicate that VR interventions have a positive effect on improving social skills in children and adolescents with ASD. Compared with individuals with low-functioning autism (LFA), those with high-functioning autism (HFA) benefited more from the intervention. The duration and frequency of the intervention may also influence its effectiveness. In addition, immersive VR is more suitable for training complex skills in individuals with HFA. At the same time, nonimmersive VR stands out in terms of lower cost and flexibility, making it more appropriate for basic skill interventions for people with LFA. Finally, while VR technology positively enhances social skills, some studies have reported potential adverse side effects. According to the quality assessment using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale, of the 14 studies, 6 (43%) were classified as high quality, 4 (29%) as moderate quality, and 4 (29%) as low quality. Conclusions: This systematic review found that VR technology interventions positively impact social skills in children and adolescents with ASD, with particularly significant effects on the enhancement of complex social skills in individuals with HFA. For children and adolescents with LFA, progress was mainly observed in basic skills. Immersive VR interventions are more suitable for the development of complex skills. At the same time, nonimmersive VR, due to its lower cost and greater flexibility, also holds potential for application in specific contexts. However, the use of VR technology may lead to side effects such as dizziness, eye fatigue, and sensory overload, particularly in immersive settings. These potential issues should be carefully addressed in intervention designs to ensure user comfort and safety. Future research should focus on optimizing individualized interventions and further exploring the long-term effects of VR interventions. Trial Registration: International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols INPLASY202420079U1; https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2024-2-0079/ UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e60845 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/60845 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/60845 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Chan, Tai Kai AU - Hui, LM Christy AU - Cheung, Charlton AU - Suen, Nam Yi AU - Wong, Yin Stephanie Ming AU - Wong, SM Corine AU - Kam, PH Bosco AU - Chen, Hai Eric Yu PY - 2025/1/31 TI - Exploring the Differentiation of Self-Concepts in the Physical and Virtual Worlds Using Euclidean Distance Analysis and Its Relationship With Digitalization and Mental Health Among Young People: Cross-Sectional Study JO - JMIR Ment Health SP - e60747 VL - 12 KW - digitalization KW - self KW - identity KW - psychiatric symptomatology KW - youth mental health KW - Euclidean distance analysis KW - self-differentiation KW - smartphone addiction KW - personal attributes N2 - Background: Increasing observation and evidence suggest that the process of digitalization could have profound impact to the development of human mind and self, with potential mental health consequences. Self-differentiation is important in human identity and self-concept formation, which is believed to be involved in the process of digitalization. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between digitalization and personal attributes in the actual selves in the physical and virtual worlds. Methods: A community cohort of 397 participants aged 15 to 24 years old was recruited consecutively over about 3 months. Assessment was conducted upon the indicators of digitalization (smartphone use time, leisure online time, and age of first smartphone ownership), smartphone addiction, 14 selected personal attributes in the actual selves in the physical and virtual worlds, psychiatric symptomatology and personality traits. Euclidean distance analysis between the personal attributes in the actual selves in the physical and virtual worlds for the similarities of the 2 selves was performed in the analysis. Results: The current primary findings are the negative correlations between the similarity of the personal attributes in the physical actual self and virtual actual self, and smartphone use time, smartphone addiction as well as anxiety symptomatology respectively (P<.05 to P<.01). Conclusions: The current findings provide empirical evidence for the importance of maintaining a congruent self across the physical and virtual worlds, regulating smartphone use time, preventing smartphone addiction, and safeguarding mental health. UR - https://mental.jmir.org/2025/1/e60747 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/60747 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/60747 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Sarai, Gurdeep AU - Jayaraman, Prakash Prem AU - Tirosh, Oren AU - Wickramasinghe, Nilmini PY - 2025/1/29 TI - Exploring Virtual Reality and Exercise Simulator Interventions in Patients With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Comprehensive Literature Review JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e57297 VL - 13 KW - exercise-based simulator KW - exergame KW - virtual reality KW - physical activity KW - attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder N2 - Background: This review explores virtual reality (VR) and exercise simulator?based interventions for individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Past research indicates that both VR and simulator-based interventions enhance cognitive functions, such as executive function and memory, though their impacts on attention vary. Objective: This study aimed to contribute to the ongoing scientific discourse on integrating technology-driven interventions into the management and evaluation of ADHD. It specifically seeks to consolidate findings on how VR and exercise simulators may support individuals with ADHD, acknowledging associated challenges and implications inherent in both technological approaches. Methods: This research looks at existing literature to examine the potential efficacy of VR and exercise simulator?based interventions for individuals with ADHD. It evaluates the capacity of these interventions to address specific challenges along with an emphasis on the adjustments for accommodating unique user behaviors. Additionally, it underscores the limited exploration of user perceptions of exercise simulator?based interventions and the undervalued role of motor function in both ADHD assessment and symptom management. Results: The findings of this scoping review reveal that, while these interventions enhance user motivation and enjoyment, certain challenges resist modification through technology. Furthermore, this study explores the intricate complexities involved in customizing these technologies to accommodate the diverse aspects of user behavior and highlights the potential limitations in the use of VR. Conclusions: This scoping review contributes to the ongoing research on enhancing interventions to support individuals with ADHD. It advocates for participant-centric approaches that aim to optimize both cognitive and motor outcomes while prioritizing the enhancement of user experiences. This study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to interventions, recognizing the relationship between cognitive and motor abilities, and calls for improving technological interventions to address the varied needs of individuals with ADHD. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e57297 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/57297 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39879092 ID - info:doi/10.2196/57297 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Scribano Parada, Paz María de la AU - González Palau, Fátima AU - Valladares Rodríguez, Sonia AU - Rincon, Mariano AU - Rico Barroeta, José Maria AU - García Rodriguez, Marta AU - Bueno Aguado, Yolanda AU - Herrero Blanco, Ana AU - Díaz-López, Estela AU - Bachiller Mayoral, Margarita AU - Losada Durán, Raquel PY - 2025/1/28 TI - Preclinical Cognitive Markers of Alzheimer Disease and Early Diagnosis Using Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence: Literature Review JO - JMIR Med Inform SP - e62914 VL - 13 KW - dementia KW - Alzheimer disease KW - mild cognitive impairment KW - virtual reality KW - artificial intelligence KW - early detection KW - qualitative review KW - literature review KW - AI N2 - Background: This review explores the potential of virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify preclinical cognitive markers of Alzheimer disease (AD). By synthesizing recent studies, it aims to advance early diagnostic methods to detect AD before significant symptoms occur. Objective: Research emphasizes the significance of early detection in AD during the preclinical phase, which does not involve cognitive impairment but nevertheless requires reliable biomarkers. Current biomarkers face challenges, prompting the exploration of cognitive behavior indicators beyond episodic memory. Methods: Using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, we searched Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar for studies on neuropsychiatric disorders utilizing conversational data. Results: Following an analysis of 38 selected articles, we highlight verbal episodic memory as a sensitive preclinical AD marker, with supporting evidence from neuroimaging and genetic profiling. Executive functions precede memory decline, while processing speed is a significant correlate. The potential of VR remains underexplored, and AI algorithms offer a multidimensional approach to early neurocognitive disorder diagnosis. Conclusions: Emerging technologies like VR and AI show promise for preclinical diagnostics, but thorough validation and regulation for clinical safety and efficacy are necessary. Continued technological advancements are expected to enhance early detection and management of AD. UR - https://medinform.jmir.org/2025/1/e62914 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/62914 ID - info:doi/10.2196/62914 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Celdrán, Javier Francisco AU - Jiménez-Ruescas, Javier AU - Lobato, Carlos AU - Salazar, Lucía AU - Sánchez-Margallo, Alberto Juan AU - Sánchez-Margallo, M. Francisco AU - González, Pascual PY - 2025/1/28 TI - Use of Augmented Reality for Training Assistance in Laparoscopic Surgery: Scoping Literature Review JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e58108 VL - 27 KW - laparoscopic surgery KW - surgical training KW - surgical simulator KW - augmented reality?based laparoscopic simulator KW - AR-based laparoscopic simulator KW - augmented reality KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: Laparoscopic surgery training is a demanding process requiring technical and nontechnical skills. Surgical training has evolved from traditional approaches to the use of immersive digital technologies such as virtual, augmented, and mixed reality. These technologies are now integral to laparoscopic surgery training. Objective: This scoping literature review aimed to analyze the current augmented reality (AR) solutions used in laparoscopic surgery training. Methods: Following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, we conducted a scoping review using 4 databases: Scopus, IEEE Xplore, PubMed, and ACM. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select relevant articles. Exclusion criteria were studies not using AR, not focused on laparoscopic surgery, not focused on training, written in a language other than English, or not providing relevant information on the topics studied. After selecting the articles, research questions (RQs) were formulated to guide the review. In total, 2 independent reviewers then extracted relevant data, and a descriptive analysis of the results was conducted. Results: Of 246 initial records, 172 (69.9%) remained after removing duplicates. After applying the exclusion criteria, 76 articles were selected, with 25 (33%) later excluded for not meeting quality standards, leaving 51 (67%) in the final review. Among the devices analyzed (RQ 1), AR video?based devices were the most prevalent (43/51, 84%). The most common information provided by AR devices (RQ 1) focused on task execution and patient-related data, both appearing in 20% (10/51) of studies. Regarding sensorization (RQ 2), most studies (46/51, 90%) incorporated some form of sensorized environment, with computer vision being the most used technology (21/46, 46%) and the trainee the most frequently sensorized element (41/51, 80%). Regarding training setups (RQ 3), 39% (20/51) of the studies used commercial simulators, and 51% (26/51) made use of artificial models. Concerning the evaluation methods (RQ 4), objective evaluation was the most used, featured in 71% (36/51) of the studies. Regarding tasks (RQ 5), 43% (22/51) of studies focused on full surgical procedures, whereas 57% (29/51) focused on simple training tasks, with suturing being the most common among the latter (11/29, 38%). Conclusions: This scoping review highlights the evolving role of AR technologies in laparoscopic surgery training, although the impact of optical see-through devices remains unclear due to their limited use. It underscores the potential of emerging technologies such as haptic feedback, computer vision, and eye tracking to further enhance laparoscopic skill acquisition. While most relevant articles from other databases were included, some studies may have been missed due to the specific databases and search strategies used. Moreover, the need for standardized evaluation metrics is emphasized, paving the way for future research into AR?s full potential in laparoscopic skill acquisition. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e58108 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/58108 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/58108 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Baetzner, Sabine Anke AU - Hill, Yannick AU - Roszipal, Benjamin AU - Gerwann, Solène AU - Beutel, Matthias AU - Birrenbach, Tanja AU - Karlseder, Markus AU - Mohr, Stefan AU - Salg, Alexander Gabriel AU - Schrom-Feiertag, Helmut AU - Frenkel, Ottilie Marie AU - Wrzus, Cornelia PY - 2025/1/27 TI - Mass Casualty Incident Training in Immersive Virtual Reality: Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of Multimethod Performance Indicators JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e63241 VL - 27 KW - prehospital decision-making KW - disaster medicine KW - emergency medicine KW - mass casualty incident KW - medical education KW - eye tracking KW - emergency simulation KW - virtual reality N2 - Background: Immersive virtual reality (iVR) has emerged as a training method to prepare medical first responders (MFRs) for mass casualty incidents (MCIs) and disasters in a resource-efficient, flexible, and safe manner. However, systematic evaluations and validations of potential performance indicators for virtual MCI training are still lacking. Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether different performance indicators based on visual attention, triage performance, and information transmission can be effectively extended to MCI training in iVR by testing if they can discriminate between different levels of expertise. Furthermore, the study examined the extent to which such objective indicators correlate with subjective performance assessments. Methods: A total of 76 participants (mean age 25.54, SD 6.01 y; 45/76, 59% male) with different medical expertise (MFRs: paramedics and emergency physicians; non-MFRs: medical students, in-hospital nurses, and other physicians) participated in 5 virtual MCI scenarios of varying complexity in a randomized order. Tasks involved assessing the situation, triaging virtual patients, and transmitting relevant information to a control center. Performance indicators included eye-tracking?based visual attention, triage accuracy, triage speed, information transmission efficiency, and self-assessment of performance. Expertise was determined based on the occupational group (39/76, 51% MFRs vs 37/76, 49% non-MFRs) and a knowledge test with patient vignettes. Results: Triage accuracy (d=0.48), triage speed (d=0.42), and information transmission efficiency (d=1.13) differentiated significantly between MFRs and non-MFRs. In addition, higher triage accuracy was significantly associated with higher triage knowledge test scores (Spearman ?=0.40). Visual attention was not significantly associated with expertise. Furthermore, subjective performance was not correlated with any other performance indicator. Conclusions: iVR-based MCI scenarios proved to be a valuable tool for assessing the performance of MFRs. The results suggest that iVR could be integrated into current MCI training curricula to provide frequent, objective, and potentially (partly) automated performance assessments in a controlled environment. In particular, performance indicators, such as triage accuracy, triage speed, and information transmission efficiency, capture multiple aspects of performance and are recommended for integration. While the examined visual attention indicators did not function as valid performance indicators in this study, future research could further explore visual attention in MCI training and examine other indicators, such as holistic gaze patterns. Overall, the results underscore the importance of integrating objective indicators to enhance trainers? feedback and provide trainees with guidance on evaluating and reflecting on their own performance. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e63241 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/63241 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/63241 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Zhao, Jing AU - Yasunaga, Akitomo AU - Kaczynski, T. Andrew AU - Park, Hyuntae AU - Luo, Yufeng AU - Li, Jiuling AU - Shibata, Ai AU - Ishii, Kaori AU - Yano, Shohei AU - Oka, Koichiro AU - Koohsari, Javad Mohammad PY - 2025/1/20 TI - At-Home Immersive Virtual Reality Exergames to Reduce Cardiometabolic Risk Among Office Workers: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e64560 VL - 14 KW - metabolic syndrome KW - noncommunicable diseases KW - active video game KW - interactive virtual reality environment KW - physical activity KW - workplace health KW - at-home intervention N2 - Background: The worldwide rise in the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases has increased the recognition of the need to identify modifiable risk factors for preventing and managing these diseases. The office worker, as a representative group of physically inactive workers, is exposed to risk factors for metabolic syndrome, which is a primary driver of noncommunicable diseases. The use of virtual reality (VR) exergames may offer a potential solution to the problem of increasing noncommunicable disease prevalence, as it can help individuals increase their physical activity levels while providing a more immersive experience. Objective: This exploratory study aims to examine the interventional efficacy of at-home immersive VR exergames on metabolic syndrome biomarkers among office workers. Additionally, it seeks to investigate the impacts of at-home immersive VR exergames on the active and sedentary behaviors of office workers. Methods: A 3-arm, single-blinded pilot randomized controlled trial will be conducted to examine the therapeutic effects of at-home immersive VR exergames. A total of 120 Chinese office workers, engaging in less than 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity, will be recruited via a convenience sampling method. The participants, who will be tested over a 12-week period, will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) the VR exergame intervention group, (2) the regular physical activity control group, and (3) the nonexercise control group. Throughout the 12-week trial, three categories of variables will be collected across the three groups: clinical risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome, active and sedentary behaviors, and demographics. To analyze variance among the groups, a mixed linear model will be applied to assess the efficacy of each group. Differences in metabolic syndrome clinical risk factors among all groups will be used to evaluate the effects of at-home immersive VR exergames. Changes in active and sedentary behaviors will also be used to determine the impacts of VR exergames on metabolic syndrome. Results: The ethics committee of Guangzhou University, China, approved this study on September 25, 2024. Participant recruitment will begin in early 2025 and continue for approximately 3 months. Data will be analyzed after the 12-week trial is completed, with full results expected to be presented in early 2026. Conclusions: This study explores an emerging topic by applying an at-home immersive VR exergame intervention, potentially contributing to understanding the effects of an exergame program on metabolic syndrome risk among office workers. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06556784; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06556784 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/64560 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e64560 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/64560 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/64560 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Bonneterre, Solenne AU - Zerhouni, Oulmann AU - Boffo, Marilisa PY - 2025/1/20 TI - Immersive Virtual Reality for Health Promotion and Primary Prevention in Psychology: Scoping Review JO - JMIR XR Spatial Comput SP - e49923 VL - 2 KW - virtual reality KW - health psychology KW - prevention psychology KW - health promotion N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool in health promotion and prevention psychology. Its ability to create immersive, engaging, and standardized environments offers unique opportunities for interventions and assessments. However, the scope of VR applications in this field remains unclear. Objective: This scoping review aims to identify and map the applications of VR in health promotion and prevention psychology, focusing on its uses, outcomes, and challenges. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across 3 electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus) for studies published between 2010 and 2024. Eligibility criteria included empirical studies using immersive VR for health promotion and prevention, while studies using nonimmersive VR, lacking health-related applications, or focusing on clinical interventions were excluded. The review followed PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, and 4295 records were initially identified, with 51 studies included after screening. Data were synthesized qualitatively to identify key applications, limitations, and emerging trends. Results: VR was primarily used in three areas: (1) delivering interventions (eg, pilot testing, skills training), (2) exploring fundamental research questions, and (3) assessing outcomes such as behavioral or psychological responses. Although VR demonstrated potential for enhancing user engagement and replicating ecological scenarios, its effectiveness compared to nonimmersive methods varied. Most studies were pilot or feasibility studies with small, nonrepresentative samples, short follow-up periods, and limited methodological standardization. Conclusions: VR offers a versatile and promising tool for health promotion and prevention but its applications are still in the early stages. The evidence is limited by methodological weaknesses and variability in outcomes. Future research should prioritize replication, longitudinal designs, and standardized methodologies to strengthen the evidence base and expand the applicability of VR interventions. UR - https://xr.jmir.org/2025/1/e49923 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/49923 ID - info:doi/10.2196/49923 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Zhang, Dandan AU - Fu, MuLi AU - Zhang, Jianzhong AU - Li, Yuxuan AU - Chen, Li AU - Chen, Yong-Jun AU - Zhong, Zhefeng AU - Zhang, Yin-Ping PY - 2025/1/17 TI - Evaluating Whether Nonimmersion Virtual Reality Simulation Training Improves Nursing Competency in Isolation Wards: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e63131 VL - 27 KW - virtual reality simulation KW - isolation ward KW - preparedness KW - pandemic KW - nurse N2 - Background: During infectious disease outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses are crucial in patient care and public health safety; however, they face challenges such as inadequate training and high stress in isolation wards. Virtual reality (VR) technology offers innovative training solutions to enhance nurses? clinical skills and preparedness. However, extensive studies on its effectiveness in isolation ward environments are still limited. Objective: This study aims to develop a nonimmersive VR (NIVR) simulation training program for isolation wards and further validate its feasibility and training effectiveness in aiding nurses in adapting to isolation ward settings. Methods: This study was a prospective, parallel, open-label, randomized controlled trial. A total of 90 nurses from 3 hospitals in China were randomly assigned to either the control or intervention group, with 45 (50%) individuals in each group. Both groups received training on isolation ward layout and nursing procedures. The control group underwent a 4-hour conventional training session consisting of 2 hours of face-to-face lectures and 2 hours of ward visits. The intervention group received a 4-hour NIVR simulation training session. Subsequently, both groups completed approximately 4 hours of emergency drills and assessments. Results: After the intervention, there were no significant differences in theoretical test or performance assessment scores between the 2 groups (t88=?0.30, P=.75; Cohen d=?0.06; z score=0.00, P>.99), using a 2-tailed t test. However, the intervention group completed 6 tasks faster than the control group (t88=5.10, P<.001; Cohen d=1.08), with an average reduction of about 3 minutes (control group: mean 43.91, SD 2.99 min; intervention group: mean 40.77, SD 2.85 min). Notably, they completed task 3 (patient reception inward) and task 6 (exiting the isolation area) significantly quicker (t88=3.22, P=.002; Cohen d=0.68; t88=3.03, P=.003; Cohen d=0.64, respectively), with no significant differences for the other tasks. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of NIVR simulation training for nurses working in isolation wards. Although NIVR simulation training does not significantly surpass traditional methods in imparting theoretical knowledge, it does reduce task completion time for specific activities. Its capacity for safe, repetitive practice and realistic scenario simulation makes NIVR a valuable tool in medical education. Further research and optimization of VR simulation training programs are recommended to enhance nurses? practical skills and pandemic preparedness. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR240083155; https://www.chictr.org.cn/hvshowproject.html?id=250356&v=1.0 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e63131 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/63131 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/63131 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ramos, Aurélien AU - Boisvert, Maxence AU - Traverse, Elodie AU - Levac, Danielle AU - Lemay, Martin AU - Demers, Marika AU - Bordeleau, Martine AU - Ruest, Sarah-Maude AU - Périnet-Lacroix, Roxanne AU - Best, L. Krista AU - Robert, T. Maxime PY - 2025/1/17 TI - Bridging Needs and Expectations of Individuals With Physical Disabilities and Community Services Stakeholders for the Cocreation of an Adapted Physical Activity Platform in Virtual Reality: Qualitative Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e59704 VL - 13 KW - virtual reality KW - physical activity KW - community organizations KW - accessibility KW - physical disability N2 - Background: Physical activity supports the health and well-being of individuals with physical disabilities. Despite the significance of engaging in physical activity, barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, such as limited access to adapted facilities and lack of transportation, can restrict their participation. Community organizations play a role in addressing these challenges, but virtual reality (VR) also offers a way to diversify adapted activities. In some situations, VR can help overcome the resource limitations of organizations by providing accessible, engaging, and highly personalized options for physical activity. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the needs and expectations of individuals with physical disabilities and their interventionists for the use of a VR physical activity platform in a community organization. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using semistructured interviews with individuals with physical disabilities and their interventionists, all associated with a nonprofit organization promoting physical activity among people with disabilities. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Results: In total, 15 participants, including 8 people with physical disabilities and 7 interventionists, were interviewed. Through this discussion, we gained insights into the everyday challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and identified priorities for community organizations. Subsequently, we discussed key considerations for using VR, including adapting activities, the possibility of fostering a more positive perception of physical activity, and harnessing the potential of VR to improve access to physical activity. We also discussed the importance of supporting personal goals and creating inclusive experiences while recognizing challenges such as technical difficulties and connectivity issues. Conclusions: By exploring the needs and expectations regarding VR technology from individuals with physical disabilities and their interventionists, this study provided essential insights for integrating immersive and nonimmersive VR into community organizations, informing next steps for the design of adapted physical activities in VR. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e59704 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/59704 ID - info:doi/10.2196/59704 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Yang, Qin AU - Zhang, Liuxin AU - Chang, Fangyuan AU - Yang, Hongyi AU - Chen, Bin AU - Liu, Zhao PY - 2025/1/10 TI - Virtual Reality Interventions for Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e59195 VL - 27 KW - Alzheimer disease KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - mild cognitive impairment KW - meta-analysis KW - health care KW - cognitive function KW - memory KW - attention KW - executive function KW - older adults N2 - Background: Alzheimer disease is incurable, but it is possible to intervene and slow down the progression of dementia during periods of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) through virtual reality (VR) technology. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the effects of VR interventions on older adults with MCI. The examined outcomes include cognitive abilities, mood, quality of life, and physical fitness, including general cognitive function, memory performance, attention and information processing speed, executive function, language proficiency, visuospatial abilities, depression, daily mobility of individuals, muscle performance, and gait and balance. Methods: A total of 4 web-based databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Ovid) were searched up to December 30, 2023, for randomized controlled trials assessing the self-reported outcomes of VR-based technology on cognition, mood, quality of life, and physical fitness in older adults (aged ?55 years) with MCI. Two reviewers independently screened the search results and reference lists of the identified papers and related reviews. Data on the intervention components and delivery and behavioral change techniques used were extracted. A meta-analysis, risk-of-bias sensitivity analysis, and subgroup analysis were performed where appropriate to explore potential moderators. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach was used to assess the quality of evidence. Results: This review analyzed 18 studies involving 722 older adults with MCI. VR was delivered through different immersion levels with VR cognitive training, VR physical training, or VR cognitive-motor dual-task training. VR interventions showed significant improvements in memory (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.2, 95% CI 0.02-0.38), attention and information processing speed (SMD 0.25, 95% CI 0.06-0.45), and executive function (SMD 0.22, 95% CI 0.02-0.42). VR without therapist involvement improved memory as well as attention and information processing speed. VR cognitive training also resulted in significant improvements in attention and information processing speed in older adults with MCI (SMD 0.31, 95% CI 0.05-0.58). In addition, immersive VR had a significant impact on improving attention and information processing speed (SMD 0.25; 95% CI 0.01-0.50) and executive function (SMD 0.25; 95% CI 0.00-0.50). However, the effects of the intervention were very small in terms of general cognitive function, language proficiency, visuospatial abilities, depression, daily living ability, muscle performance, and gait and balance. Quality of evidence varied, with moderate ratings for certain cognitive functions and low ratings for others, based on the GRADE approach. Conclusions: VR interventions can improve memory, attention and information processing speed, and executive function in older adults with MCI. The quality of evidence is moderate to low, and further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore additional health-related outcomes. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e59195 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/59195 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/59195 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Mühling, Tobias AU - Schreiner, Verena AU - Appel, Marc AU - Leutritz, Tobias AU - König, Sarah PY - 2025/1/10 TI - Comparing Virtual Reality?Based and Traditional Physical Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Stations for Clinical Competency Assessments: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e55066 VL - 27 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - objective structured clinical examination KW - OSCE KW - medical education KW - technological proficiency KW - assessment KW - clinical competence KW - item characteristics KW - discrimination power KW - acceptance KW - technical feasibility KW - effectiveness KW - comparative study KW - physical stations KW - medical students KW - standardized patients KW - cost-effectiveness N2 - Background: Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) are a widely recognized and accepted method to assess clinical competencies but are often resource-intensive. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR)?based station (VRS) compared with a traditional physical station (PHS) in an already established curricular OSCE. Methods: Fifth-year medical students participated in an OSCE consisting of 10 stations. One of the stations, emergency medicine, was offered in 2 modalities: VRS and PHS. Students were randomly assigned to 1 of the 2 modalities. We used 2 distinct scenarios to prevent content leakage among participants. Student performance and item characteristics were analyzed, comparing the VRS with PHS as well as with 5 other case-based stations. Student perceptions of the VRS were collected through a quantitative and qualitative postexamination online survey, which included a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (minimum) to 5 (maximum), to evaluate the acceptance and usability of the VR system. Organizational and technical feasibility as well as cost-effectiveness were also evaluated. Results: Following randomization and exclusions of invalid data sets, 57 and 66 participants were assessed for the VRS and PHS, respectively. The feasibility evaluation demonstrated smooth implementation of both VR scenarios (septic and anaphylactic shock) with 93% (53/57) of students using the VR technology without issues. The difficulty levels of the VRS scenarios (septic shock: P=.67; anaphylactic shock: P=.58) were comparable to the average difficulty of all stations (P=.68) and fell within the reference range (0.4-0.8). In contrast, VRS demonstrated above-average values for item discrimination (septic shock: r'=0.40; anaphylactic shock: r'=0.33; overall r'=0.30; with values >0.3 considered good) and discrimination index (septic shock: D=0.25; anaphylactic shock: D=0.26; overall D=0.16, with 0.2-0.3 considered mediocre and <0.2 considered poor). Apart from some hesitancy toward its broader application in future practical assessments (mean 3.07, SD 1.37 for VRS vs mean 3.65, SD 1.18 for PHS; P=.03), there were no other differences in perceptions between VRS and PHS. Thematic analysis highlighted the realistic portrayal of medical emergencies and fair assessment conditions provided by the VRS. Regarding cost-effectiveness, initial development of the VRS can be offset by long-term savings in recurring expenses like standardized patients and consumables. Conclusions: Integration of the VRS into the current OSCE framework proved feasible both technically and organizationally, even within the strict constraints of short examination phases and schedules. The VRS was accepted and positively received by students across various levels of technological proficiency, including those with no prior VR experience. Notably, the VRS demonstrated comparable or even superior item characteristics, particularly in terms of discrimination power. Although challenges remain, such as technical reliability and some acceptance concerns, VR remains promising in applications of clinical competence assessment. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e55066 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/55066 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/55066 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Arthur, Tom AU - Melendez-Torres, GJ AU - Harris, David AU - Robinson, Sophie AU - Wilson, Mark AU - Vine, Sam PY - 2025/1/8 TI - Extended Reality Interventions for Health and Procedural Anxiety: Panoramic Meta-Analysis Based on Overviews of Reviews JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e58086 VL - 27 KW - virtual reality KW - exposure therapy KW - distraction techniques KW - patient education KW - fear KW - phobia KW - immersive KW - anxiety KW - meta-analysis KW - extended reality KW - intervention KW - procedural anxiety KW - patient anxiety KW - exposure KW - distraction N2 - Background: Extended reality (XR) technologies are increasingly being used to reduce health and procedural anxieties. The global effectiveness of these interventions is uncertain, and there is a lack of understanding of how patient outcomes might vary between different contexts and modalities. Objective: This research used panoramic meta-analysis to synthesize evidence across the diverse clinical contexts in which XR is used to address common outcomes of health and procedural anxiety. Methods: Review-level evidence was obtained from 4 databases (MEDLINE, Embase, APA PsycINFO, and Epistemonikos) from the beginning of 2013 until May 30, 2023. Reviews that performed meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials relating to patient-directed XR interventions for health and procedural anxiety were included. Studies that analyzed physiological measures, or focused on technologies that did not include meaningful immersive components, were excluded. Furthermore, data were only included from studies that compared intervention outcomes against no-treatment or treatment-as-usual controls. Analyses followed a preregistered, publicly available protocol. Trial effect sizes were extracted from reviews and expressed as standardized mean differences, which were entered into a 3-level generalized linear model. Here, outcomes were estimated for patients (level 1), studies (level 2), and anxiety indications (level 3), while meta-regressions explored possible influences of age, immersion, and different mechanisms of action. Where relevant, the quality of reviews was appraised using the AMSTAR-2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews, Revised Instrument) tool. Results: Data from 83 individual trials were extracted from 18 eligible meta-analyses. Most studies involved pediatric patient groups and focused on procedural, as opposed to general, health anxieties (eg, relating to needle insertion, dental operations, and acute surgery contexts). Interventions targeted distraction-, education-, and exposure-based mechanisms, and were provided via a range of immersive and nonimmersive systems. These interventions proved broadly effective in reducing patient anxiety, with models revealing significant but heterogeneous effects for both procedural (d=?0.75, 95% CI ?0.95 to ?0.54) and general health (d=?0.82, 95% CI ?1.20 to ?0.45) indications (when compared with nontreatment or usual-care control conditions). For procedural anxieties, effects may be influenced by publication bias and appear more pronounced for children (vs adults) and nonimmersive (vs immersive) technology interventions, but they were not different by indication. Conclusions: Results demonstrate that XR interventions have successfully reduced patient anxiety across diverse clinical contexts. However, significant uncertainty remains about the generalizability of effects within various unexplored indications, and existing evidence is limited in methodological quality. Although current research is broadly positive in this area, it is premature to assert that XR interventions are effective for any given health or procedural anxiety indication. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e58086 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/58086 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/58086 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Kang, Xin AU - Zhang, Yiping AU - Sun, Chaonan AU - Zhang, Jiaxin AU - Che, Zhe AU - Zang, Jinhui AU - Zhang, Rongzhi PY - 2025/1/8 TI - Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Training in Improving Outcomes for Dialysis Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e58384 VL - 27 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - training KW - dialysis KW - hemodialysis KW - peritoneal dialysis KW - chronic kidney disease KW - rehabilitation KW - quality of life KW - meta-analysis N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) training uses computer-generated simulations that enable users to engage with immersive virtual environments, simulating real-world activities or therapeutic exercises. This technology is increasingly recognized as a promising intervention to address the physical and psychological challenges faced by dialysis patients, who frequently experience diminished physical function, social isolation, and emotional distress associated with prolonged treatment regimens. Given the increasing prevalence of dialysis patients and the limitations of conventional rehabilitation approaches, VR presents a novel, interactive method that has the potential to enhance patient well-being and improve quality of life. Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of VR training interventions for dialysis patients, with a focus on assessing their impact on motor abilities, psychological symptoms (specifically anxiety and depression), social functioning, and self-efficacy. This analysis also explores whether VR can offer comprehensive benefits to support both the physical and mental health of dialysis patients. Methods: The meta-analysis was conducted following Cochrane guidelines. Comprehensive searches were performed across major databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, China Biomedical Literature database, Cochrane library, Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase, encompassing all studies up to December 2023. Inclusion criteria targeted studies assessing VR?s impact on motor performance, psychological well-being, social functioning, and self-efficacy in dialysis patients. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed methodological quality using Cochrane?s risk of bias criteria, ensuring data synthesis reliability. Results: A total of 12 studies, involving 625 dialysis patients in total, met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis demonstrated that VR training led to significant improvements across multiple domains. VR interventions were associated with improved physical capacity, evidenced by higher scores in the 6-minute walk test (standardized mean difference [SD]=29.36, 95% CI 14.32-44.4, P<.001, I2=46%). VR training was associated with significant reductions in depression (SD=?6.30, 95% CI ?7.14 to ?5.47, P<.001, I2=96%) and anxiety (SD=?8.91, 95% CI ?9.69 to ?8.14, P<.001, I2=95%). In addition, VR interventions enhanced social functioning (SD=16.20, 95% CI 14.49-17.9, P<.001, I2=72%), and improved self-efficacy (SD=20.47, 95% CI 18.55-22.39, P<.001, I2=99%). However, VR training did not yield significant differences in gait speed, balance, or functional tests (Ten Sit-to-Stand Test, Five Sit-to-Stand Test, Sixty Sit-to-Stand Test, Timed Up and Go Test, and fatigue) compared with control groups. Conclusions: The findings suggest that VR training is a promising intervention for dialysis patients, providing benefits in physical endurance, social engagement, and psychological well-being. Despite these advantages, VR remains underused among peritoneal dialysis patients compared with hemodialysis patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes and more refined experimental designs are recommended to validate these results and support VR as a complementary tool in the holistic care of dialysis patients. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e58384 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/58384 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/58384 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Schneider, Tim AU - Cetin, Timur AU - Uppenkamp, Stefan AU - Weyhe, Dirk AU - Muender, Thomas AU - Reinschluessel, V. Anke AU - Salzmann, Daniela AU - Uslar, Verena PY - 2025/1/8 TI - Measuring Bound Attention During Complex Liver Surgery Planning: Feasibility Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e62740 VL - 9 KW - workload measurement KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - augmented reality KW - AR KW - electroencephalography KW - EEG KW - event-related potential KW - ERP KW - auditory evoked potential KW - AEP KW - oddball experiment KW - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index KW - NASA-TLX KW - surgical planning N2 - Background: The integration of advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) into surgical procedures has garnered significant attention. However, the introduction of these innovations requires thorough evaluation in the context of human-machine interaction. Despite their potential benefits, new technologies can complicate surgical tasks and increase the cognitive load on surgeons, potentially offsetting their intended advantages. It is crucial to evaluate these technologies not only for their functional improvements but also for their impact on the surgeon?s workload in clinical settings. A surgical team today must increasingly navigate advanced technologies such as AR and VR, aiming to reduce surgical trauma and enhance patient safety. However, each innovation needs to be evaluated in terms of human-machine interaction. Even if an innovation appears to bring advancements to the field it is applied in, it may complicate the work and increase the surgeon?s workload rather than benefiting the surgeon. Objective: This study aims to establish a method for objectively determining the additional workload generated using AR or VR glasses in a clinical context for the first time. Methods: Electroencephalography (EEG) signals were recorded using a passive auditory oddball paradigm while 9 participants performed surgical planning for liver resection across 3 different conditions: (1) using AR glasses, (2) VR glasses, and (3) the conventional planning software on a computer. Results: The electrophysiological results, that is, the potentials evoked by the auditory stimulus, were compared with the subjectively perceived stress of the participants, as determined by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) questionnaire. The AR condition had the highest scores for mental demand (median 75, IQR 70-85), effort (median 55, IQR 30-65), and frustration (median 40, IQR 15-75) compared with the VR and PC conditions. The analysis of the EEG revealed a trend toward a lower amplitude of the N1 component as well as for the P3 component at the central electrodes in the AR condition, suggesting a higher workload for participants when using AR glasses. In addition, EEG components in the VR condition did not reveal any noticeable differences compared with the EEG components in the conventional planning condition. For the P1 component, the VR condition elicited significantly earlier latencies at the Fz electrode (mean 75.3 ms, SD 25.8 ms) compared with the PC condition (mean 99.4 ms, SD 28.6 ms). Conclusions: The results suggest a lower stress level when using VR glasses compared with AR glasses, likely due to the 3D visualization of the liver model. Additionally, the alignment between subjectively determined results and objectively determined results confirms the validity of the study design applied in this research. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e62740 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/62740 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/62740 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Merola, Pietro AU - Cardoso, Barros Marcos AU - Barreto, Gabriel AU - Chagas, Carvalho Matheus AU - Farias Oliveira Saunders, Luana AU - Saunders, Bryan AU - Cortozi Berton, Danilo PY - 2025/1/7 TI - Virtual Reality High-Intensity Interval Training Exergaming Compared to Traditional High-Intensity Circuit Training Among Medical Students: Pilot Crossover Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e63461 VL - 13 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - high-intensity interval training KW - exercise motivation KW - exergame KW - physical activity KW - exercise KW - heart rate N2 - Background: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR) high-intensity interval training (HIIT) boxing protocol compared to traditional high-intensity circuit training (HICT) in improving exercise motivation, engagement, and physiological responses among 30 healthy medical students. Objective: The purpose was to compare the VR HIIT protocol, which involved using an Oculus Quest 2 for a futuristic exoskeleton game experience, with a traditional 12-exercise HICT. Methods: In total, 30 medical students engaged in both VR HIIT, using an Oculus Quest 2 for a futuristic exoskeleton game experience, and a traditional 12-exercise HICT. Metrics included heart rate (HR) and blood lactate levels before and after exercise alongside ratings of perceived exertion and the Situational Motivation Scale. Results: VR HIIT showed significantly higher mean HR (mean 161, SD 15 vs mean 144, SD 11 bpm; d=1.5; P<.001), peak HR (mean 182, SD 15 vs mean 176, SD 11 bpm; d=0.8; P=.001), and ratings of perceived exertion (mean 16, SD 2 vs mean 15, SD 2; d=0.4; P=.03). Postexercise lactate levels were higher in HICT (mean 8.8, SD 4.5 vs mean 10.6, SD 3.0 mmol/L; d=0.6; P=.006). Intrinsic motivation and other psychological measures showed no significant differences, except for lower fatigue in HICT (d=0.5; P=.02). Conclusions: VR HIIT significantly enhances physiological parameters while maintaining intrinsic motivation, making it a viable alternative to traditional HICT. However, the short-term nature of this study is a limitation, and future research should explore the long-term engagement and therapeutic impacts of VR exercise in diverse and clinical populations. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e63461 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/63461 ID - info:doi/10.2196/63461 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Bierbooms, A. Joyce J. P. AU - Sluis-Thiescheffer, W. Wouter R. J. AU - Feijt, Anne Milou AU - Bongers, B. Inge M. PY - 2025/1/7 TI - Co-Design of an Escape Room for e-Mental Health Training of Mental Health Care Professionals: Research Through Design Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e58650 VL - 9 KW - serious gaming KW - mental health care professionals KW - e-mental health KW - skill enhancement KW - training N2 - Background: Many efforts to increase the uptake of e-mental health (eMH) have failed due to a lack of knowledge and skills, particularly among professionals. To train health care professionals in technology, serious gaming concepts such as educational escape rooms are increasingly used, which could also possibly be used in mental health care. However, such serious-game concepts are scarcely available for eMH training for mental health care professionals. Objective: This study aims to co-design an escape room for training mental health care professionals? eMH skills and test the escape room?s usability by exploring their experiences with this concept as a training method. Methods: This project used a research through design approach with 3 design stages. In the first stage, the purpose, expectations, and storylines for the escape room were formulated in 2 co-design sessions with mental health care professionals, game designers, innovation staff, and researchers. In the second stage, the results were translated into the first escape room, which was tested in 3 sessions, including one web version of the escape room. In the third stage, the escape room was tested with mental health care professionals outside the co-design team. First, 2 test sessions took place, followed by 3 field study sessions. In the field study sessions, a questionnaire was used in combination with focus groups to assess the usability of the escape room for eMH training in practice. Results: An escape room prototype was iteratively developed and tested by the co-design team, which delivered multiple suggestions for adaptations that were assimilated in each next version of the prototype. The field study showed that the escape room creates a positive mindset toward eMH. The suitability of the escape room to explore the possibilities of eMH was rated 4.7 out of 5 by the professionals who participated in the field study. In addition, it was found to be fun and educational at the same time, scoring 4.7 (SD 0.68) on a 5-point scale. Attention should be paid to the game?s complexity, credibility, and flexibility. This is important for the usefulness of the escape room in clinical practice, which was rated an average of 3.8 (SD 0.77) on a 5-point scale. Finally, implementation challenges should be addressed, including organizational policy and stimulation of eMH training. Conclusions: We can conclude that the perceived usability of an escape room for training mental health care professionals in eMH skills is promising. However, it requires additional effort to transfer the learnings into mental health care professionals? clinical practice. A straightforward implementation plan and testing the effectiveness of an escape room on skill enhancement in mental health care professionals are essential next steps to reach sustainable goals. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e58650 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/58650 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/58650 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Samson, Laurent AU - Carcreff, Lena AU - Noublanche, Frédéric AU - Noublanche, Sophie AU - Vermersch-Leiber, Hélène AU - Annweiler, Cédric PY - 2025/1/6 TI - User Experience of a Semi-Immersive Musical Serious Game to Stimulate Cognitive Functions in Hospitalized Older Patients: Questionnaire Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e57030 VL - 13 KW - virtual reality KW - geriatrics KW - reminiscence KW - episodic memory KW - serious game KW - neurocognitive disorders KW - older adults KW - user experience N2 - Background: Reminiscence therapy through music is a psychosocial intervention with benefits for older patients with neurocognitive disorders. Therapies using virtual or augmented reality are efficient in ecologically assessing, and eventually training, episodic memory in older populations. We designed a semi-immersive musical game called ?A Life in Songs,? which invites patients to immerse themselves in a past era through visuals and songs from that time period. The game aspires to become a playful, easy-to-use, and complete tool for the assessment, rehabilitation, and prevention of neurocognitive decline associated with aging. Objective: This study aimed to assess the user experience (UX) associated with the newly designed serious game. Methods: After one or several sessions of the game guided by the therapist, patients of the geriatric wards were asked to answer questions selected from 2 widely known UX scales (AttrakDiff and meCUE [modular evaluation of the components of user experience]) with the therapist?s help. The internal consistency of the UX dimensions was assessed through Cronbach ? to verify the validity of the dimensions. The level of engagement of the patient throughout the experimental session was also assessed following an internally developed scale, which included 5 levels (interactive, constructive, active, passive, and disengaged behaviors). UX mean scores were computed and presented graphically. Verbal feedbacks were reported to support the quantitative results. Results: Overall, 60 inpatients with a mean age of 84.2 (SD 5.5) years, the majority of whom were women (41/60, 68%), were included. Their score on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) ranged between 12 and 29. A majority of patients (27/56, 48%) had no major neurocognitive disorder (MNCD), 22/56 (39%) had mild MNCD, and 7/56 (13%) had moderate MNCD. The results revealed very positive UX with mean values beyond the neutral values for every UX dimension of both scales. The overall mean (SD) judgment was rated 3.92 (SD 0.87) (on a scale of ?5 to 5). Internal consistency was acceptable to good for the emotional dimensions of the meCUE. Questionable to unacceptable consistency was found for the other UX dimensions. Participants were mostly active (23/60, 38%) and constructive (21/60, 35%). Conclusions: These findings demonstrated a very good appreciation of the game by geriatric inpatients. Participants? and health care professionals? verbal comments strongly aligned with the quantitative results. The poor internal consistency in the UX dimensions reflected the high heterogeneity among the included patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefits of clinical factors such as neurocognitive functions, mood, depression, or quality of life. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e57030 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/57030 ID - info:doi/10.2196/57030 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Chen, Yanya AU - Guan, Lina AU - Wu, Weixin AU - Ye, Liang AU - He, Yan AU - Zheng, Xiaofen AU - Li, Sicun AU - Guan, Bingsheng AU - Ming, Wai-kit PY - 2024/12/30 TI - Factors That Influence Young Adults? Preferences for Virtual Reality Exergames in a Weight Control Setting: Qualitative Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e58422 VL - 26 KW - virtual reality KW - games KW - weight control KW - preferences KW - young adults KW - qualitative research N2 - Background: Obesity could compromise people?s health and elevate the risk of numerous severe chronic conditions and premature mortality. Young adults are at high risk of adopting unhealthy lifestyles related to overweight and obesity, as they are at a phase marked by several significant life milestones that have been linked to weight gain. They gain weight rapidly and excess adiposity mostly accrues, compared with middle-aged and older adults when weight stabilizes or even decreases. Virtual reality exergames have the potential to increase physical activity in people?s daily lives. However, the factors that influence young adults? preference for using virtual reality exergames for weight control remain unclear. Objective: The objective of this study is to identify, characterize, and explain the factors influencing young adults' preference for weight control using virtual reality exergames. Methods: This qualitative study used semistructured interviews. In total, 4 focus group interviews were conducted with 23 young adults aged between 18 and 25 years. The qualitative data were analyzed using the Colaizzi phenomenological methodology. Results: In total, 3 major factors were found to influence young adults? preference for virtual reality exergames in weight control settings: individual factors, social or environmental factors, and expectations of virtual reality exergames. Individual factors included experience with previous weight control methods, previous experience with virtual reality, psychological status, attitudes toward personal BMI, preference for exercise type, and acceptance of virtual reality exergames. Social or environmental factors included social definitions of beauty, weather or public health events, and knowledge of virtual reality provided. Expectations of virtual reality exergames included cost of the device, the fun of virtual reality exergames, supervision, modality of virtual reality exergames, feedback after exercise, convenience to use, and weight loss effect. Conclusions: Young adults take various factors into account when deciding whether to use virtual reality exergames for weight control. These factors can inform the development and further refinement of devices, guides, and policies related to virtual reality exergames for controlling weight. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e58422 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/58422 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/58422 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Pearce, Nettleton Louise Michelle AU - Pryor, Julie AU - Redhead, Jason AU - Sherrington, Catherine AU - Hassett, Leanne PY - 2024/12/30 TI - Advanced Technology in a Real-World Rehabilitation Setting: Longitudinal Observational Study on Clinician Adoption and Implementation JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e60374 VL - 26 KW - rehabilitation KW - technology KW - digital health KW - virtual reality KW - robotics KW - exoskeleton device KW - implementation science KW - physiotherapy KW - physical therapy KW - occupational therapy KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: Advanced technologies are becoming increasingly accessible in rehabilitation. Current research suggests technology can increase therapy dosage, provide multisensory feedback, and reduce manual handling for clinicians. While more high-quality evidence regarding the effectiveness of rehabilitation technologies is needed, understanding of how to effectively integrate technology into clinical practice is also limited. Current implementation of rehabilitation technology is inconsistent, with low uptake among clinicians and frequent reports of technology abandonment. An Australian rehabilitation provider opened a new technology therapy center in 2022, offering a unique opportunity to generate practice-based evidence to inform future technology implementation and research. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the implementation and adoption of advanced technology within a real-world rehabilitation setting. Methods: This study was a longitudinal observational study in a rehabilitation organization with inpatient, outpatient, and community settings. Allied health clinicians (n=119) within the organization had access to advanced technologies, with patients receiving neurological, spinal cord injury, brain injury, or general rehabilitation. Interventions included 21 advanced technologies, including robotic, virtual reality (VR), sensor-based, and functional electrical stimulation devices. Clinicians received training for devices in a staged approach by external and internal trainers. Data were collected from patient electronic medical records from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. Outcomes included frequency of advanced technology use, patient demographics (age, gender, and primary health condition), clinician discipline, rehabilitation service (inpatient, outpatient, or community), goals of technology therapy sessions, and therapy dosage achieved (minutes active, number of repetitions, and meters walked). Results: Clinicians used advanced technology 4208 times with 269 patients over 12 months; specifically, physiotherapists (2716/4208, 65%), occupational therapists (1396/4208, 33%), and allied health assistants (96/4208, 2%). The majority of patients had stroke, spinal cord injury, or brain injury diagnoses (188/269, 70%). Devices were typically used to target impairment and activity limitation?related goals. Frequently used devices included gait training body-weight support (VR treadmill and overground), overground robotic exoskeletons, and upper limb robotic VR devices. Outpatient services were the dominant users of advanced technology (3940/4208, 94%). Clinicians most commonly used devices for patients with stroke (1973/4208, 47%) and the greatest variety of devices for patients with stroke and spinal cord injury. The relative use of lower limb robotic devices was greater in inpatient services (91/178, 51%, vs outpatient services, 963/2335, 41%) (?21=6.6, P=.01) and for patients with spinal cord injury (48/95, 51%, vs all other conditions, between 24%-31%; ?25=16.8, P=.005). Conclusions: The type and amount of advanced technology use differed between patient populations and rehabilitation settings. To support clinician use of advanced technology, devices should match the rehabilitation context. Tailored strategies are important, such as clinician training. Further practice-based research is required to provide guidance on implementation and to establish the effectiveness of advanced technology use. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e60374 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/60374 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/60374 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Funao, Hiroki AU - Momosaki, Ryo AU - Tsujikawa, Mayumi AU - Kawamoto, Eiji AU - Esumi, Ryo AU - Shimaoka, Motomu PY - 2024/12/30 TI - Virtual Reality?Applied Home-Visit Rehabilitation for Patients With Chronic Pain: Protocol for Single-Arm Pre-Post Comparison Study JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e58734 VL - 13 KW - chronic pain KW - homebound patient KW - home-visit rehabilitation KW - virtual reality KW - protocol KW - feasibility study KW - VR KW - pain KW - recurrent pain KW - home visit KW - rehabilitation KW - home rehabilitation KW - in-home KW - effective KW - screening KW - VR intervention KW - feasibility KW - alleviate pain N2 - Background: Pain inhibits rehabilitation. In rehabilitation at medical institutions, the usefulness of virtual reality (VR) has been reported in many cases to alleviate pain. In recent years, the demand for home rehabilitation has increased. Unlike in medical situations, the patients targeted for in-home rehabilitation often have chronic pain due to physical and psychosocial factors, and the environment is not specialized for rehabilitation. However, VR might be effective for in-home rehabilitation settings. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of applying VR to home-visit rehabilitation for homebound patients with chronic pain. Methods: This study will test the feasibility of VR applied to home-visit rehabilitation for patients with chronic pain. A single-arm pre-post comparison will be conducted to evaluate its feasibility. Screening will be conducted on patients who have given consent to participate in the study, and those who have pain that persists or recurs for more than 3 months and receive home-visit rehabilitation will be enrolled in the study. Baseline measurements will be conducted on study participants before the start of the VR intervention. VR-applied home-visit rehabilitation will be conducted once a week for a total of 10 VR interventions. The primary endpoint is the change in pain from the baseline to the tenth intervention. Pain is a subjective symptom of the study participants and will be subjectively assessed by the Numerical Rating Scale of 11 levels from 0 to 10. Pain as the primary endpoint will be measured at 3-time points per rehabilitation session: before, during, and after the rehabilitation so that changes between time points can be evaluated. Secondary endpoints are heart rate variability, range of motion of the area in the musculoskeletal system where the pain occurs, motivation for rehabilitation, catastrophic thoughts of pain, mood state, quality of life, and interviews. Assessments will be conducted at the baseline, first, fifth, and tenth interventions. After completing the clinical study (10 VR interventions), patients will continue their regular home-visit rehabilitation as usual. Results: Recruitment of participants began on February 22, 2022, and data collection is ongoing as of November 2024. The research results will be published in international peer-reviewed journals and through presentations at national and international conferences. Conclusions: This study will contribute to the development of novel rehabilitation-based solutions for homebound patients who have had difficulty obtaining adequate relief from chronic pain. Future studies will consider conducting randomized controlled trials as clinical trials to validate the efficacy of VR during home-visit rehabilitation for patients with chronic pain. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/58734 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e58734 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/58734 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/58734 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Zechner, Olivia AU - Schrom-Feiertag, Helmut AU - Wespi, Rafael AU - Pretolesi, Daniele AU - Nguyen, Quynh AU - Tscheligi, Manfred PY - 2024/12/24 TI - Enhancing Mixed Reality Simulation Training Technology With Real-Time Performance Visualization: Mixed Methods Study With Medical First Responders JO - JMIR XR Spatial Comput SP - e57655 VL - 1 KW - mixed reality KW - immersive technologies KW - simulation training KW - simulation KW - paramedic KW - medical first responders KW - human performance KW - stress KW - stress monitoring KW - human-centered design N2 - Background: Mixed reality (MR) simulation training is emerging in paramedical education as a way to practice responding to stress-intensive scenarios like mass casualty incidents in a safe and controlled environment. Current training platforms, however, lack real-time stress and human performance monitoring tools. Objective: The study aims to enhance MR training for medical first responders through real-time evaluation of performance and stress levels, leveraging biosignal monitoring and advanced analytics to allow instructors to tailor feedback and maintain optimal challenge and safety levels. Methods: The study includes a structured, multiphase approach including initial requirement gathering (structured interviews and cocreation workshops), an online design survey, iterative prototype development, and a field trial (including training observations and interviews). Data were collected from 5 end user consortium members across Europe. Quantitative data from checklists were analyzed using frequencies and percentages to understand feature usage and event occurrences. Qualitative data from semistructured interviews and cocreation workshops were transcribed, coded, and subjected to thematic analysis to identify patterns and insights into the usability and effectiveness of the enhanced features in the MR training. Results: The study identified a number of requirements that medical first responders have for an MR training system, including requirements not included in currently available solutions. A total of 80 performance metrics were initially identified and refined to a set of 54 metrics, which were categorized into key performance indicator groups such as scene safety, triage performance, and communication. Requirements for smart wearables to monitor stress levels are provided and highlight the importance of a user-centered design process to provide users with effective tools that fit their needs. Stress visualization preferences are described in the form of a dashboard as well as in virtual environments surrounding the avatar. Using an iterative design process and user feedback, a training system was developed, integrating real-time performance tracking and stress monitoring. The field trial provided insights into the practical use of these features during a real training exercise, showed interaction preferences between trainer and trainees, and highlighted further improvement opportunities. Conclusions: This research enhances MR training for paramedics by integrating real-time performance metrics and stress indicators based on a human-centered design approach that aligns with end user needs, thereby laying the foundation for developing more effective and immersive training solutions for high-stress professions. UR - https://xr.jmir.org/2024/1/e57655 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/57655 ID - info:doi/10.2196/57655 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lai, Byron AU - Chaviano, Kelli AU - Richman, S. Joshua AU - Ahmad, Mahmoud AU - Wright, Ashley AU - Young, Raven AU - Davis, Drew AU - Rimmer, H. James AU - Madan-Swain, Avi AU - Chewning, H. Joseph PY - 2024/12/23 TI - Extended Reality Gaming for Exercise and Mindfulness Throughout Pediatric Cancer Rehabilitation: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e64879 VL - 13 KW - oncology KW - rehabilitation KW - bone marrow transplant KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - physical activity KW - exercise KW - extended reality KW - XR KW - pediatric cancer N2 - Background: Pediatric patients with cancer have limited options to self-manage their health while they are undergoing treatments in the hospital and after they are discharged to their homes. Extended reality (ER) using head-mounted displays has emerged as an immersive method of improving pain and mental health and promoting health-enhancing physical activity among a variety of clinical groups, but there is currently no established protocol for improving both physical and mental health in pediatric cancer rehabilitation. Objective: This phase I, pilot, feasibility randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the potential effects of a 14-week ER program on physical activity participation and indicators of health among pediatric patients with cancer who undergo bone marrow transplantation. An ancillary aim is to evaluate the feasibility of the program through participant engagement. Methods: This study includes a 2-arm parallel group design with a 1-group crossover (the control group will start the intervention after a waiting period). Overall, 16 pediatric patients with cancer undergoing rehabilitation (aged ?8 years) at a children?s hospital will be randomly allocated into one of two groups: (1) an immediate start group that undergoes an ER program in the hospital until discharge and then for 8 weeks at home (total duration of approximately 14 weeks), and (2) a waitlist control group that undergoes usual care in the hospital and for 8 weeks at home, before receiving the 8-week home ER program. The program will include active video gaming with rhythmic music exercises as well as mindfulness-based practices using a high-quality app. Home-based programming will include behavioral coaching calls. Physical activity will be measured daily through step counts using a tri-axial accelerometer. Health outcomes will be measured across time and include global health, measured by the National Institutes of Health Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric Global Health Scale Short Form 7+2, and lung function, measured by a forced expiratory volume using a peak flow meter. Feasibility will be evaluated through participant engagement metrics, such as enrollment, dropout, adverse events, and attendance rates. Descriptive statistics will be obtained for all study variables. Outcomes will be modeled using mixed modeling procedures, and changes in means will be estimated with CIs. Results: The study was funded in February 2024. Recruitment procedures started on June 27, 2024. All data are anticipated to be collected by February 2026. Full trial results are anticipated to be analyzed and submitted for publication by March 2026. The study?s anticipated end date is March 31, 2026. Conclusions: This trial tests an accessible remote program for improving both physical and mental health among pediatric patients with cancer. The knowledge obtained from this study will inform the development of a larger trial. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06298357; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06298357 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/64879 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e64879 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/64879 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/64879 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Anto, Ailin AU - Basu, Arunima AU - Selim, Rania AU - Foscht, Thomas AU - Eisingerich, Benedikt Andreas PY - 2024/12/17 TI - Open-World Games? Affordance of Cognitive Escapism, Relaxation, and Mental Well-Being Among Postgraduate Students: Mixed Methods Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e63760 VL - 26 KW - open-world games KW - cognitive escapism KW - relaxation KW - mental well-being KW - students KW - video games KW - stress KW - freedom to explore N2 - Background: Open-world games, characterized by their expansive and interactive environments, may offer unique cognitive escapism opportunities, potentially leading to relaxation and enhanced well-being. These games, such as ?The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild? and ?The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,? allow players to experience a sense of freedom and autonomy, which can reduce stress and improve mental health. While previous research has examined the general impact of video games on mental well-being, specific studies on the effects of open-world games among postgraduate students are limited. Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationships between cognitive escapism provided by open-world games and their effects on relaxation and well-being. The goal was to understand how the immersive nature of these games contributes to stress reduction and overall mental health improvement among postgraduate students. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used, which involved in-depth exploratory qualitative interviews and a survey of 609 players of popular open-world games. Quantitative data were collected using standardized questionnaires to measure open-world games? affordance of cognitive escapism, relaxation, and well-being. Qualitative data were obtained through 32 in-depth interviews that explored players? experiences and perceptions of cognitive escapism, relaxation, and mental well-being. Results: Qualitative data (n=32; n=15, 47% female; n=16, 50% male; n=1, 3% preferred not to disclose gender; mean age 23.19, SD 2.19 y) revealed that cognitive escapism through immersive game worlds allowed players to temporarily disconnect from real-world stressors, resulting in enhanced mood and psychological well-being. Players indicated that the nonlinear gameplay and freedom to explore interactive environments provided a sense of relaxation and mental rejuvenation. Quantitative analysis (N=609) showed a substantial mediating role of relaxation in the relationship between cognitive escapism offered by open-world games and well-being. Specifically, cognitive escapism had a significant positive effect on players? relaxation (?=.15; SE 0.04; P<.001; 95% CI 0.0695-0.2331), which in turn had a significant and positive effect on players? well-being scores (?=.12; SE 0.04; P=.002; 95% CI 0.0445-0.2032). Conclusions: The study demonstrates that open-world games offer substantial benefits for cognitive escapism, significantly improving relaxation and well-being among postgraduate students. The immersive and autonomous nature of these games is crucial in reducing stress and enhancing mental health. Future research may investigate the long-term effects of regular engagement with open-world games and explore their potential therapeutic applications for managing stress and anxiety. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e63760 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/63760 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/63760 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Knobel, J. Samuel E. AU - Oberson, Raphael AU - Räber, Jonas AU - Schütz, Narayan AU - Egloff, Niklaus AU - Botros, Angela AU - Gerber, M. Stephan AU - Nef, Tobias AU - Heydrich, Lukas PY - 2024/12/11 TI - Evaluation of a New Mobile Virtual Reality Setup to Alter Pain Perception: Pilot Development and Usability Study in Healthy Participants JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e52340 VL - 12 KW - immersive virtual reality KW - embodiment KW - pain management KW - chronic pain KW - full-body illusion KW - cardiovisual illusion KW - pain KW - virtual reality KW - pilot study KW - development KW - mobile virtual reality KW - mobile KW - virtual environment KW - usability KW - heart rate KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: Chronic pain presents a significant treatment challenge, often leading to frustration for both patients and therapists due to the limitations of traditional methods. Research has shown that synchronous visuo-tactile stimulation, as used in the rubber hand experiment, can induce a sense of ownership over a fake body part and reduces pain perception when ownership of the fake body part is reported. The effect of the rubber hand experiment can be extended to the full body, for example, during the full-body illusion, using both visuo-tactile and cardiovisual signals. Objective: This study first aimed to evaluate the usability and accuracy of a novel, mobile virtual reality (VR) setup that displays participants? heartbeats as a flashing silhouette on a virtual avatar, a technique known as the cardiovisual full-body illusion. The second part of the study investigated the effects of synchronous cardiovisual stimulation on pain perception and ownership in 20 healthy participants as compared with asynchronous stimulation (control condition). Methods: The setup comprised a head-mounted display (HMD) and a heart rate measurement device. A smartphone-based HMD (Samsung Galaxy S8+) was selected for its mobility, and heart rates were measured using smartwatches with photoplethysmography (PPG). The accuracy of 2 smartwatch positions was compared with a 5-point electrocardiogram (ECG) standard in terms of their accuracy (number and percent of missed beats). Each participant underwent two 5-minute sessions of synchronous cardiovisual stimulation and two 5-minute sessions of asynchronous cardiovisual stimulation (total of 4 sessions), followed by pain assessments. Usability, symptoms of cybersickness, and ownership of the virtual body were measured using established questionnaires (System Usability Scale, Simulator Sickness Questionnaire, Ownership Questionnaire). Pain perception was assessed using advanced algometric methods (Algopeg and Somedic algometer). Results: Results demonstrated high usability scores (mean 4.42, SD 0.56; out of 5), indicating ease of use and acceptance, with minimal side effects (mean 1.18, SD 0.46; out of a possible 4 points on the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire). The PPG device showed high heart rate measurement precision, which improved with optimized filtering and peak detection algorithms. However, compared with previous work, no significant effects on body ownership and pain perception were observed between the synchronous and asynchronous conditions. These findings are discussed in the context of existing literature on VR interventions for chronic pain. Conclusions: In conclusion, while the new VR setup showed high usability and minimal side effects, it did not significantly affect ownership or pain perception. This highlights the need for further research to refine VR-based interventions for chronic pain management, considering factors like visual realism and perspective. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e52340 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/52340 ID - info:doi/10.2196/52340 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Groenveld, D. Tjitske AU - Smits, GM Indy AU - Scholten, Naomi AU - de Vries, Marjan AU - van Goor, Harry AU - Stirler, MA Vincent PY - 2024/12/9 TI - Pulmonary and Physical Virtual Reality Exercises for Patients With Blunt Chest Trauma: Randomized Clinical Trial JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e54389 VL - 12 KW - virtual reality KW - pain KW - pulmonary KW - chest trauma KW - blunt thorax trauma KW - pain relief KW - breathing KW - mobilization KW - randomized clinical trial KW - clinicians KW - rehabilitation KW - physical activity KW - exercise KW - interview N2 - Background: Adequate pain relief, early restoration of breathing, and rapid mobilization pose a clinical challenge in patients with blunt chest trauma. Virtual reality (VR) has the potential to achieve these 3 interrelated treatment objectives with enhanced self-efficacy and autonomy of patients and limited support by clinicians. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectivity of breathing and physical exercises using VR on the pulmonary recovery of patients with blunt chest trauma at the ward. Methods: A pilot randomized controlled trial was performed. The control group received usual physiotherapy consisting of protocolized breathing exercises (8 times daily for 10 minutes) and physical exercises (2 times daily for 10 minutes). The VR group was instructed to perform these exercises using VR. The primary outcome was vital lung capacity at day 5 or earlier at discharge. Secondary outcomes were patient mobility (time standing, lying, and sitting), clinical outcomes (length of hospital stay, pulmonary complications, transfer to intensive care unit, and readmission within 30 days), pain, activities of daily living, patient-reported outcome measures (satisfaction and quality of recovery). Patient experiences and barriers and facilitators toward implementation were assessed through interviews. Results: The study was prematurely ended due to enrollment failure combined with poor protocol adherence to exercises in both groups. A total of 27 patients were included, of which 19 patients completed 3 or more days. Vital lung capacity at 5 days (or last measurement) was equal between groups with 1830 (SD 591) mL and 1857 (SD 435) mL in the control and VR groups, respectively. No marked differences were observed in secondary outcomes. Patient interviews showed positive attitudes toward the use of VR, describing that visualization of the exercises helped patients to perform the exercises correctly and to continue the exercises for a longer duration. Also, patients experienced the immersiveness of VR as an analgesic. However, patients did not experience added value over usual care and reported that better integration in treatment and the hectic hospital environment could improve the use of the VR exercises. Conclusions: The suitability of patients to use virtual reality therapy (VRx) in a hospital (trauma) ward setting is lower than generally expected. Effective application of VRx requires professional guidance and needs thorough alignment with clinical practice. For future research, we recommend to chart adherence to study protocol before designing a VR clinical trial. Patient-reported experiences need to be prioritized in evaluating VR acceptance, usability, and effectiveness. In line, we recommend performing a systematic analysis (eg, using the technology acceptance model) on the acceptance before pilot or main effectiveness studies. Finally, the eligibility of patients and exclusion of patients due to the inability to use VRx should be routinely reported. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05194176; https://tinyurl.com/2bzh4tzx UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e54389 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/54389 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/54389 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Blackmore, Rebecca AU - Giles, Claudia AU - Tremain, Hailey AU - Kelly, Ryan AU - Foley, Fiona AU - Fletcher, Kathryn AU - Nedeljkovic, Maja AU - Wadley, Greg AU - Seabrook, Elizabeth AU - Thomas, Neil PY - 2024/12/6 TI - Examining the Use of Virtual Reality to Support Mindfulness Skills Practice in Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Mixed Methods Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e45640 VL - 26 KW - virtual reality KW - mindfulness KW - mood disorders KW - anxiety disorders KW - depression KW - bipolar disorder N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) has been proposed as a technology to support mindfulness practice through promoting increased engagement and presence. The proposed benefits of this technology have been largely unexamined with clinical populations. Further research is required to understand its clinical potential and utility in improving and managing mental health symptoms. Objective: This study aims to investigate the proximal impacts of a single, brief, VR-supported mindfulness practice for individuals with a mood or anxiety disorder and to understand user experiences, which may affect the acceptability and efficacy of VR mindfulness for this population. Methods: This mixed methods study recruited 28 participants with a primary diagnosis of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorder. Participants completed a mindfulness practice wearing a VR headset that was presenting an omnidirectional video of a forest scene, which was overlaid with a guided audio voiceover. Before and after the practice, measures were completed assessing state mindfulness (Toronto Mindfulness Scale), affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule), and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Y-1; n=27). Semistructured interviews were then held inquiring about the user experience and were analyzed using thematic analysis (n=24). Results: After completing the VR-supported mindfulness practice, both measures of state mindfulness on the Toronto Mindfulness Scale, mean curiosity and decentering, increased significantly (Cohen d=1.3 and 1.51, respectively; P<.001). Negative affect on the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Cohen d=0.62; P=.003) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Y-1 state anxiety (Cohen d=0.84; P<.001) significantly reduced. There was no significant change in positive affect (Cohen d=0.29; P=.08). Qualitative analysis of interviews identified 14 themes across 5 primary theme categories. The results suggested that being mindful during the use of the app was experienced as relatively effortless because of the visual and immersive elements. It was also experienced as convenient and safe, including when compared with prior traditional experiences of mindfulness. Participants also identified the uses for VR-supported mindfulness in managing emotions and symptoms of mental illness. Conclusions: The results provide preliminary evidence that VR-supported mindfulness can improve emotional states and manage mental health symptoms for those with mood or anxiety disorders. It offers some potential clinical applications for those with mood or anxiety disorders for exploration within future research. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e45640 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/45640 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39641990 ID - info:doi/10.2196/45640 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Sun, Wan-Na AU - Hsieh, Min-Chai AU - Wang, Wei-Fang PY - 2024/12/5 TI - Nurses? Knowledge and Skills After Use of an Augmented Reality App for Advanced Cardiac Life Support Training: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e57327 VL - 26 KW - augmented reality KW - technology intervention KW - randomized controlled trial KW - advanced cardiac life support KW - nursing education N2 - Background: Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) skills are essential for nurses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, augmented reality (AR) technologies were incorporated into medical education to increase learning motivation and accessibility. Objective: This study aims to determine whether AR for educational applications can significantly improve crash cart learning, learning motivation, cognitive load, and system usability. It focused on a subgroup of nurses with less than 2 years of experience. Methods: This randomized controlled trial study was conducted in a medical center in southern Taiwan. An ACLS cart training course was developed using AR technologies in the first stage. Additionally, the efficacy of the developed ACLS training course was evaluated. The AR group used a crash cart learning system developed with AR technology, while the control group received traditional lecture-based instruction. Both groups were evaluated immediately after the course. Performance was assessed through learning outcomes related to overall ACLS and crash cart use. The Instructional Materials Motivation Survey, System Usability Scale, and Cognitive Load Theory Questionnaire were also used to assess secondary outcomes in the AR group. Subgroup analyses were performed for nurses with less than 2 years of experience. Results: All 102 nurses completed the course, with 43 nurses in the AR group and 59 nurses in the control group. The AR group outperformed the control group regarding overall ACLS outcomes and crash cart learning outcomes (P=.002; P=.01). The improvement rate was the largest for new staff regardless of the overall learning effect and the crash cart effect. Subgroup analysis revealed that nurses with less than 2 years of experience in the AR group showed more significant improvements in both overall learning (P<.001) and crash cart outcomes (P<.001) compared to their counterparts in the control group. For nurses with more than 2 years of experience, no significant differences were found between the AR and control groups in posttraining learning outcomes for the crash cart (P=.32). The AR group demonstrated high scores for motivation (Instructional Materials Motivation Survey mean score 141.65, SD 19.25) and system usability (System Usability Scale mean score 90.47, SD 11.91), as well as a low score for cognitive load (Cognitive Load Theory Questionnaire mean score 15.42, SD 5.76). Conclusions: AR-based learning significantly improves ACLS knowledge and skills, especially for nurses with less experience, compared to traditional methods. The high usability and motivational benefits of AR suggest its potential for broader applications in nursing education. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06057285; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06057285 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e57327 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/57327 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/57327 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Peng, L. Mary AU - Monin, Joan AU - Ovchinnikova, Polina AU - Levi, Amanda AU - McCall, Terika PY - 2024/12/3 TI - Psychedelic Art and Implications for Mental Health: Randomized Pilot Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e66430 VL - 8 KW - digital art KW - mental health KW - psychedelic art KW - well-being KW - pilot trial KW - digital health tool KW - art therapy N2 - Background: Psychedelic art (PA) emerged in the 1960s during the psychedelic era; then characterized by visuals induced by the ingestion of psychedelic drugs, it is now an art form known for its vibrant colors, distorted forms, and intricate patterns. Building upon the existing research on art viewing as an effective means to improving physiological and psychological well-being, viewing PA is postulated to evoke positive emotions and provide a meditative experience, contributing to improved mental well-being. Objective: This study aims to investigate how digitally rendered PA influences viewers? perceived emotional, mental, and physical states compared to imagery of natural scenery, offering insights into potential applications in mental health care and well-being. Methods: Overall, 102 participants age 18 to 35 years were randomly assigned to either the experimental group viewing 300 seconds of PA imagery (50/102, 49%) or the control group viewing 300 seconds of scenic imagery (52/102, 51%), after which every participant completed a survey that gathered qualitative data on the perceived impact of viewing their given imagery on their physical, mental, and emotional states through open-ended questions. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify the patterns of experiences reported by the participants. Results: Qualitative analysis unveiled a greater intensity and diversity of emotional, mental, and physical impacts induced by PA compared to natural scenery, including the sense of relaxation and peace, anxiety and stress alleviation, joy, thrill and sense of euphoria, sensations of awe and wonder, hypnotizing effect, holistic meditative effect, provocation of creative thoughts, induced hyperawareness of bodily states, and transitions from induced overstimulation or anxious thoughts to feelings of calmness. Conclusions: The preliminary findings of this study suggest that PA is a rich and complex form of visual art that has the potential to facilitate healing and promote well-being and mental health. PA presents promising avenues for integration into mental health care, therapeutic practices, digital health, health care environment, and medical research. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e66430 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/66430 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/66430 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Krohn, Maria AU - Rintala, Aki AU - Immonen, Jaakko AU - Sjögren, Tuulikki PY - 2024/12/2 TI - The Effectiveness of Therapeutic Exercise Interventions With Virtual Reality on Balance and Walking Among Persons With Chronic Stroke: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression of Randomized Controlled Trials JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e59136 VL - 26 KW - stroke KW - chronic KW - virtual reality KW - physiotherapy KW - therapeutic exercise KW - balance KW - walking N2 - Background: Well-targeted balance, walking, and weight-shift training can improve balance capabilities in the chronic phase of stroke. There is an urgent need for a long-term approach to rehabilitation that extends beyond the acute and subacute phases, supporting participation without increasing the demand for health care staff. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise interventions with virtual reality (VR) training on balance and walking at the activity and participation levels in individuals with chronic stroke, compared with control groups receiving no treatment, conventional physical therapy, specific training, similar treatment, or identical treatment without VR. Methods: Studies were searched across 6 databases. The inclusion criteria were as follows: Adults aged 18 years or older with a stroke diagnosis for at least 6 months (population). Therapeutic exercises within a VR environment, using VR glasses or interactive games (intervention). Control groups without the use of VR (including no treatment, conventional physical therapy, specific training, similar treatment without VR, or identical treatment without the additional use of VR; comparison). We evaluated the Berg Balance Scale score, Functional Reach Test performance, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale score, Six-minute Walk Test, Two-minute Walk Test, 10-meter Walk Test results, and cadence (outcome measures). We investigated randomized controlled trials (study design). A meta-analysis and a meta-regression analysis were conducted to evaluate whether the content of VR interventions or control groups, as well as the level of VR immersion used, was related to balance or walking outcomes. Results: A total of 43 randomized controlled trials involving 1136 participants were included in this review. The use of VR training in therapeutic exercise interventions had a large effect on balance (standardized mean difference 0.51, 95% CI 0.29-0.72; P<.001) and a moderate effect on walking (standardized mean difference 0.31, 95% CI 0.09-0.53; P=.006) in individuals with chronic stroke, compared with pooled control groups (no treatment, conventional physical therapy, specific training, similar treatment, or identical treatment without the use of VR). According to the meta-regression findings, the content of VR interventions (P=.52), the type of control groups (P=.79), and the level of VR immersion (P=.82) were not significantly related to the pooled balance or walking outcomes. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) was moderate for balance and low for walking. Conclusions: Therapeutic exercise training with VR had a positive, albeit moderate, effect on balance and a low impact on walking at the level of activity (capacity), even in the chronic phase of stroke, without serious side effects. The results are applicable to working-aged stroke rehabilitees who are able to walk without assistance. Further research is needed with defined VR methods and outcomes that assess performance at the level of real-life participation. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e59136 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/59136 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39621381 ID - info:doi/10.2196/59136 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Preibisch, Joshua AU - Tabriz, Navid AU - Kaluschke, Maximilian AU - Weyhe, Dirk AU - Uslar, Verena PY - 2024/11/27 TI - Virtual Reality in Clinical Teaching and Diagnostics for Liver Surgery: Prospective Cohort Study JO - JMIR XR Spatial Comput SP - e60383 VL - 1 KW - VR KW - virtual reality KW - multiple-choice test KW - anatomy KW - patient-specific 3D visualization KW - MRI-based segmentation KW - liver KW - cohort study KW - visualization KW - tool KW - medical diagnostic KW - questionnaire KW - usability KW - diagnostics KW - surgery KW - 3D KW - MRI KW - magnetic resonance imaging N2 - Background: Learning and applying anatomy are essential but are studied and done through 2D tools and imaging techniques. This study aims to verify the usefulness of an additional 3D technique and ensure an improvement in the visualization of anatomical structures and pathological findings. Objective: The study aims to examine the usefulness of virtual reality (VR) technology as an additional tool in medical diagnostics. Groups of students, residents, and specialists in surgery, radiology, and internal medicine evaluated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by answering a multiple-choice questionnaire. Subsequently, a virtual 3D display was used for processing. The questionnaire focused on topographical conditions and the transfer of academic knowledge into clinical application. The main objective was to determine anatomical understanding in a comparison between sectional image (2D) presentation and additional VR (3D) presentation, measured through correctly answered questions and processing time. The system usability scale (SUS) was integrated as another criterion for VR usability. Methods: The cross-over study assessed 63 participants regarding their knowledge of liver anatomy and pathologies based on an interindividual comparison. Group formation according to the respective level of medical training was as follows: students (n=35), residents (n=15), and specialists (n=13). Participants answered 25 multiple-choice questions first using sectional imaging (MRI) in a 2D environment (computer screen) and afterward with the respective segmented 3D model visualized in a VR simulation. The main criteria for the analyses were the number of correctly answered questions and processing time. A customized SUS was used to analyze VR usability. Missing data analysis showed that there were no accounted missing data. Results: The rate of correct answers improved significantly with the additional use of VR (F1,59=314.376; P<.001). Using MRI, a significant difference was observed between students and residents (P=.04) and between students and specialists (P<.001). In the VR condition, no significant differences between groups were found. In the MRI condition, significant differences in processing time were observed between students and specialists (P=.02) and between residents and specialists (P=.04). No differences existed between students and residents. With VR, processing time decreased significantly in all groups (F1,59=280.700; P<.001). Significant differences between students and specialists (P=.02) and between students and residents (P=.004) remained. No notable differences between residents and specialists (P=.72) were found. The SUS showed a subjectively simplified answerability of the questions with additional use of VR. The usefulness and benefits for an additional use of VR were stated. Conclusions: The additional use of VR suggests statistically significant improvements across all groups. VR seems to enable students and residents to participate in diagnostics and create treatment plans at an early stage. Transferred to clinical practice, this may lead to improvement in diagnostics and interventions. The lack of randomization and a potential learning effect are the main limitations to be addressed in future studies. Trial Registration: German Register of Clinical Studies DRKS00030024; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00030024 UR - https://xr.jmir.org/2024/1/e60383 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/60383 ID - info:doi/10.2196/60383 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Giguere, Sabrina AU - Beaudoin, Mélissa AU - Dellazizzo, Laura AU - Phraxayavong, Kingsada AU - Potvin, Stéphane AU - Dumais, Alexandre PY - 2024/11/27 TI - Avatar Intervention in Virtual Reality for Cannabis Use Disorder in Individuals With Severe Mental Disorders: Results From a 1-Year, Single-Arm Clinical Trial JO - JMIR Ment Health SP - e58499 VL - 11 KW - cannabis use disorder KW - cannabis use KW - virtual reality therapy KW - virtual reality KW - addiction intervention KW - relational therapy KW - avatar KW - digital mental health N2 - Background: The dual diagnosis of cannabis use disorder (CUD) and severe mental disorder (SMD) results in clinically complex individuals. Cannabis use is known to have negative consequences on psychiatric symptoms, medication compliance, and disease prognosis. Moreover, the effectiveness of currently available psychotherapeutic treatments is limited in this population. In this context, our research team developed avatar intervention, an approach using virtual reality as a therapeutic tool to treat CUD in individuals with SMD. Objective: This pilot clinical trial aimed to evaluate, until the 1-year follow-up, the efficacy of avatar intervention for CUD among 32 participants with a dual diagnosis of SMD and CUD. Methods: Over the course of the 8 intervention sessions, participants were given the opportunity to enter a dialogue in virtual reality with an avatar representing a person with a significant role in their consumption, who was animated in real time by a therapist. The primary outcomes were the quantity of cannabis consumed and the frequency of use. Secondary outcomes included severity of problematic cannabis use, motivation for change, protective strategies for cannabis use, consequences of cannabis use, psychiatric symptoms, and quality of life. Changes in reported outcomes during the assessment periods before the intervention; postintervention; and 3, 6, and 12 months after the end of the intervention were assessed using a linear mixed-effects model. Results: Significant reductions were observed in the quantity of cannabis consumed, and these were maintained until the 12-month follow-up visit (d=0.804; P<.001; confirmed by urine quantification). Frequency of cannabis use showed a small significant reduction at the 3-month follow-up (d=0.384; P=.03). Moreover, improvements were observed in the severity of CUD, cannabis-related negative consequences, the motivation to change cannabis use, and the strategies used to mitigate harms related to cannabis use. Finally, moderate benefits were observed for quality of life and psychiatric symptoms. Conclusions: Overall, this unique intervention shows promising results that seem to be maintained up to 12 months after the end of the intervention. With the aim of overcoming the methodological limitations of a pilot study, a single-blind randomized controlled trial is currently underway to compare the avatar intervention for CUD with a conventional addiction intervention. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05726617; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05726617 UR - https://mental.jmir.org/2024/1/e58499 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/58499 ID - info:doi/10.2196/58499 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Peña, Jorge AU - Koebner, Ian AU - Weisman, William PY - 2024/11/27 TI - Using Digital Art and Attachment Priming in a Web-Based Serious Game to Reduce Pain and Social Disconnection in Individuals With Chronic Pain and Loneliness: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e52294 VL - 12 KW - pain KW - social disconnection KW - loneliness KW - randomized controlled trial KW - art KW - museums KW - virtual reality KW - serious games KW - virtual art KW - chronic pain and loneliness KW - attachment KW - priming KW - mediation KW - intervention KW - cyberpsychology KW - mental health N2 - Background: Arts engagement using virtual reality and serious games represent promising nonpharmacological self-management treatment approaches to chronic pain. This study is the first randomized controlled trial to explore the impact of a web-based serious game that simulated a visit to an art museum on pain and social disconnection among individuals living with chronic pain and loneliness. Objective: This study aimed to test the joint and separate effects of exposure to digital art and attachment figure priming on pain and social disconnection among individuals living with chronic pain and loneliness. Methods: This randomized controlled trial used a 2 (digital artwork present and absent) × 2 (secure attachment and avoidant attachment prime) repeated measures factorial web-based experimental design with a hanging control condition. Mediation and moderation analyses examined how feelings about the social world triggered by the artwork and frequency of museum visits impacted the effects of the interventions on pain and social disconnection. Results: The results are based on 308 participants. Mean age of the participants was 42.78 (SD 13.11; range 18-76) years, and 60.2% (n=186) were women. Posttest pain was lower than pretest pain for the artwork present (P=.001) and absent (P=.001) conditions. Similarly, posttest pain was lower than pretest pain for the secure (P=.001) and avoidant (P=.001) attachment priming conditions. Relative to the control group, artwork present (P=.001) and absent (P=.01) conditions had decreased posttest pain. The secure (P=.001) and avoidant (P=.001) attachment priming conditions also had lower posttest pain scores relative to the control group. Moreover, social disconnection decreased from pre- to posttest for both the artwork present (P=.04) and the secure attachment priming (P=.002) conditions. Relative to the control group, posttest social disconnection was lower for the artwork present (P=.02) and secure attachment priming condition (P=.03). The artwork-secure attachment (P=.001) and artwork-avoidant attachment (P=.006) conditions had lower posttest pain scores compared with the control group. Social disconnection decreased from pre- to posttest for the artwork-secure attachment (P=.01) and no artwork-secure attachment (P=.05) conditions. Posttest social disconnection was lower for the artwork-secure attachment condition compared with the control group (P=.04). Positive feelings about the social world triggered by artwork exposure and frequency of museum visits in the last year played a mediating and moderating role in these effects. Positive feelings about the social world were associated with decreased pain (B=?.53) and social disconnection (B=?.25), and these effects operated on individuals exposed to digital artwork at low, medium, and high frequency of physical museum visits. Conclusions: Relative to a control group, visiting a web-based art museum reliably decreased pain and social disconnection among individuals living with chronic pain and loneliness. Engaging with digital artwork that triggers positive feelings about the social world may mitigate the burden of chronic pain. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05310747; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05310747 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e52294 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/52294 ID - info:doi/10.2196/52294 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Santamaría-Vázquez, Montserrat AU - Ortiz-Huerta, Hilario J. AU - Martín-Odriozola, Aitor AU - Saiz-Vazquez, Olalla PY - 2024/11/22 TI - Improvement of Motor Imagination and Manual Ability Through Virtual Reality and Selective and Nonselective Functional Electrical Stimulation: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e63329 VL - 13 KW - electric stimulation therapy KW - motor imagery KW - virtual reality exposure therapy KW - hand strength KW - hand injuries N2 - Background: Motor imagery (MI) is a cognitive process that has been shown to be useful in the rehabilitation process after brain injury. Moreover, functional electrical stimulation (FES) and virtual reality (VR) have also been shown to be effective interventions in many parameters, and there is some evidence of their contribution to the improvement of MI capacity. Objective: This study aimed to compare the improvements in MI parameters, grip strength, and manual dexterity obtained using VR, FES, and selective FES based on multifield electrodes in healthy people. Methods: This clinical randomized controlled trial (RCT)with 4 branches will involve 80 healthy university students, with blinded third-party assessment. Participants will be divided into 4 groups: control (no intervention), selective FES (Fesia Grasp), traditional FES (Globus Elite), and Virtual Rehab Hands (Leap Motion sensor). Each group will receive 5 daily sessions, and assessments will be conducted at baseline, postintervention, and follow-up. The Movement Imagery Questionnaire-Revised (MIQ-RS) and chronometry will be used to assess MI, strength will be measured with a digital dynamometer, and manual dexterity will be evaluated with the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT) and the Box and Block Test (BBT). Statistical analyses will include 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni correction to compare group differences over time, with nonparametric tests (eg, Kruskal-Wallis) being used if normality or variance assumptions are violated. The study will be organized into 3 phases: preparation, data collection, and analysis. The preparation phase will involve finalizing project protocols and obtaining ethical approvals. The data collection phase will consist of recruiting participants, randomizing them into 4 intervention groups, and conducting baseline assessments, followed by intervention sessions. Finally, the analysis phase will focus on evaluating the data collected from all groups and compiling the results for presentation. Results: The study received approval in July 2023, with recruitment and data collection starting in September 2023. The recruitment phase was expected to conclude by July 2024, and the entire study, including the 2-week follow-up, was set to finish in September 2024. As of July 2024, we had enrolled 100% of the sample (N=80 students). We plan to publish the study findings by the end of 2024. Conclusions: Improvements in MI and upper limb functionality are expected, particularly in the selective FES group. This RCT will identify which intervention is most effective in enhancing these skills, with potential benefits for patients with neurological motor disorders. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06109025; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06109025 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/63329 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e63329 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/63329 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39576986 ID - info:doi/10.2196/63329 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Konaç, Asli AU - Bini, Maristella AU - Fusco, Naomi AU - Bourdin-Kreitz, Pierre PY - 2024/11/22 TI - Enhancing Executive Function Skills in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder via Immersive Virtual Reality Interventions: Scoping Review JO - JMIR XR Spatial Comput SP - e57225 VL - 1 KW - immersive virtual reality KW - ADHD KW - neurofeedback KW - executive functions KW - systematic review KW - adolescent KW - attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder KW - behavioral therapy KW - digital health tools KW - neurodiversity KW - virtual reality KW - digital mental health N2 - Background: This scoping review investigated immersive virtual reality (IVR) interventions for improving executive function skills of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Objective: This study aimed to identify and closely inspect the characteristics of these interventions and provide a summary of key findings to guide researchers in their future investigations. Methods: A search across Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and APA PsycInfo databases was carried out with restrictions of publication date (2000?2023) and language (English). The inclusion criteria were (1) research articles, excluding protocols, book chapters, reviews, and meta-analyses; (2) usage of IVR, excluding computer-based VR or augmented reality technologies; (3) aim of targeting executive function skills; (4) sample of children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD (with or without learning disorder comorbidity); and (5) intervention studies (quasi-experimental clinical trials and randomized controlled trials, excluding assessments). Finally, the characteristics of the studies were summarized and inspected. Results: The search yielded 2484 potential records. After a rigorous screening process, 6 articles (5 randomized controlled trials and 1 pilot study) were included. A certain heterogeneity in duration, designs of IVR interventions, and outcome measures were observed. All studies reported overall improvements in the attentional performances of children; however, only a few reported improvements in executive functions. In addition, a tendency toward integration of neurofeedback systems with IVR technologies was observed. Conclusions: Because of the specific objectives and related inclusion and exclusion criteria of this review, only a few interventions could be included and analyzed. Even though there seem to be promising applications of IVR for children and adolescents with ADHD, heterogeneity in intervention characteristics accompanied by observed overall high or serious risk of bias prevented the authors from making generalized conclusions. UR - https://xr.jmir.org/2024/1/e57225 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/57225 ID - info:doi/10.2196/57225 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Mørk, Gry AU - Bonsaksen, Tore AU - Larsen, Sønnik Ole AU - Kunnikoff, Martin Hans AU - Lie, Stangeland Silje PY - 2024/11/19 TI - Virtual Reality Simulation in Undergraduate Health Care Education Programs: Usability Study JO - JMIR Med Educ SP - e56844 VL - 10 KW - 360° videos KW - health professions education KW - virtual reality KW - usability study KW - undergraduates KW - university KW - students KW - simulation N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly being used in higher education for clinical skills training and role-playing among health care students. Using 360° videos in VR headsets, followed by peer debrief and group discussions, may strengthen students? social and emotional learning. Objective: This study aimed to explore student-perceived usability of VR simulation in three health care education programs in Norway. Methods: Students from one university participated in a VR simulation program. Of these, students in social education (n=74), nursing (n=45), and occupational therapy (n=27) completed a questionnaire asking about their perceptions of the usability of the VR simulation and the related learning activities. Differences between groups of students were examined with Pearson chi-square tests and with 1-way ANOVA. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze data from open-ended questions. Results: The nursing students were most satisfied with the usability of the VR simulation, while the occupational therapy students were least satisfied. The nursing students had more often prior experience from using VR technology (60%), while occupational therapy students less often had prior experience (37%). Nevertheless, high mean scores indicated that the students experienced the VR simulation and the related learning activities as very useful. The results also showed that by using realistic scenarios in VR simulation, health care students can be prepared for complex clinical situations in a safe environment. Also, group debriefing sessions are a vital part of the learning process that enhance active involvement with peers. Conclusions: VR simulation has promise and potential as a pedagogical tool in health care education, especially for training soft skills relevant for clinical practice, such as communication, decision-making, time management, and critical thinking. UR - https://mededu.jmir.org/2024/1/e56844 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/56844 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/56844 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ricci, Sofia Fabiana AU - Liguori, Lorenzo AU - Palermo, Eduardo AU - Rizzo, John-Ross AU - Porfiri, Maurizio PY - 2024/11/18 TI - Navigation Training for Persons With Visual Disability Through Multisensory Assistive Technology: Mixed Methods Experimental Study JO - JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol SP - e55776 VL - 11 KW - assistive technology KW - human-computer interaction KW - multisensory feedback KW - virtual reality KW - visual impairment KW - haptic N2 - Background: Visual disability is a growing problem for many middle-aged and older adults. Conventional mobility aids, such as white canes and guide dogs, have notable limitations that have led to increasing interest in electronic travel aids (ETAs). Despite remarkable progress, current ETAs lack empirical evidence and realistic testing environments and often focus on the substitution or augmentation of a single sense. Objective: This study aims to (1) establish a novel virtual reality (VR) environment to test the efficacy of ETAs in complex urban environments for a simulated visual impairment (VI) and (2) evaluate the impact of haptic and audio feedback, individually and combined, on navigation performance, movement behavior, and perception. Through this study, we aim to address gaps to advance the pragmatic development of assistive technologies (ATs) for persons with VI. Methods: The VR platform was designed to resemble a subway station environment with the most common challenges faced by persons with VI during navigation. This environment was used to test our multisensory, AT-integrated VR platform among 72 healthy participants performing an obstacle avoidance task while experiencing symptoms of VI. Each participant performed the task 4 times: once with haptic feedback, once with audio feedback, once with both feedback types, and once without any feedback. Data analysis encompassed metrics such as completion time, head and body orientation, and trajectory length and smoothness. To evaluate the effectiveness and interaction of the 2 feedback modalities, we conducted a 2-way repeated measures ANOVA on continuous metrics and a Scheirer-Ray-Hare test on discrete ones. We also conducted a descriptive statistical analysis of participants? answers to a questionnaire, assessing their experience and preference for feedback modalities. Results: Results from our study showed that haptic feedback significantly reduced collisions (P=.05) and the variability of the pitch angle of the head (P=.02). Audio feedback improved trajectory smoothness (P=.006) and mitigated the increase in the trajectory length from haptic feedback alone (P=.04). Participants reported a high level of engagement during the experiment (52/72, 72%) and found it interesting (42/72, 58%). However, when it came to feedback preferences, less than half of the participants (29/72, 40%) favored combined feedback modalities. This indicates that a majority preferred dedicated single modalities over combined ones. Conclusions: AT is crucial for individuals with VI; however, it often lacks user-centered design principles. Research should prioritize consumer-oriented methodologies, testing devices in a staged manner with progression toward more realistic, ecologically valid settings to ensure safety. Our multisensory, AT-integrated VR system takes a holistic approach, offering a first step toward enhancing users? spatial awareness, promoting safer mobility, and holds potential for applications in medical treatment, training, and rehabilitation. Technological advancements can further refine such devices, significantly improving independence and quality of life for those with VI. UR - https://rehab.jmir.org/2024/1/e55776 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/55776 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/55776 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Bazie, Hiwot AU - Lemma, Bekele AU - Workneh, Anteneh AU - Estifanos, Ashebir PY - 2024/11/15 TI - The Effect of Virtual Laboratories on the Academic Achievement of Undergraduate Chemistry Students: Quasi-Experimental Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e64476 VL - 8 KW - virtual laboratory KW - practical chemistry KW - student achievement KW - undergraduate student KW - Dilla University KW - simulation KW - chemistry education N2 - Background: Experimentation is crucial in chemistry education as it links practical experience with theoretical concepts. However, practical chemistry courses typically rely on real laboratory experiments and often face challenges such as limited resources, equipment shortages, and logistical constraints in university settings. To address these challenges, computer-based laboratories have been introduced as a potential solution, offering electronic simulations that replicate real laboratory experiences. Objective: This study examines the effect of virtual laboratories on the academic achievement of undergraduate chemistry students and evaluates their potential as a viable alternative or complement to traditional laboratory-based instruction. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was implemented to examine the cause-and-effect relationship between instructional methods and student outcomes. The study involved 60 fourth-year BSc chemistry students from Dilla University, divided into 3 groups: a real laboratory group (n=20), which performed real laboratory experiments; a virtual group (n=20), which used virtual laboratory simulations; and a lecture group (n=20), which received lecture-based instruction. Quantitative data were collected through tests administered before and after the intervention to assess academic performance. The data analysis used descriptive and inferential statistics, such as means and SDs, 1-way ANOVA, the Tukey honestly significant difference test, and independent-sample t tests (2-tailed), with a P value of .05 set for determining statistical significance. Results: Before the intervention, the results indicated no significant differences in academic achievement among the 3 groups (P=.99). However, after the intervention, notable differences were observed in student performance across the methods. The real laboratory group had the highest mean posttest score (mean 62.6, SD 10.7), followed by the virtual laboratory group (mean 55.5, SD 6.8) and the lecture-only group, which had the lowest mean score (mean 43.7, SD 11.5). ANOVA results confirmed significant differences between the groups (F2,57=18.429; P<.001). The Tukey post hoc test further revealed that the real laboratory group significantly outperformed the lecture-only group (mean difference 18.88; P<.001), while the virtual laboratory group also performed significantly better than the lecture-only group (mean difference 11.7; P=.001). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the real laboratory and virtual laboratory groups (mean difference 7.12; P=.07). In addition, gender did not significantly influence performance in the virtual laboratory group (P=.21), with no substantial difference in posttest scores between male and female students. Conclusions: These findings suggest that computer-based laboratories are a viable and effective alternative when real laboratories are unavailable, enhancing learning outcomes when compared with traditional lecture-based methods. Therefore, universities should consider integrating computer-based laboratories into their practical chemistry curricula to provide students with interactive and engaging learning experiences, especially when physical laboratories are inaccessible. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e64476 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/64476 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/64476 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Wei, Xijun AU - Zhou, Ping AU - Wei, Yixi AU - Wu, Dashuang AU - Qin, Ping AU - Zhang, Yingying AU - Zhu, Jing AU - Ren, Zhanbing AU - Li, Hai AU - Zhang, Yumei PY - 2024/11/15 TI - Comparison of Occupational Performance in Immersive Virtual and Real Environments Among Patients With Stroke: Observational Randomized Crossover Pilot Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e58388 VL - 12 KW - instrumental activities of daily living KW - immersive virtual reality KW - occupational performance KW - stroke rehabilitation KW - occupational therapy N2 - Background: Conventional rehabilitation approaches involve therapists simulating various occupational tasks in health care settings or recreating real-life situations to assess and train patients in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). As an alternative, immersive virtual reality (IVR) has been widely used in stroke rehabilitation for years, but research comparing occupational performance between virtual and real environments is limited. Objective: This study aims to introduce a novel IVR shopping system designed for patients with stroke and to investigate the correlation of occupational performance in virtual and real environments among patients with stroke. Methods: Ten patients with stroke were recruited from the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for this observational, randomized crossover study; the patients were predominantly male (n=7), had experienced ischemic stroke (n=9), were aged 14 to 73 years, and had a time since stroke of 1 to 42 months. All patients attempted shopping tasks in virtual and real environments. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), modified Barthel index (MBI), and Lawton index (LI) were used to assess cognition, ambulation, and activities of daily living. Memory capacity and duration in the virtual and real environments were recorded as the primary parameters of occupational performance. The Wilcoxon test and Spearman correlation coefficients were used to analyze the differences and correlations between the 2 environments. Results: The Wilcoxon test showed no significant differences between the virtual and real environments in memory capacity and duration of task completion (P>.99 and P=.99), and memory capacity in both environments correlated with the LI (?=0.81; P=.005). Memory duration had a relationship with the TUGT in the virtual environment (?=0.68; P=.03) and a borderline negative correlation with MMSE in the real environment (?=?0.58; P=.08). Conclusions: Considering the small sample size used in this study and the study?s limitations, despite the significant correlation between shopping performance in IVR and the real world, it is still too early to conclude that IVR is a noninferior approach, but it presents the potential to be an alternative for assessment and training in IADLs when resources are limited. However, further research is needed to investigate the psychometric properties, clinical effects, and impact of virtual training on real-world performance. The implications for practice might include the following: (1) occupational performance in virtual shopping might be the same as real-world shopping, and more virtual IADLs could thus be developed; (2) virtual IADL assessment and training systems could be used in remote locations or locations with limited resources; and (3) more objective parameters of IADLs could be extracted from virtual environments. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000041058; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojEN.html?proj=65714 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e58388 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/58388 ID - info:doi/10.2196/58388 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Mao, Qian AU - Zhao, Zhen AU - Yu, Lisha AU - Zhao, Yang AU - Wang, Hailiang PY - 2024/11/12 TI - The Effects of Virtual Reality?Based Reminiscence Therapies for Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: Systematic Review JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e53348 VL - 26 KW - virtual reality KW - reminiscence therapy KW - cognitive impairment KW - older adults KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: Reminiscence therapy (RT) is a commonly used nonpharmaceutical treatment for cognitive impairment. Artifacts or conversations are used in RT to recall individuals? memories and past experiences. Virtual reality (VR) has increasingly been used as an assistive technology during RT. However, the effects of VR-based RT (VR-RT) methods remain unclear, and insights into the related benefits and challenges are urgently needed. Objective: The study aims to systematically review the effects of VR-RTs for older adults with cognitive impairment. Methods: Seven databases (MEDLINE, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ScienceDirect) were searched to identify relevant articles published from inception to August 10, 2023. Peer-reviewed publications that assessed the effect of VR-RTs (ie, using virtual clues to evoke participants? memories or past experiences) on cognitive-related outcomes were included. Two independent researchers conducted the literature search, review, and data extraction processes. A narrative synthesis approach was used to analyze the extracted data. Results: Of the 537 identified articles, 22 were ultimately included in the data analysis. The results revealed that VR-RTs could maintain cognitive status (4/4, 100%) and reduce anxiety (2/2, 100%) in older adults with cognitive impairment. Nevertheless, one study found a cognitive improvement after VR-RTs, whereas cognitive degradation was observed at a 3- to 6-month follow-up measure. Around 88% (7/8) of the included studies indicated that VR-RTs improved memory; however, the evidence regarding the beneficial effects of VR-RTs was limited in improving quality of life (1/4, 25%) and reducing apathy (0/2, 0%) and depression (1/3, 33%). The results indicated that VR-RTs are safe, engaging, acceptable, and satisfying for older adults with cognitive impairment. In VR scenarios, personalized stimulus materials related to the users? youth experiences were more effective for treating cognitive impairment than other stimulus materials. Conclusions: The results of this systematic review demonstrate the potential benefits of VR-RT for older adults with cognitive impairment, especially in improving emotion and memory and maintaining cognitive status. VR-RT is also safe and enjoyable for older adults. However, due to the trial heterogeneity of included studies, we can only provide qualitative results instead of performing meta-analysis to quantify the effect size of VR-RTs. Thus, more randomized controlled trials are required to examine the designs and effects of VR-RTs for groups of older adults with specific needs. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e53348 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/53348 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/53348 ER - TY - JOUR AU - de Vette, Frederiek AU - Ruiz-Rodriguez, Aurora AU - Tabak, Monique AU - Oude Nijeweme-d'Hollosy, Wendy AU - Hermens, Hermie AU - Vollenbroek-Hutten, Miriam PY - 2024/11/8 TI - Developing Game-Based Design for eHealth in Practice: 4-Phase Game Design Process JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e13723 VL - 8 KW - game based KW - gamification KW - game KW - eHealth KW - telemedicine KW - development KW - design KW - engagement KW - game preferences KW - older adults KW - self-management KW - prototyping KW - evaluations KW - creative N2 - Background: Games are increasingly used in eHealth as a strategy for user engagement. There is an enormous diversity of end users and objectives targeted by eHealth. Hence, identifying game content that drives and sustains engagement is challenging. More openness in the game design process and motivational strategies could aid researchers and designers of future game-based apps. Objective: This study aims to provide insights into our approach to develop game-based eHealth in practice with a case study (Personalised ICT Supported Services for Independent Living and Active Ageing [PERSSILAA]). PERSSILAA is a self-management platform that aims to counter frailty by offering training modules to older adults in the domains of healthy nutrition and physical and cognitive training to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We elaborate on the entire game design process and show the motivational strategies applied. Methods: We introduce four game design phases in the process toward game-based eHealth: (1) end-user research, (2) conceptualization, (3) creative design, and (4) refinement (ie, prototyping and evaluations). Results: First, 168 participants participated in end-user research, resulting in an overview of their preferences for game content and a set of game design recommendations. We found that conventional games popular among older adults do not necessarily translate well into engaging concepts for eHealth. Recommendations include focusing game concepts on thinking, problem-solving, variation, discovery, and achievement and using high-quality aesthetics. Second, stakeholder sessions with development partners resulted in strategies for long-term engagement using indicators of user performance on the platform?s training modules. These performance indicators, for example, completed training sessions or exercises, form the basis for game progression. Third, results from prior phases were used in creative design to create the game ?Stranded!? The user plays a person who is shipwrecked who must gather parts for a life raft by completing in-game objectives. Finally, iterative prototyping resulted in the final prototype of the game-based app. A total of 35 older adults participated using simulated training modules. End users scored appreciation (74/100), ease of use (73/100), expected effectivity and motivation (62/100), fun and pleasantness of using the app (75/100), and intended future use (66/100), which implies that the app is ready for use by a larger population. Conclusions: The study resulted in a game-based app for which the entire game design process within eHealth was transparently documented and where engagement strategies were based on extensive user research. Our user evaluations indicate that the strategies for long-term engagement led to game content that was perceived as engaging by older adults. As a next step, research is needed on the user experience and actual engagement with the game to support the self-management of older adults, followed by clinical studies on its added value. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e13723 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/13723 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/13723 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Kershner, Kyle AU - Morton, David AU - Robison, Justin AU - N'dah, Williams Kindia AU - Fanning, Jason PY - 2024/11/8 TI - Assessing the Feasibility and Acceptability of Virtual Reality for Remote Group-Mediated Physical Activity in Older Adults: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e53156 VL - 8 KW - virtual reality KW - physical activity KW - videoconference KW - social connection KW - remote meeting KW - gerontology KW - physical inactivity KW - at-home intervention KW - descriptive statistics KW - eHealth KW - comorbidity KW - cybersickness N2 - Background: Physical inactivity represents a major health concern for older adults. Most social, at-home physical activity (PA) interventions use videoconference, email, or telephone communication for program delivery. However, evidence suggests that these platforms may hinder the social connection experienced by users. Recent advancements in virtual reality (VR) suggest that it may be a rich platform for social, at-home interventions because it offers legitimate options for intervention delivery and PA. Objective: This pilot study aims to determine the feasibility and acceptability of VR compared to videoconference as a medium for remote group-mediated behavioral intervention for older adults. The information generated from this investigation will inform the use of VR as a medium for intervention delivery. Methods: Nine low-active older adults (mean age 66.8, SD 4.8 y) were randomized to a 4-week home-based, group-mediated PA intervention delivered via VR or videoconference. Feasibility (ie, the total number of sessions attended and the number of VR accesses outside of scheduled meetings) and acceptability (ie, the number of participants reporting high levels of nausea, program evaluations using Likert-style prompts with responses ranging from ?5=very difficult or disconnected to 5=very easy or connected, and participant feedback on immersion and social connection) are illustrated via descriptive statistics and quotes from open-ended responses. Results: None of the participants experienced severe VR-related sickness before randomization, with a low average sickness rating of 1.6 (SD 1.6) out of 27 points. Attendance rates for group meetings were 98% (59/60) and 96% (46/48) for the VR and videoconference groups, respectively. Outside of scheduled meeting times, participants reported a median of 5.5 (IQR 5.3-5.8, range 0-27) VR accesses throughout the entire intervention. Program evaluations suggested that participants felt personally connected to their peers (VR group: median 3.0, IQR 2.5-3.5; videoconference group: median 3.0, IQR 2.7-3.3), found that goals were easy to accomplish (VR group: median 3.0, IQR 2.8-3.3; videoconference group: median 3.0, IQR 2.6-3.4), and had ease in finding PA options (VR group: median 4.0, IQR 3.5-4.3; videoconference group: median 2.0, IQR 1.6-2.4) and engaging in meaningful dialogue with peers (VR group: median 4.0, IQR 4.0-4.0; videoconference group: median 3.5, IQR 3.3-3.8). Open-ended responses regarding VR use indicated increased immersion experiences and intrinsic motivation for PA. Conclusions: These findings suggest that VR may be a useful medium for social PA programming in older adults, given it was found to be feasible and acceptable in this sample. Importantly, all participants indicated low levels of VR-related sickness before randomization, and both groups demonstrated very high attendance at meetings with their groups and behavioral coaches, which is promising for using VR and videoconference in future interventions. Modifications for future iterations of similar interventions are provided. Further work using larger samples and longer follow-up durations is needed. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04756245; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04756245 UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e53156 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/53156 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/53156 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Fajnerova, Iveta AU - Hejtmánek, Luká? AU - Sedlák, Michal AU - Jablonská, Markéta AU - Francová, Anna AU - Stopková, Pavla PY - 2024/11/7 TI - The Journey From Nonimmersive to Immersive Multiuser Applications in Mental Health Care: Systematic Review JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e60441 VL - 26 KW - digital health KW - mental health care KW - clinical interventions KW - multiuser KW - immersive KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - app KW - mental health KW - online tools KW - synthesis KW - mobile phone KW - PRISMA N2 - Background: Over the past 25 years, the development of multiuser applications has seen considerable advancements and challenges. The technological development in this field has emerged from simple chat rooms through videoconferencing tools to the creation of complex, interactive, and often multisensory virtual worlds. These multiuser technologies have gradually found their way into mental health care, where they are used in both dyadic counseling and group interventions. However, some limitations in hardware capabilities, user experience designs, and scalability may have hindered the effectiveness of these applications. Objective: This systematic review aims at summarizing the progress made and the potential future directions in this field while evaluating various factors and perspectives relevant to remote multiuser interventions. Methods: The systematic review was performed based on a Web of Science and PubMed database search covering articles in English, published from January 1999 to March 2024, related to multiuser mental health interventions. Several inclusion and exclusion criteria were determined before and during the records screening process, which was performed in several steps. Results: We identified 49 records exploring multiuser applications in mental health care, ranging from text-based interventions to interventions set in fully immersive environments. The number of publications exploring this topic has been growing since 2015, with a large increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most digital interventions were delivered in the form of videoconferencing, with only a few implementing immersive environments. The studies used professional or peer-supported group interventions or a combination of both approaches. The research studies targeted diverse groups and topics, from nursing mothers to psychiatric disorders or various minority groups. Most group sessions occurred weekly, or in the case of the peer-support groups, often with a flexible schedule. Conclusions: We identified many benefits to multiuser digital interventions for mental health care. These approaches provide distributed, always available, and affordable peer support that can be used to deliver necessary help to people living outside of areas where in-person interventions are easily available. While immersive virtual environments have become a common tool in many areas of psychiatric care, such as exposure therapy, our results suggest that this technology in multiuser settings is still in its early stages. Most identified studies investigated mainstream technologies, such as videoconferencing or text-based support, substituting the immersive experience for convenience and ease of use. While many studies discuss useful features of virtual environments in group interventions, such as anonymity or stronger engagement with the group, we discuss persisting issues with these technologies, which currently prevent their full adoption. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e60441 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/60441 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/60441 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Hanke, Laura AU - Schulte, Richard AU - Boedecker, Christian AU - Huettl, Florentine AU - Saalfeld, Patrick AU - Chheang, Vuthea AU - Wessels, Marlene AU - von Castell, Christoph AU - Hecht, Heiko AU - Hansen, Christian AU - Lang, Hauke AU - Huber, Tobias PY - 2024/11/5 TI - Influence of Distraction Factors on Performance in Laparoscopic Surgery in Immersive Virtual Reality: Study Protocol of a Cross-Over Trial in Medical Students and Residents?DisLapVR JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e59014 VL - 13 KW - immersive virtual reality KW - distractions in surgery KW - KW - laparoscopy KW - medical training KW - medical students KW - surgical education KW - surgical training KW - VR KW - cognitive load KW - multitasking KW - stress resilience N2 - Background: Working in an operating room (OR) is physically and mentally challenging: the operation itself demands the surgeon's full attention, while time and cost efficiency constraints, daily planning, and emergency care interfere with the procedure. Thus, multitasking becomes an integral surgical competence. This study aims to examine the effect of disruptions during surgery in a highly immersive virtual reality (IVR) operation environment combined with a virtual reality (VR) laparoscopy simulator. Objective: This study aims to identify distractions in the OR and their importance in the clinical setting. Methods: An IVR environment was created using a high-resolution, stereoscopic 360° video of the OR. Different distractions were identified, classified as auditory, visual, or audio-visual, and recorded accordingly. The surrounding was combined with a VR laparoscopic simulator. Participants?medical students and surgical residents?received proficiency-based training in basic laparoscopic skills and were blinded to the aim of the experiment. Following a cross-over design, each participant received a unique order of virtual distraction factors while performing tasks on the laparoscopic simulator. During the experiment, subjective passing of time, stress, heart rate, and visually induced motion sickness are recorded. After the experiment, validated questionnaires for usability, immersion, and stress were completed, as well as subjective evaluation of the distractions. The questionnaires used included the system usability scale, Self-Assessment Manikin score, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index, and the immersion rating scale as described by Nichols. Performance in the laparoscopic tasks in relation to distractions will be evaluated by the Wilcoxon test and ANOVA for continuous variables. Subgroup analyses in regard to age, gender, and expertise (medical students vs surgical residents) are planned. Results: The described trial started in August 2022 and is ongoing. By July 2024, a total of 30 medical students and 9 surgeons have completed the study. Conclusions: We present a study protocol aiming to identify the impact of different disruptions in OR during laparoscopic training in IVR. Hence, it may lead to an improved awareness of distractions and facilitate accommodations toward an improved work environment. Prior research leads to the hypothesis that the performance of a more experienced surgeon is less impacted by distractions than the performance of inexperienced surgeons and medical students. Furthermore, we investigate which type of distraction has the largest impact on performance. With this knowledge, specific multitasking training can be devised, which may be particularly useful in medical education, for which VR might play a leading role. Additionally, workplace surroundings in the OR can be optimized with this knowledge. Trial Registration: German Registry for Clinical Trials DRKS00030033; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00030033 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/59014 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e59014 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/59014 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/59014 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Beele, Gesa AU - Liesong, Paula AU - Bojanowski, Sabine AU - Hildebrand, Kristian AU - Weingart, Malte AU - Asbrand, Julia AU - Correll, U. Christoph AU - Morina, Nexhmedin AU - Uhlhaas, J. Peter PY - 2024/11/5 TI - Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Reducing School Anxiety in Adolescents: Pilot Study JO - JMIR Ment Health SP - e56235 VL - 11 KW - virtual reality exposure therapy KW - VRET KW - school anxiety KW - social anxiety KW - adolescents KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - autonomic arousal KW - exposure therapy KW - posttreatment KW - digital health KW - simulation N2 - Background: Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is a promising treatment approach for anxiety disorders. However, while its efficacy has been demonstrated in adults, research on the efficacy of VRET in the treatment of adolescents with anxiety disorders is largely lacking. Objective: A pilot study was carried out to test whether exposure to a virtual reality (VR) school environment elicits state anxiety and autonomic arousal in adolescents with school anxiety (diagnoses covering social anxiety disorder or specific phobia involving school contexts). In addition, we examined whether repeated VR exposure led to a reduction in this fear response, trait school anxiety, and social anxiety symptoms. Moreover, the relationship of presence, the subjective sense of ?being there,? during VR exposure with anxiety measures and treatment response was examined. Methods: In a pilot study, 10 adolescents with school anxiety (age range 14 to 17 years) participated in five VRET sessions. Self-reported state anxiety, heart rate, and presence during exposure, as well as trait school anxiety and social anxiety before and after treatment, were measured. Results: The VR scenario induced state anxiety and autonomic arousal. After VRET, a significant reduction in state anxiety (?2=0.74) and social anxiety symptoms (d=0.82) as well as a trend toward a decrease in trait school anxiety were observed, while autonomic arousal did not change. In addition, presence during VR exposure was associated with state anxiety and treatment response. Conclusions: Our findings indicate the feasibility and potential effectiveness of VRET as a treatment method for symptoms of school and social anxiety in adolescents. UR - https://mental.jmir.org/2024/1/e56235 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/56235 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/56235 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Neher, N. Andrea AU - Wespi, Rafael AU - Rapphold, D. Benjamin AU - Sauter, C. Thomas AU - Kämmer, E. Juliane AU - Birrenbach, Tanja PY - 2024/11/4 TI - Interprofessional Team Training With Virtual Reality: Acceptance, Learning Outcome, and Feasibility Evaluation Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e57117 VL - 12 KW - medical education KW - simulation KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - emergency medicine KW - interprofessional team training KW - nursing students KW - medical students KW - evaluation study KW - assessment KW - effectiveness KW - patient care KW - simulation-based training KW - hemorrhage KW - epileptic seizure KW - headache N2 - Background: Effective interprofessional teamwork is vital for ensuring high-quality patient care, especially in emergency medicine. However, interprofessional education often fails to facilitate meaningful interaction among health care disciplines. It is therefore imperative to afford early opportunities for cultivating interprofessional teamwork skills. While in-person simulation-based training has been shown to improve performance, this is resource-intensive, especially if it involves multiple professions. Virtual reality (VR)?based training is an innovative instructional approach that demands fewer resources and offers the flexibility of location-independent learning. Objective: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the acceptance, learning outcome, and feasibility of an interprofessional team (INTEAM) training course that included a VR simulation of a neurological emergency case. Methods: This 1-group study used a pre- and posttest design to evaluate the 2-hour INTEAM training course for nursing and medical students. The course included an e-learning part, VR simulation, and debriefing. The main learning objectives were derived from the entrustable professional activity 6, namely to handle a common problem in emergency medicine (headache due to subarachnoid hemorrhage and epileptic seizure) that requires interprofessional collaboration, including a structured handover. We used validated and self-constructed questionnaires, pre- and posttests, and open questions to assess the acceptance, learning outcome, and feasibility of the course. Results: The data of 42 students (21 nursing and 21 medical students) were analyzed and showed good usability in the System Usability Scale (median 72.5, IQR 65?80). The perception of usefulness (median 6, IQR 5.8?6.9) and ease of use (median 5.9, IQR 5.1?6.3) was good among all students. There was a significant increase in the handover performance from pre- (median 8, IQR 6?9) to posttraining (median 8, IQR 7?9; z=?2.01; P=.045; r=0.33) and of the confidence in caring for patients with seizures (median 3, IQR 2?3 and median 3.5, IQR 3?4, respectively; z=?3.8; P<.001; r=0.60). In 67% (14/21) of the simulations, technical issues occurred, but all simulations could be carried out completely. Conclusions: The new INTEAM training course was well received by nursing and medical students. The handover skills and confidence in caring for patients with seizures were improved after the course. Despite technical challenges with the VR simulations, none required termination, and this demonstrates that our approach is feasible. These promising results encourage the use of VR simulations for team training in the education of nursing and medical students. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e57117 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/57117 ID - info:doi/10.2196/57117 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Bouguettaya, Ayoub AU - Aboujaoude, Elias PY - 2024/11/4 TI - Using Extended Reality to Enhance Effectiveness and Group Identification in Remote Group Therapy for Anxiety Disorders: A Critical Analysis JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e64494 VL - 8 KW - group therapy KW - psychotherapy KW - telepsychiatry KW - mental health KW - extended reality KW - augmented reality KW - virtual reality therapy KW - anxiety KW - cognitive behavioral therapy UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e64494 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/64494 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/64494 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Wong, Po Ka AU - Zhang, Bohan AU - Lai, Yi Cynthia Yuen AU - Xie, Jie Yao AU - Li, Yan AU - Li, Chen AU - Qin, Jing PY - 2024/10/28 TI - Empowering Social Growth Through Virtual Reality?Based Intervention for Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: 3-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e58963 VL - 12 KW - attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder KW - virtual reality KW - social skills KW - social skills training KW - emotional control KW - social growth KW - digital world KW - social learning theory N2 - Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) usually begins in childhood and is often accompanied by impairments in social functioning. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as an adjunctive tool to embed in social skills training to enhance the social skills of children with ADHD, but its effectiveness requires further investigation. Objective: This study aims to enhance the social skills of children with ADHD by examining the feasibility and effectiveness of VR-based training in comparison to traditional social skills training. Methods: A 3-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted with 90 children with ADHD aged 6-12 years. Participants were randomly assigned to 3 weeks of 12-session VR-based social skills training, traditional social skills training, or a waitlist control group of equivalent duration. Outcome measures included assessments by a clinical psychologist who was blinded to group assignments, the Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scale, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, and the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire, conducted at baseline and after the intervention. Results: The preliminary results support the feasibility and acceptability of VR training for children with ADHD aged 6-12 years. Analysis showed that the VR and traditional social skills training groups experienced a statistically significant improvement in the clinical psychologist assessment of social skills and parent-rated self-control, initiative, and emotional control after the intervention compared with baseline. The VR group performed significantly better than the traditional social skills group on social skills assessed by clinical psychologists (F2,85=76.77; P<.001) and on parent-rated self-control (F2,85=18.77; P<.001), initiative (F2,85=11.93; P<.001), and emotional control (F2,85=17.27; P<.001). No significant between-group differences were found for parent-rated cooperation and inhibition (all P>.05). Conclusions: The findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility and superior effectiveness of VR-based social skills training compared to traditional approaches for enhancing social skills and related executive functions in children with ADHD. These results suggest that VR may be a valuable tool to embed within social skills interventions for this population. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term impacts and generalizability of these benefits. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05778526; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05778526 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/48208 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e58963 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/58963 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/58963 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Oliveira, Joana AU - Aires Dias, Joana AU - Correia, Rita AU - Pinheiro, Raquel AU - Reis, Vítor AU - Sousa, Daniela AU - Agostinho, Daniel AU - Simões, Marco AU - Castelo-Branco, Miguel PY - 2024/10/24 TI - Exploring Immersive Multimodal Virtual Reality Training, Affective States, and Ecological Validity in Healthy Firefighters: Quasi-Experimental Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e53683 VL - 12 KW - virtual reality KW - firefighter KW - training KW - posttraumatic stress disorder KW - PTSD KW - emotion KW - situational awareness KW - engagement KW - ecological validity KW - multivariate approach N2 - Background: Firefighters face stressful life-threatening events requiring fast decision-making. To better prepare for those situations, training is paramount, but errors in real-life training can be harmful. Virtual reality (VR) simulations provide the desired realism while enabling practice in a secure and controlled environment. Firefighters? affective states are also crucial as they are a higher-risk group. Objective: To assess the impact on affective states of 2 simulated immersive experiences in a sample of healthy firefighters (before, during, and after the simulation), we pursued a multivariate approach comprising cognitive performance, situational awareness, depression, anxiety, stress, number of previous adverse events experienced, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity, and emotions. The efficacy and ecological validity of an innovative VR haptic system were also tested, exploring its impact on performance. Methods: In collaboration with the Portuguese National Fire Service School, we exposed 22 healthy firefighters to 2 immersive scenarios using the FLAIM Trainer VR system (neutral and arousing scenarios) while recording physiological data in a quasi-experimental study. Baseline cognitive performance, depression, anxiety, stress, number of adverse events, and severity of PTSD symptoms were evaluated. Positive and negative affective states were measured before, between, and after each scenario. Situational awareness, sense of presence, ecological validity, engagement, and negative effects resulting from VR immersion were tested. Results: Baseline positive affect score was high (mean 32.4, SD 7.2) and increased after the VR tasks (partial ?2=0.52; Greenhouse-Geisser F1.82,32.78=19.73; P<.001). Contrarily, mean negative affect score remained low (range 11.0-11.9) throughout the study (partial ?2=0.02; Greenhouse-Geisser F2.13,38.4=0.39; P=.69). Participants? feedback on the VR sense of presence was also positive, reporting a high sense of physical space (mean score 3.9, SD 0.8), ecological validity (mean score 3.8, SD 0.6), and engagement (mean score 3.8, SD 0.6). Engagement was related to the number of previously experienced adverse events (r=0.49; P=.02) and positive affect (after the last VR task; r=0.55; P=.02). Conversely, participants reported few negative effects (mean score 1.7, SD 0.6). The negative effects correlated positively with negative affect (after the last VR task; r=0.53; P=.03); and avoidance (r=0.73; P<.001), a PTSD symptom, controlling for relevant baseline variables. Performance related to situational awareness was positive (mean 46.4, SD 34.5), although no relation was found to metacognitively perceived situational awareness (r=?0.12; P=.59). Conclusions: We show that VR is an effective alternative to in-person training as it was considered ecologically valid and engaging while promoting positive emotions, with few negative repercussions. This corroborates the use of VR to test firefighters? performance and situational awareness. Further research is needed to ascertain that firefighters with PTSD symptomatology are not negatively affected by VR. This study favors the use of VR training and provides new insights on its emotional and cognitive impact on the trainee. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e53683 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/53683 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39446479 ID - info:doi/10.2196/53683 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Li, PengFei AU - Qi, Fa AU - Ye, Zhihai PY - 2024/10/22 TI - Influence of Avatar Identification on the Attraction of Virtual Reality Games: Survey Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e56704 VL - 8 KW - avatar identification KW - self-differentiation theory KW - immersion KW - attractiveness KW - virtual reality games N2 - Background: In gaming, the embodied interaction experience of avatars serves as a key to emotional sublimation in artistic creation. This presents the emotional expression of art in a more vivid form, which is a critical factor in the high attractiveness of virtual reality (VR) games to players. Intertwined with players? physiological and psychological responses, immersion is an essential element for enhancing gaming attractiveness. Objective: This study aims to explore how to help players establish a sense of identity with their embodied avatars in VR game environments and enhance the attractiveness of games to players through the mediating effect of immersion. Methods: We conducted a structured questionnaire survey refined through repeated validation. A total of 402 VR users were publicly recruited through the internet from March 22, 2024, to April 13, 2024. Statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS and Amos tools, including correlation analysis, regression analysis, and mediation effect verification. We divided the self-differentiation theory into 4 dimensions to validate their impact on avatar identification. Subsequently, we correlated the effects of avatar identification, game immersion, and game attractiveness and proposed a hypothetical mediating model. Results: Regression analysis of the predictor variables and the dependent variable indicated a significant positive predictive effect (P<.001); the variance inflation factor values for each independent variable were all <5. In the hypothesis testing of the mediating effect, the total mediating effect was significant (P<.001). Regarding the direct impact, both the effect of avatar identification on immersion and the effect of immersion on game attractiveness were significant (P<.001). However, the direct effect of avatar identification on game attractiveness was not significant (P=.28). Regarding the indirect impact, the effect of avatar identification on game attractiveness was significant (P<.001). The results indicate a significant positive correlation between different dimensions of the self-differentiation theory and identification with avatars. Moreover, immersion in the game fully mediated the relationship between identification with avatars and game attractiveness. Conclusions: This study underscores that the embodiment of avatar identification is influenced by dimensions of self-differentiation, and the impact of identification with avatars on game attractiveness is contingent upon full mediation by immersion. These findings deepen our understanding of the role of avatar identification in VR gaming. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e56704 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/56704 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/56704 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Stathakarou, Natalia AU - Kononowicz, A. Andrzej AU - Mattsson, Erik AU - Karlgren, Klas PY - 2024/10/22 TI - Gamification in the Design of Virtual Patients for Swedish Military Medics to Support Trauma Training: Interaction Analysis and Semistructured Interview Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e63390 VL - 12 KW - military trauma KW - gamification KW - game elements KW - serious games KW - virtual patients KW - trauma KW - medical training KW - medical education KW - medical assessment KW - emergency care KW - first aid KW - basic life support KW - trauma care KW - medics KW - military N2 - Background: This study explores gamification in the design of virtual patients (VPs) to enhance the training of Swedish military medics in trauma care. The challenges related to prehospital trauma care faced on the battlefield require tailored educational tools that support military medics? education and training. Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate how to design VPs with game elements for Swedish military medics to support learning in military trauma care. By understanding the reasoning and perceptions of military medics when interacting with VPs, this study aims to provide insights and recommendations for designing VPs with game elements that are specifically tailored to their needs. Methods: The study involved 14 Swedish military medics of the Home Guard?National Security Forces participating in a tactical combat care course. Participants interacted with 3 different VP cases designed to simulate military trauma scenarios. Data were collected through think-aloud sessions and semistructured interviews. The data were analyzed using interaction analysis, structured by the unawareness, problem identification, explanation, and alternative strategies or solutions (uPEA) framework, and reflexive thematic analysis to explore participants? reasoning processes and perceptions and identify possible game elements to inform the VP design. Results: Mapping the military medics? reasoning to the uPEA framework revealed that study participants became more creative after making a mistake followed by feedback and after receiving a prompt to make a new decision. The thematic analysis revealed 6 themes: motivation, ?keep on trying?; agency in interaction with VPs; realistic tactical experience; confidence, ?I know that the knowledge I have works?; social influence on motivation; and personalized learning. Participants suggested that game elements such as scoring; badges; virtual goods; progress bars; performance tables; content unlocking; hints; challenge; control; imposed choice; narrative; avatars; sensation; randomness; difficulty adapting; competition; leaderboards; social pressure; progression; and renovation can promote engagement, motivation, and support confidence in decision-making. Conclusions: Gamification in the design of VPs represents a promising approach to military medical training, offering a platform for medics to practice medical and tactical decision-making in a risk-free environment. The insights gained by the study may encourage designing VPs with game elements, as well as including possibly wrong decisions, their consequences, and relevant feedback, that may support military medics? reflections and decision-making. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e63390 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/63390 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39436692 ID - info:doi/10.2196/63390 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ernst, Mathias AU - Bouchard, Stéphane AU - Andersen, Tonny AU - Orskov, Trads Per AU - Tarp, Kristine AU - Lichtenstein, Beck Mia PY - 2024/10/21 TI - Virtual Reality?Based Exposure With 360° Environments for Social Anxiety Disorder: Usability and Feasibility Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e55679 VL - 8 KW - anxiety KW - exposure therapy KW - social anxiety disorder KW - virtual reality KW - 360° KW - mixed methods KW - interactive N2 - Background: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a long-term and overwhelming fear of social situations that can affect work, school, and other daily activities. Although cognitive behavioral therapy is effective, few seek treatment, and many who do start often drop out. This may be due to the component of exposure inherent to cognitive behavioral therapy, where the patient confronts feared stimuli outside the therapist?s office, which they otherwise try to avoid. As an alternative, research has explored the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)?based exposure therapy with promising results. However, few studies have investigated the feasibility of VR tools using mixed methodologies before assessing their efficacy. Objective: This study aims to assess the usability, feasibility, and presence of four 360° virtual environments and whether these were able to evoke anxiety in patients with SAD. Methods: A total of 10 adult participants with SAD and 10 healthy controls were recruited for 1 experimental session (age range 21-32 y; 12/20, 60% male participants). Questionnaire and interview data were collected and analyzed. A mixed methods triangulation design was applied to analyze and compare the data. Results: Participants with SAD experienced increased anxiety when exposed to VR, and environments were considered relevant and useful as an exposure tool. Participants with SAD reported significantly higher average anxiety levels (P=.01) and peak anxiety levels (P=.01) compared with controls during exposure; however, significant differences in anxiety when accounting for baseline anxiety levels were only found in 2 of 4 environments (P=.01, P=.01, P=.07, and P=.06). While presence scores were acceptable in both groups, participants with SAD scored significantly lower than controls. Qualitative analyses highlight this finding within the SAD group, where some participants experienced presence reduction due to being observed while in VR and in situations with reduced interaction in VR. Conclusions: VR exposure with 360° videos seems to be useful as a first step of exposure therapy for patients with SAD. Future exploration in the clinical application of VR-based exposure for SAD, as well as means of increasing presence within the virtual environments, may be useful. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e55679 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/55679 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39432344 ID - info:doi/10.2196/55679 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Cassidy, Omni AU - Bragg, Marie AU - Elbel, Brian PY - 2024/10/17 TI - Virtual Reality?Based Food and Beverage Marketing: Potential Implications for Young People of Color, Knowledge Gaps, and Future Research Directions JO - JMIR Public Health Surveill SP - e62807 VL - 10 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - digital food and beverage marketing KW - obesity KW - marketing KW - food KW - consumption KW - beverage KW - immersive KW - market KW - consumer UR - https://publichealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e62807 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/62807 ID - info:doi/10.2196/62807 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Li, Mengdan AU - Yu, Zhifu AU - Li, Hui AU - Cao, Li AU - Yu, Huihui AU - Deng, Ning AU - Liu, Yunyong PY - 2024/10/17 TI - Effects of Virtual Reality Therapy for Patients With Breast Cancer During Chemotherapy: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e53825 VL - 12 KW - virtual reality KW - breast neoplasms KW - quality of life KW - psychological distress KW - longitudinal studies N2 - Background: Patients with breast cancer endure high levels of psychological and physical pain. Virtual reality (VR) may be an acceptable, safe intervention to alleviate the negative emotions and pain of patients with cancer. Objective: We aimed to test the long-term effects of VR on psychological distress and quality of life (QOL) with traditional care in Chinese patients with breast cancer. We also explored the intervention mechanism and the acceptability of VR. Methods: A total of 327 eligible participants were randomly assigned to a VR intervention group or a control group. The Distress Thermometer, QLQ-C30 (Quality of Life Questionnaire version 3.0), and Virtual Reality Symptom Questionnaire were assessed at baseline, postintervention (3 mo), and follow-up (6 mo). Analysis followed the intention-to-treat (ITT) principle. The generalized estimating equations model was used to analyze the longitudinal data, and the PROCESS macro was used to analyze the mediating effect. Results: Compared with the control group, patients with breast cancer in the VR group had lower distress scores (P=.007), and higher health-related QOL scores (physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning) after 6 months (P<.05). Psychological distress had mediating effects on the longitudinal association between VR and the health-related QOL (indirect effect=4.572?6.672, all P<.05). Conclusions: VR intervention technology may help reduce distress and improve QOL for patients with breast cancer over time. By incorporating a mediating analysis, we showed that the QOL benefits of VR intervention was manifested through positive effects on psychological distress risk factors. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000035049; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=53648 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e53825 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/53825 ID - info:doi/10.2196/53825 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lake, Kaitlyn AU - Mc Kittrick, Andrea AU - Desselle, Mathilde AU - Padilha Lanari Bo, Antonio AU - Abayasiri, M. R. Achintha AU - Fleming, Jennifer AU - Baghaei, Nilufar AU - Kim, Dongseong Dan PY - 2024/10/17 TI - Cybersecurity and Privacy Issues in Extended Reality Health Care Applications: Scoping Review JO - JMIR XR Spatial Comput SP - e59409 VL - 1 KW - cyberattacks KW - cyber defence KW - cyber security KW - extended reality KW - health care KW - privacy KW - risk mitigation KW - virtual reality KW - cybersecurity N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) is a type of extended reality (XR) technology that is seeing increasing adoption in health care. There is robust evidence articulating how consumer-grade VR presents significant cybersecurity and privacy risks due to the often ubiquitous and wide range of data collection and user monitoring, as well as the unique user impact of attacks due to the immersive nature of the technology. However, little is known about how these risks translate in the use of VR systems in health care settings. Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to identify potential cybersecurity risks associated with clinical XR systems, with a focus on VR, and potential mitigations for them. Methods: The scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews), and publications were reviewed using Covidence software. The Google Scholar database was searched using the predefined search terms. The inclusion criteria of the articles were restricted to relevant primary studies published from 2017 to 2024. Furthermore, reviews, abstracts, viewpoints, opinion pieces, and low-quality studies were excluded. Additionally, data on publication statistics, topic, technology, cyber threats, and risk mitigation were extracted. These data were synthesized and analyzed using the STRIDE (spoofing, tampering, repudiation, information disclosure, denial of service, and elevation of privilege) framework, enterprise risk management framework, and National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework, as well as developing threat taxonomies. Results: Google Scholar returned 482 articles that matched the search criteria. After title and abstract screening, 53 studies were extracted for a full-text review, of which 29 were included for analysis. Of these, the majority were published in the last 4 years and had a focus on VR. The greatest cyber threat identified to XR components was information disclosure followed by tampering when mapped against the STRIDE framework. The majority of risk mitigation strategies provide confidentiality and integrity and can potentially address these threats. Only 3 of 29 papers mention XR in the context of health care and none of the identified threats or mitigations have been studied in a clinical setting. Conclusions: This scoping review identified privacy threats where personal and health-related data may be inferred from VR usage data, potentially breaching confidentiality, as the most significant threat posited for health care VR systems. Additionally, immersive manipulation threats were highlighted, which could potentially risk user safety when launched from a compromised VR system. Many potential mitigations were identified for these threats, but these mitigations must first be assessed for their effectiveness and suitability for health care services. Furthermore, health care services should consider the usage and governance of XR for each individual application based on risk threshold and perceived benefits. Finally, it is also important to note that this scoping review was limited by the quality and scope of the studies returned by Google Scholar. UR - https://xr.jmir.org/2024/1/e59409 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/59409 ID - info:doi/10.2196/59409 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Li, Yijun AU - Shiyanov, Irina AU - Muschalla, Beate PY - 2024/10/4 TI - Older Adults? Acceptance of a Virtual Reality Group Intervention in Nursing Homes: Pre-Post Study Under Naturalistic Conditions JO - JMIR Hum Factors SP - e56278 VL - 11 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - computer-generated simulation KW - simulation KW - technology acceptance KW - nursing home KW - nursing facility KW - long-term care center KW - long-term care facility KW - older adult KW - elder KW - elderly KW - older person KW - older people KW - senior KW - understanding human behavior KW - meaningful activity KW - group intervention KW - human behavior N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) group activities can act as interventions against inactivity and lack of meaningful activities in nursing homes. The acceptance of VR among older adults has been explored from different perspectives. However, research on the impact of older adults? individual characteristics on the acceptance of VR group activities in nursing homes is necessary. Objective: This study investigates the impact of individual characteristics (eg, psychosocial capacities) on VR acceptance among older adults in nursing homes, as well as this group?s perceptions of VR after participating in a VR intervention. Methods: In this pre-post study conducted in nursing homes, we applied a VR group intervention with 113 older adult participants. These participants were categorized into two groups based on their naturalistic choice to join the intervention: a higher VR acceptance group (n=90) and a lower VR acceptance group (n=23). We compared the two groups with respect to their sociodemographic characteristics, psychosocial capacities, and attitudes toward new technologies. Additionally, we examined the participants? perceptions of VR. Results: The results show that those with lower acceptance of VR initially reported higher capacities in organizing daily activities and stronger interpersonal relationships compared to older adults with higher VR acceptance. The VR group activity might hold limited significance for the latter group, but it offers the chance to activate older adults with lower proactivity. Openness to new technology was associated with a favorable perception of VR. After the VR intervention, the acceptance of VR remained high. Conclusions: This study investigates the acceptance of VR group events as meaningful activities for older adults in nursing homes under naturalistic conditions. The results indicate that the VR group intervention effectively addressed low proactivity and interpersonal relationship issues among older adults in nursing homes. Older adults should be encouraged to experience VR if the opportunity to participate is offered, potentially facilitated by caregivers or trusted individuals. UR - https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2024/1/e56278 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/56278 ID - info:doi/10.2196/56278 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Elser, Alexander AU - Kopkow, Christian AU - Schäfer, Georg Axel PY - 2024/9/23 TI - Implementation of a Virtual Reality Intervention in Outpatient Physiotherapy for Chronic Pain: Protocol for a Pilot Implementation Study JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e58089 VL - 13 KW - chronic pain KW - implementation KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - physiotherapy KW - virtual reality intervention KW - pain KW - outpatient KW - chronic pain conditions KW - evidence-based N2 - Background: Chronic pain is a global health issue that causes physical, psychological, and social disabilities for patients, as well as high costs for societies. Virtual reality (VR) is a new treatment that provides an opportunity to narrow the gap between clinical practice and recommended care in the use of patient education and behavioral interventions in the outpatient physiotherapy setting. However, there is currently no implementation strategy to integrate VR treatments into this setting. Objective: This protocol outlines a pilot implementation study that aims to (1) identify barriers and facilitators for implementing a VR intervention in outpatient physiotherapy care for people with chronic pain and (2) develop and pilot test an implementation strategy in 5 practices in Germany. Methods: The study consists of 4 phases. The first phase involves adapting the treatment protocol of the VR intervention to the local context of outpatient physiotherapy practices in Germany. The second phase includes the collection of barriers and facilitators through semistructured interviews from physiotherapists and the development of a theory-driven implementation strategy based on the Theoretical Domains framework and the Behavior Change Wheel. This strategy will be applied in the third phase, which will also include a 6-month span of using VR interventions in practices, along with a process evaluation. The fourth phase consists of semistructured interviews to evaluate the developed implementation strategy. Results: The recruitment process and phase 1, including the adaptation of the treatment protocol, have already been completed. We recruited 5 physiotherapy practices in Lower Saxony, Germany, where the VR intervention will be implemented. The collection of barriers and facilitators through semistructured interviews is scheduled to begin in February 2024. Conclusions: This pilot implementation study aims to develop a theory-driven implementation strategy for integrating a VR intervention into outpatient physiotherapy care for people with chronic pain. The identified barriers and facilitators, along with the implementation strategy, will serve as a starting point for future randomized controlled implementation studies in different settings to refine the implementation process and integrate VR interventions into the outpatient care of people with chronic pain. Trial Registration: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00030862; https://tinyurl.com/3zf7uujx International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/58089 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e58089 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/58089 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/58089 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Houzangbe, Samory AU - Lemay, Martin AU - Levac, E. Danielle PY - 2024/9/23 TI - Toward Physiological Detection of a ?Just-Right? Challenge Level for Motor Learning in Immersive Virtual Reality: Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Study JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e55730 VL - 13 KW - virtual reality KW - pediatric rehabilitation KW - physiological data KW - engagement KW - just-right challenge N2 - Background: Motor learning, a primary goal of pediatric rehabilitation, is facilitated when tasks are presented at a ?just-right? challenge level?at the edge of the child?s current abilities, yet attainable enough to motivate the child in persistent efforts for success. Immersive virtual reality (VR) may be ideally suited for ?just-right? task challenges because it enables precise adjustments of task parameters in motivating environments. Rehabilitation-specific VR tasks often use dynamic difficulty algorithms based on task performance to personalize task difficulty. However, these approaches do not consider relevant cognitive processes that could also impact ?just-right? challenges, such as attention and engagement. Objective physiological measurement of these cognitive processes using wearable sensors could support their integration within ?just-right? challenge detection and prediction algorithms. As a first step, it is important to explore relationships between objectively and subjectively measured psychophysiological states at progressively challenging task difficulty levels. Objective: This study aims to (1) evaluate the performance of wearable sensors in a novel movement-based motor learning immersive VR task; (2) evaluate changes in physiological data at 3 task difficulty levels; and (3) explore the relationship between physiological data, task performance, and self-reported cognitive processes at each task difficulty level. Methods: This study uses the within-participant experimental design. Typically developing children and youth aged 8-16 years will be recruited to take part in a single 90-minute data collection session. Physiological sensors include electrodermal activity, heart rate, electroencephalography, and eye-tracking. After collecting physiological data at rest, participants will play a seated unimanual immersive VR task involving bouncing a virtual ball on a virtual racket. They will first play for 3 minutes at a predefined medium level of difficulty to determine their baseline ability level and then at a personalized choice of 3 progressive difficulty levels of 3 minutes each. Following each 3-minute session, participants will complete a short Likert-scale questionnaire evaluating engagement, attention, cognitive workload, physical effort, self-efficacy, and motivation. Data loss and data quality will be calculated for each sensor. Repeated-measures ANOVAs will evaluate changes in physiological response at each difficulty level. Correlation analyses will determine individual relationships between task performance, physiological data, and self-reported data at each difficulty level. Results: Research ethics board approval has been obtained, and data collection is underway. Data collection was conducted on December 12, 2023, and April 12, 2024, with a total of 15 typically developing children. Data analysis has been completed, and results are expected to be published in the fall of 2024. Conclusions: Wearable sensors may provide insights into the physiological effects of immersive VR task interaction at progressive difficulty levels in children and youth. Understanding the relationship between physiological and self-reported cognitive processes is a first step in better identifying and predicting ?just-right? task challenges during immersive VR motor learning interventions. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/55730 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e55730 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/55730 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/55730 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Maddalon, Luna AU - Minissi, Eleonora Maria AU - Parsons, Thomas AU - Hervas, Amaia AU - Alcaniz, Mariano PY - 2024/9/18 TI - Exploring Adaptive Virtual Reality Systems Used in Interventions for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Systematic Review JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e57093 VL - 26 KW - adaptive system KW - virtual reality KW - autism spectrum disorder KW - intervention KW - training KW - children KW - machine learning KW - biosignal N2 - Background: Adaptive systems serve to personalize interventions or training based on the user?s needs and performance. The adaptation techniques rely on an underlying engine responsible for processing incoming data and generating tailored responses. Adaptive virtual reality (VR) systems have proven to be efficient in data monitoring and manipulation, as well as in their ability to transfer learning outcomes to the real world. In recent years, there has been significant interest in applying these systems to improve deficits associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is driven by the heterogeneity of symptoms among the population affected, highlighting the need for early customized interventions that target each individual?s specific symptom configuration. Objective: Recognizing these technology-driven therapeutic tools as efficient solutions, this systematic review aims to explore the application of adaptive VR systems in interventions for young individuals with ASD. Methods: An extensive search was conducted across 3 different databases?PubMed Central, Scopus, and Web of Science?to identify relevant studies from approximately the past decade. Each author independently screened the included studies to assess the risk of bias. Studies satisfying the following inclusion criteria were selected: (1) the experimental tasks were delivered via a VR system, (2) system adaptation was automated, (3) the VR system was designed for intervention or training of ASD symptoms, (4) participants? ages ranged from 6 to 19 years, (5) the sample included at least 1 group with ASD, and (6) the adaptation strategy was thoroughly explained. Relevant information extracted from the studies included the sample size and mean age, the study?s objectives, the skill trained, the implemented device, the adaptive strategy used, the engine techniques, and the signal used to adapt the systems. Results: Overall, a total of 10 articles were included, involving 129 participants, 76% of whom had ASD. The studies included level switching (7/10, 70%), adaptive feedback strategies (9/10, 90%), and weighing the choice between a machine learning (ML) adaptive engine (3/10, 30%) and a non-ML adaptive engine (8/10, 80%). Adaptation signals ranged from explicit behavioral indicators (6/10, 60%), such as task performance, to implicit biosignals, such as motor movements, eye gaze, speech, and peripheral physiological responses (7/10, 70%). Conclusions: The findings reveal promising trends in the field, suggesting that automated VR systems leveraging real-time progression level switching and verbal feedback driven by non-ML techniques using explicit or, better yet, implicit signal processing have the potential to enhance interventions for young individuals with ASD. The limitations discussed mainly stem from the fact that no technological or automated tools were used to handle data, potentially introducing bias due to human error. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e57093 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/57093 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/57093 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Egger, Jan AU - Gsaxner, Christina AU - Luijten, Gijs AU - Chen, Jianxu AU - Chen, Xiaojun AU - Bian, Jiang AU - Kleesiek, Jens AU - Puladi, Behrus PY - 2024/9/18 TI - Is the Apple Vision Pro the Ultimate Display? A First Perspective and Survey on Entering the Wonderland of Precision Medicine JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e52785 VL - 12 KW - Apple Vision Pro KW - mixed reality KW - augmented reality KW - virtual reality KW - health care KW - mobile phone UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e52785 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/52785 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39292499 ID - info:doi/10.2196/52785 ER - @Article{info:doi/10.2196/48959, author="Orgil, Zandantsetseg and Karthic, Anitra and Bell, F. Nora and Heisterberg, M. Lisa and Williams, E. Sara and Ding, Lili and Kashikar-Zuck, Susmita and King, D. Christopher and Olbrecht, A. Vanessa", title="Use of Biofeedback-Based Virtual Reality in Pediatric Perioperative and Postoperative Settings: Observational Study", journal="JMIR Perioper Med", year="2024", month="Sep", day="16", volume="7", pages="e48959", keywords="virtual reality", keywords="biofeedback", keywords="biofeedback-based virtual reality", keywords="acute pain", keywords="postoperative pain", keywords="pediatrics", keywords="postoperative", keywords="pain", keywords="anxiety", keywords="children", keywords="adolescents", keywords="perioperative management", keywords="acceptability", keywords="feasibility", keywords="pain reduction", abstract="Background: Biofeedback-based virtual reality (VR-BF) is a novel, nonpharmacologic method for teaching patients how to control their breathing, which in turn increases heart rate variability (HRV) and may reduce pain. Unlike traditional forms of biofeedback, VR-BF is delivered through a gamified virtual reality environment, increasing the accessibility of biofeedback. This is the first study to systematically integrate VR-BF use in the pediatric perioperative setting, with the ultimate goal of evaluating the efficacy of VR-BF to reduce pain, anxiety, and opioid consumption once feasibility and acceptability have been established. Objectives: The primary objective was to develop a clinical trial protocol for VR-BF use in the pediatric perioperative setting, including preoperative education and training, and postoperative application of VR-BF in children undergoing surgery. A secondary objective was to evaluate the patient and parent experience with VR-BF. Methods: A total of 23 patients (12-18 years of age) scheduled for surgery at Nationwide Children's Hospital were recruited using purposive sampling. Following training, participants independently completed a daily, 10-minute VR-BF session for 7 days before surgery and during their inpatient stay. Participants could use VR-BF up to 2 weeks after hospital discharge. Patient- and session-level data of VR-BF usage and achievement of target HRV parameters were measured to identify the optimal frequency and duration of sessions before and after surgery for this population. Standardized questionnaires and semistructured interviews were conducted to obtain qualitative information about patients' experiences with VR-BF. Results: Patient-level data indicated that the highest odds of achieving 1 session under target HRV parameters was after 4 sessions (odds ratio [OR] 5.1 for 4 vs 3 sessions, 95\% CI 1.3-20.6; OR 16.6 for 3 vs 2 sessions, 95\% CI 1.2-217.0). Session-level data showed that a session duration of 9 to 10 minutes provided the greatest odds of achieving 1 session under target HRV parameters (OR 1.3 for 9 vs 8 min, 95\% CI 1.1-1.7; OR 1.4 for 8 vs 7 min, 95\% CI 1.1-1.8; OR 1 for 10 vs 9 min, 95\% CI 0.9-1.2). Qualitative data revealed patient satisfaction with the VR-BF technology, particularly in managing perioperative stress (17/20, 85\%). Few patients reported VR-BF as beneficial for pain (8/20, 40\%). Conclusions: Children and adolescents undergoing surgery successfully learned behavioral strategies with VR-BF with 10-minute sessions once daily for 5 days. To integrate VR-BF as a therapeutic intervention in a subsequent clinical trial, patients will be instructed to complete three 10-minute sessions a day for 7 days after surgery. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials NCT04943874; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04943874 ", doi="10.2196/48959", url="https://periop.jmir.org/2024/1/e48959", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38742940" } TY - JOUR AU - Ramos, Nicolas Francisco AU - Bernstein, A. Rachel AU - Ezawa, D. Iony PY - 2024/8/22 TI - Assessing Predictive Factors of Attitudes Toward Peer-Supported Mental Health Interventions in the Metaverse: Mixed Methods Study JO - JMIR XR Spatial Comput SP - e57990 VL - 1 KW - metaverse KW - mental health intervention KW - consumer attitude KW - digital mental health intervention KW - virtual world N2 - Background: The metaverse is a promising avenue for accessible, effective digital mental health treatments. However, general attitudes toward peer-supported metaverse mental health interventions (MMHIs) remain largely unexplored. Objective: This study examined the relation of sociodemographic, mental health, and technology factors in predicting attitudes toward MMHIs. Methods: We used a mixed methods design with a self-report online survey (N=545 participants) to assess participant attitudes toward MMHIs and sociodemographic, mental health, and technology factors. Ordinal logistic regression was used to examine predictors of general interest in peer-supported MMHIs and binary logistic regression to examine predictors of preference for MMHIs versus face-to-face interventions. Inductive content analysis was performed on 483 open-ended responses regarding intervention preference. Results: Older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.05; P<.001), higher ethnic identity centrality (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.25-1.66; P<.001), more positive mental help?seeking attitudes (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.06-1.42; P=.007), more online video game use (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.09-1.44; P=.001), and greater virtual reality experience (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.28-1.90; P<.001) were associated with greater odds of reporting more interest in MMHIs. Internet access was associated with greater odds of reporting less interest in MMHIs (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.30-0.84; P=.01). Hispanic ethnicity (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.13-2.90; P=.01), older age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.05; P<.001), higher ethnic identity centrality (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.09-1.51; P=.003), smartphone access (OR 10.46, 95% CI 2.87-50.71; P<.001), higher self-reported video game use (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.05-1.48; P=.01), and more positive computer attitudes (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.10; P=.02) predicted greater odds of preference for MMHIs (versus face-to-face interventions), whereas the male gender (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.28-0.68; P<.001), internet access (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02-0.40; P=.002), more positive mental help?seeking attitudes (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.62-0.92; P=.005), and moderately severe (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.07-0.51; P=.001) and severe (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.08-0.79; P=.02) levels of depression symptoms predicted lower odds of preference for MMHIs. Qualitative analysis revealed 14 themes describing reasons for intervention preference. Anonymity (133/483, 27.5%), social aversion (38/483, 7.9%), ease of use and accessibility (35/483, 7.2%), anxiety (28/483, 5.8%), and comfort (26/483, 5.4%) tended to be endorsed by those preferring MMHIs. Ecological validity of social interactions (99/483, 20.5%), ecological validity of interventions (75/483, 15.5%), aversion/distrust toward technology (42/483, 8.7%), impersonal quality (31/483, 6.4%), and immersion/engagement (11/483, 2.3%) tended to be endorsed by those who preferred face-to-face interventions. Mental health attitudes (28/483, 5.8%), privacy (19/483, 3.9%), and miscellaneous reasons (46/483, 9.5%) were endorsed equally between preferences. Novelty (21/483, 4.3%) was most cited by those who expressed no preference. Conclusions: This study identified several factors associated with attitudes toward peer-supported MMHIs, which may be leveraged to inform mental health outreach to interested populations. UR - https://xr.jmir.org/2024/1/e57990 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/57990 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/57990 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Berglund, Aseel AU - Klompstra, Leonie AU - Orädd, Helena AU - Fallström, Johan AU - Strömberg, Anna AU - Jaarsma, Tiny AU - Berglund, Erik PY - 2024/8/21 TI - The Rationale Behind the Design Decisions in an Augmented Reality Mobile eHealth Exergame to Increase Physical Activity for Inactive Older People With Heart Failure JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e50066 VL - 12 KW - sedentary KW - exercise KW - exertion KW - exergames KW - technology KW - training KW - inactivity KW - eHealth application KW - heart disease KW - physical activity UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e50066 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/50066 ID - info:doi/10.2196/50066 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Prinz, Alexander AU - Buerger, Dan AU - Krafft, Jelena AU - Bergmann, Matteo AU - Woll, Alexander AU - Barisch-Fritz, Bettina AU - Witte, Kerstin PY - 2024/8/21 TI - Use of Immersive Virtual Reality in Nursing Homes for People With Dementia: Feasibility Study to Assess Cognitive, Motor, and Emotional Responses JO - JMIR XR Spatial Comput SP - e54724 VL - 1 KW - persons with dementia KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - immersive virtual reality KW - iVR KW - head-mounted display KW - HMD KW - physical performance KW - physical activity KW - physical function KW - motor performance KW - Alzheimer?s disease KW - Alzheimer?s KW - Alzheimer?s treatment KW - Alzheimer?s care KW - Alzheimer?s symptom control KW - dementia KW - dementia therapy KW - dementia care KW - cognitive decline KW - cognitive impairment KW - cognitive impairments KW - neurocognition KW - neurology KW - neurologist KW - neurologists KW - nursing home KW - nursing homes KW - nursing facility KW - senior home KW - long-term care center KW - long-term care facility N2 - Background: Physical activity interventions for people with dementia have shown promising effects in improving cognition and physical function or slowing disease-related decline. Immersive virtual reality (iVR), using head-mounted displays, facilitates realistic experiences by blurring the boundaries between VR and the real world. The use of iVR for people with dementia offers the potential to increase active time and improve dementia therapy and care through exercise interventions. However, the feasibility of using VR use in people with dementia, considering changes in motor, cognitive, psychological, and physiological parameters, remains insufficiently investigated. Objective: This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using iVR in people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment in nursing homes. Specifically, we examined changes in motor performance (balance and mobility), cognitive performance (global cognition and executive functions), emotional responses, and fear of falling using iVR. Methods: Utilizing a pre-post design, this study recruited 35 participants with mild-to-moderate dementia, assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Participants underwent a single session involving iVR exposure, with pre- and postexposure assessments and a feedback form, to exclude negative effects on cognitive and motor functions, mood, anxiety levels, and balance performance. The use of iVR involved 4 scenes, with a total length of 8 minutes. These scenes depicted a park with short and rather passive impressions presented as a 360° video in a head-mounted display. Before and after using the iVR, cognitive parameters were assessed using the Trail-Making Test A (TMT-A), motor parameters were assessed using the FICSIT-4 (Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques-4) and Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) tests, and psychological parameters were assessed using the Dementia Mood Picture Test, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (Short FES-I). The Emotion Rating Scale and the duration of use were recorded during use, and a feedback questionnaire was completed afterward in addition to the posttests. Paired t tests and Wilcoxon tests were used to examine pre-post differences. Results: Of the 35 initial participants, 33 completed the study, which corresponds to a dropout rate of 6%. All 33 participants, who had a mean of 83.71 (SD 5.01) years, had dementia. They showed no statistically significant difference in cognitive and motor performance before and after iVR use. Thus, no negative effects on cognitive and motor functions, mood, anxiety levels, and balance performance were observed. The emotion rating scale also showed that 72% (n=24) felt joy and fun during iVR use, 100% (n=33) showed no emotions such as fear, sadness, or anger, and 93% (n=31) were attentive during iVR use. Conclusions: The feasibility of using iVR for people with dementia can be rated positively. There were no changes in motor, cognitive, or emotional parameters that would increase the risk of falls or other negative emotional reactions during or after iVR use. Further studies are needed to investigate prolonged use in a more stimulating computer-generated environment and possible physical and cognitive tasks for people with dementia in nursing homes. Trial Registration: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00030616; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00030616 UR - https://xr.jmir.org/2024/1/e54724 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/54724 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/54724 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lo, Man Hermione Hin AU - Zhu, Mengting AU - Zou, Zihui AU - Wong, Lee Cho AU - Lo, Shan Suzanne Hoi AU - Chung, Chi-Ho Vincent AU - Wong, Yeung-Shan Samuel AU - Sit, Shan Regina Wing PY - 2024/8/19 TI - Immersive and Nonimmersive Virtual Reality?Assisted Active Training in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e48787 VL - 26 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - physical therapy KW - musculoskeletal KW - pain KW - physiotherapy KW - chronic pain KW - musculoskeletal pain KW - low back pain KW - neck pain KW - osteoarthritis KW - knee pain KW - shoulder pain KW - disability KW - kinesiophobia KW - arthritis KW - systematic KW - review methods KW - review methodology KW - immersive KW - simulation KW - simulations N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) in different immersive conditions has been increasingly used as a nonpharmacological method for managing chronic musculoskeletal pain. Objective: We aimed to assess the effectiveness of VR-assisted active training versus conventional exercise or physiotherapy in chronic musculoskeletal pain and to analyze the effects of immersive versus nonimmersive VR on pain outcomes. Methods: This systematic review of randomized control trials (RCTs) searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from inception to June 9, 2024. RCTs comparing adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain receiving VR-assisted training were included. The primary outcome was pain intensity; secondary outcomes included functional disability and kinesiophobia. Available data were pooled in a meta-analysis. Studies were graded using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool version 2. Results: In total, 28 RCTs including 1114 participants with some concerns for a high risk of bias were identified, and 25 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. In low back pain, short-term outcomes measured post intervention showed that nonimmersive VR is effective in reducing pain (standardized mean difference [SMD] ?1.79, 95% CI ?2.72 to ?0.87; P<.001), improving disability (SMD ?0.44, 95% CI ?0.72 to ?0.16; P=.002), and kinesiophobia (SMD ?2.94, 95% CI ?5.20 to ?0.68; P=.01). Intermediate-term outcomes measured at 6 months also showed that nonimmersive VR is effective in reducing pain (SMD ?8.15, 95% CI ?15.29 to ?1.01; P=.03), and kinesiophobia (SMD ?4.28, 95% CI ?8.12 to ?0.44; P=.03) compared to conventional active training. For neck pain, immersive VR reduced pain intensity (SMD ?0.55, 95% CI ?1.02 to ?0.08; P=.02) but not disability and kinesiophobia in the short term. No statistical significances were detected for knee pain or other pain regions at all time points. In addition, 2 (8%) studies had a high risk of bias. Conclusions: Both nonimmersive and immersive VR?assisted active training is effective in reducing back and neck pain symptoms. Our study findings suggest that VR is effective in alleviating chronic musculoskeletal pain. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022302912; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=302912 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e48787 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/48787 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/48787 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Locke, W. Brian AU - Tsai, Te-yi AU - Reategui-Rivera, Mahony C. AU - Gabriel, S. Aileen AU - Smiley, Aref AU - Finkelstein, Joseph PY - 2024/8/9 TI - Immersive Virtual Reality Use in Medical Intensive Care: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e62842 VL - 12 KW - immersive virtual reality KW - intensive care unit KW - distraction therapy KW - virtual reality KW - mixed methods KW - feasibility study KW - semistructured interview KW - therapy KW - therapist KW - critical illness KW - critically ill KW - adult KW - patient acceptance KW - user experience KW - games for health KW - serious games KW - gamification N2 - Background: Immersive virtual reality (VR) is a promising therapy to improve the experience of patients with critical illness and may help avoid postdischarge functional impairments. However, the determinants of interest and usability may vary locally and reports of uptake in the literature are variable. Objective: The aim of this mixed methods feasibility study was to assess the acceptability and potential utility of immersive VR in critically ill patients at a single institution. Methods: Adults without delirium who were admitted to 1 of 2 intensive care units were offered the opportunity to participate in 5-15 minutes of immersive VR delivered by a VR headset. Patient vital signs, heart rate variability, mood, and pain were assessed before and after the VR experience. Pre-post comparisons were performed using paired 2-sided t tests. A semistructured interview was administered after the VR experience. Patient descriptions of the experience, issues, and potential uses were summarized with thematic analysis. Results: Of the 35 patients offered the chance to participate, 20 (57%) agreed to partake in the immersive VR experience, with no difference in participation rate by age. Improvements were observed in overall mood (mean difference 1.8 points, 95% CI 0.6-3.0; P=.002), anxiety (difference of 1.7 points, 95% CI 0.8-2.7; P=.001), and pain (difference of 1.3 points, 95% CI 0.5-2.1; P=.003) assessed on 1-10 scales. The heart rate changed by a mean of ?1.1 (95% CI ?0.3 to ?1.9; P=.008) beats per minute (bpm) from a baseline of 86.1 (SD 11.8) bpm and heart rate variability, assessed by the stress index (SI), changed by a mean of ?5.0 (95% CI ?1.5 to ?8.5; P=.004) seconds?2 from a baseline SI of 40.0 (SD 23) seconds?2. Patients commented on the potential for the therapy to address pain, lessen anxiety, and facilitate calmness. Technical challenges were minimal and there were no adverse effects observed. Conclusions: Patient acceptance of immersive VR was high in a mostly medical intensive care population with little prior VR experience. Patients commented on the potential of immersive VR to ameliorate cognitive and emotional symptoms. Investigators can consider integrating minimally modified commercial VR headsets into the existing intensive care unit workflow to further assess VR?s efficacy for a variety of endpoints. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e62842 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/62842 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39046869 ID - info:doi/10.2196/62842 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Kitapcioglu, Dilek AU - Aksoy, Emin Mehmet AU - Ozkan, Ekin Arun AU - Usseli, Tuba PY - 2024/8/7 TI - Comparing Learning Outcomes of Machine-Guided Virtual Reality?Based Training With Educator-Guided Training in a Metaverse Environment: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e58654 VL - 12 KW - metaverse KW - serious gaming KW - virtual reality KW - educator guidance KW - educator KW - learning KW - machine guided KW - VR KW - guided training KW - randomized controlled trial KW - mixed reality KW - training KW - training module KW - module KW - correlation KW - gaming KW - gaming module KW - serious game KW - game KW - games N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) modules are commonly used for health care training, such as adult advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), due to immersion and engagement. The metaverse differs from current VR serious gaming by enabling shared social connections, while current VR modules focus on computer-based content without social interaction. Educators in the metaverse can foster communication and collaboration during training sessions. Objective: This study aimed to compare learning outcomes of VR-based, machine-guided training with educator-guided, VR-based training in the metaverse environment. Methods: A total of 62 volunteered students from Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Vocational School for Anesthesiology were randomly divided into 2 groups of 31 participants each: one group received VR-based training with machine guidance (MG), and the other received VR-based training with educator guidance (EG) in the metaverse. The members of both groups undertook VR-based basic training for ACLS. Afterward, the MG group was trained with a VR-based advanced training module, which provides training with full MG, whereas the EG group attended the VR-based, educator-guided training in the metaverse. The primary outcome of the study was determined by the exam score of the VR-based training module. Descriptive statistics defined continuous variables such as VR exam scores and time spent on machine- or educator-guided training. The correlation between training time and VR exam scores was assessed with the Spearman rank correlation, and nonnormally distributed variables were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance was set at P<.05, with analyses executed by MedCalc Statistical Software (version 12.7.7). Results: Comparing the VR test scores between the MG and EG groups revealed no statistically significant difference. The VR test scores for the EG group had a median of 86 (range 11-100). In contrast, the MG group scores had a median of 66 (range 13-100; P=.08). Regarding the correlation between the duration of machine-guided or educator-guided training and VR-based exam scores, for the MG group, =0.569 and P=.005 were obtained. For the EG group, this correlation was found to be =0.298 and P=.10. While this correlation is statistically significant for the MG group, it is not significant for the EG group. The post hoc power analysis (80%), considering the correlation between the time spent on training and exam scores, supported this finding. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that a well-designed, VR-based serious gaming module with MG could provide comparable learning outcomes to VR training in the metaverse with EG for adult ACLS training. Future research with a larger sample size could explore whether social interaction with educators in a metaverse environment offers added benefits for learners. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06288087; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06288087 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e58654 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/58654 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39110497 ID - info:doi/10.2196/58654 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Sendra-Portero, Francisco AU - Lorenzo-Álvarez, Rocío AU - Rudolphi-Solero, Teodoro AU - Ruiz-Gómez, José Miguel PY - 2024/8/6 TI - The Second Life Metaverse and Its Usefulness in Medical Education After a Quarter of a Century JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e59005 VL - 26 KW - medical education KW - medical students KW - postgraduate KW - computer simulation KW - virtual worlds KW - metaverse UR - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e59005 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/59005 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/59005 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lonati, Caterina AU - Wellhausen, Marie AU - Pennig, Stefan AU - Röhrßen, Thomas AU - Kircelli, Fatih AU - Arendt, Svenja AU - Tschulena, Ulrich PY - 2024/8/6 TI - The Use of a Novel Virtual Reality Training Tool for Peritoneal Dialysis: Qualitative Assessment Among Health Care Professionals JO - JMIR Med Educ SP - e46220 VL - 10 KW - peritoneal dialysis KW - virtual reality KW - patient education KW - patient training KW - chronic kidney disease KW - nursing KW - qualitative assessment N2 - Background: Effective peritoneal dialysis (PD) training is essential for performing dialysis at home and reducing the risk of peritonitis and other PD-related infections. Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative learning tool that is able to combine theoretical information, interactivity, and behavioral instructions while offering a playful learning environment. To improve patient training for PD, Fresenius Medical Care launched the stay?safe MyTraining VR, a novel educational program based on the use of a VR headset and a handheld controller. Objective: This qualitative assessment aims to investigate opinions toward the new tool among the health care professionals (HCPs) who were responsible for implementing the VR application. Methods: We recruited nursing staff and nephrologists who have gained practical experience with the stay?safe MyTraining VR within pilot dialysis centers. Predetermined open-ended questions were administered during individual and group video interviews. Results: We interviewed 7 HCPs who have 2 to 20 years of experience in PD training. The number of patients trained with the stay?safe MyTraining VR ranged from 2 to 5 for each professional. The stay?safe MyTraining VR was well accepted and perceived as a valuable supplementary tool for PD training. From the respondents? perspective, the technology improved patients? learning experience by facilitating the internalization of both medical information and procedural skills. HCPs highlighted that the opportunity offered by VR to reiterate training activities in a positive and safe learning environment, according to each patient?s needs, can facilitate error correction and implement a standardized training curriculum. However, VR had limited use in the final phase of the patient PD training program, where learners need to get familiar with the handling of the materials. Moreover, the traditional PD training was still considered essential to manage the emotional and motivational aspects and address any patient-specific application-oriented questions. In addition to its use within PD training, VR was perceived as a useful tool to support the decision-making process of patients and train other HCPs. Moreover, VR introduction was associated with increased efficiency and productivity of HCPs because it enabled them to perform other activities while the patient was practicing with the device. As for patients? acceptance of the new tool, interviewees reported positive feedback, including that of older adults. Limited use with patients experiencing dementia or severe visual impairment or lacking sensomotoric competence was mentioned. Conclusions: The stay?safe MyTraining VR is suggested to improve training efficiency and efficacy and thus could have a positive impact in the PD training scenario. Our study offers a process proposal that can serve as a guide to the implementation of a VR-based PD training program within other dialysis centers. Dedicated research is needed to assess the operational benefits and the consequences on patient management. UR - https://mededu.jmir.org/2024/1/e46220 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/46220 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39106093 ID - info:doi/10.2196/46220 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Guo, Ziqiu AU - Wu, Yongda AU - Wang, Ping Man PY - 2024/8/1 TI - Mobile Phone?Based Personalized and Interactive Augmented Reality Pictorial Health Warnings for Enhancing a Brief Advice Model for Smoking Cessation: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR XR Spatial Comput SP - e52893 VL - 1 KW - augmented reality KW - mobile-based KW - smoking cessation KW - brief advice KW - pictorial health warning KW - pilot randomized controlled trial N2 - Background: Augmented reality (AR) is a novel modality for promoting smoking cessation (SC). AR-visualized adverse consequences for education and smoking prevention have only been evaluated in nonsmokers in previous studies. Objective: To assess the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness for SC of AR pictorial health warnings (PHWs) on cigarette packs. Methods: We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial in adult daily smokers in communities in Hong Kong. All participants received AWARD (ask, warn, advise, referral, do-it-again) model?guided SC advice, a warning leaflet, and referral to SC services at baseline. Interactive, chat-based SC support comprising regular messages and real-time support was provided to all participants via instant messaging apps (eg, WhatsApp) for 3 months after randomization. Participants in the intervention group additionally received 6 links to the AR PHWs showing the worsening health status of various organs caused by smoking. The level of the AR PHWs was adjustable to smoking behaviors (ie, smoking duration or daily cigarette consumption) to increase interaction. Participants could swipe, drag, or rotate the 3D PHWs to reinforce their impression of the health consequences of smoking. The primary outcome was self-reported past 7-day point-prevalence abstinence (PPA) at 3 months. The acceptability of the AR intervention was assessed by the proportion of participants who had viewed AR PHWs during the intervention. Participants who viewed AR PHWs further evaluated the perceived effect of the AR PHWs on a scale of 0 (not helpful at all) to 10 (very helpful). Intention to treat was used, and the risk ratio (RR) of the intervention effect was estimated by Poisson regression. Results: From April to November 2021, 80 participants were recruited and randomly assigned to intervention (n=40) and control (n=40) groups. Most participants were male (66/80, 83%) and planned to quit beyond 30 days or were undecided (65/80, 81%). The intervention group had a higher but nonsignificant 7-day PPA (7/40, 18% vs 5/40, 13%; RR 1.40, 95% CI 0.48-4.07) and quit attempts (15/40, 38% vs 11/40, 28%; RR 1.36, 95% CI 0.71-2.60) at 3 months than the control group. In the intervention group, 17 of 40 (43%) participants viewed the AR PHWs. The AR PHWs had modest effects on knowledge of the adverse consequences of smoking on personal health (mean score 3.94, SD 3.52), reducing the frequency of buying cigarettes (mean score 3.29, SD 3.08), increasing the perceived importance of quitting (mean score 3.88, SD 3.50), and making the PHWs more disgusting (mean score 3.41, SD 3.08) and horrible (mean score 3.38, SD 3.05). The 3-month self-reported 7-day PPA was higher in those who ever (vs never) viewed the AR PHWs (5/17, 29% vs 2/23, 9%). Conclusions: The mobile-based interactive AR PHWs were feasible, and the effectiveness on smoking abstinence warrants further testing. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04830072; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04830072 UR - https://xr.jmir.org/2024/1/e52893 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/52893 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/52893 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Imai, Ayu AU - Matsuoka, Teruyuki AU - Nakayama, Chikara AU - Hashimoto, Nana AU - Sano, Mutsuo AU - Narumoto, Jin PY - 2024/8/1 TI - Effectiveness of a Virtual Reality Open-Air Bath Program in Reducing Loneliness and Improving Brain Function for Dementia Prevention in Older Adults: Protocol for a Prospective Randomized Crossover Study JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e57101 VL - 13 KW - loneliness KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - Alzheimer disease KW - predementia KW - intervention KW - subjective cognitive decline KW - mild cognitive impairment KW - dementia KW - older adult KW - geriatric KW - depression KW - cognitive impairments N2 - Background: Older adults often face loneliness due to chronic illness or loss of close ones, a situation worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased loneliness heightens the risk of diseases, especially dementia, necessitating urgent action. Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of a virtual reality (VR)?based open-air bath program on depression and loneliness in older individuals with subjective cognitive decline/mild cognitive impairment attending the Dementia Medical Center in Kyoto, Japan. We further aim to evaluate the feasibility of the program (participant recruitment and adherence) and to measure program enjoyment and satisfaction. Methods: The study design is a crossover trial with a 1:1 ratio, wherein 12 participants will be randomly assigned to groups 1 and 2, with group 2 serving as a waitlist control and group 1 receiving the VR program from the onset for 6 months; the VR program will be conducted 6 times (monthly). Program completion for group 1 will be followed by an observation period from months 7 to 12. Group 2 will participate in the VR program from months 7 to 12, with an observation period from months 1 to 6. Cognitive tests, psychiatric assessments, and the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale will be conducted before the study, at 6 months, and at 12 months. Results will be analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Head magnetic resonance imaging and single-photon emission computed tomography scans will be performed before and after the VR program to evaluate changes and effects on brain regions. Results: Recruitment began in September 2023 and data collection is expected to be completed by March 2025. Complete study results will be published by September 2025. Conclusions: This study examines the preliminary effects of VR on loneliness in older adults with predementia through open-air bath simulations. VR experiences could benefit this population, particularly those with limited outdoor activities. Quantifying VR?s impact will aid in determining the size for a larger clinical trial. Qualitative results will inform participation mechanisms and guide the implementation and design of future trials. Trial Registration: University hospital Medical Information Network UMIN000052667; https://tinyurl.com/3yaccay5 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/57101 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e57101 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/57101 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39088243 ID - info:doi/10.2196/57101 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Li, K. Brian S. AU - Fereday, Brendan AU - Wang, Ellen AU - Rodriguez, Samuel AU - Forssell, Karin AU - Bollaert, N. André AU - Menendez, Maria AU - Caruso, J. Thomas PY - 2024/7/30 TI - Enhancement of Immersive Technology Use in Pediatric Health Care With Accessible, Context-Specific Training: Descriptive Feasibility Study JO - JMIR XR Spatial Comput SP - e56447 VL - 1 KW - immersive technology KW - implementation KW - adult learning KW - education KW - pediatric KW - accessibility KW - training KW - therapeutic KW - pediatric care KW - utilization KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - monitoring KW - license KW - development KW - software KW - monitoring software N2 - Background: Immersive technology provides adjuncts for pediatric care. However, accessibility and inadequate training limit implementation of this technology. Standardized instruction with no-cost software licensing may improve health care professionals? facility with immersive technologies. Objective: This descriptive feasibility study aimed to examine the applications of immersive technologies in pediatric health care, including virtual reality (VR) and projectors. Methods: We developed immersive technology instructional guides for pediatric health care. The training guides were created for multiple software content and hardware types across several clinical scenarios. Content was available in print and digital versions. The primary outcome was technology use across sites with no-cost software agreements. The secondary outcome was the specific application types used at a single site, stratified by sessions and minutes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Data were collected from 19 licensed sites from January through June 2022. Among the 19 sites, 32% (n=6) used 10 or more VR units. Among the 6 sites that had projectors, half used 5 or more units. The mean minutes of use per month of all sites combined was 2199 (IQR 51-1058). Three sites had more than 10,000 minutes of total use during the 6-month review period. Secondary results indicated that active VR (977 total sessions) and passive projector streaming (1261 total sessions) were the most popular application types by session, while active projector (66,849 total minutes) and passive projector streaming (32,711 total minutes) were the most popular types when stratified by minutes of use. The active VR application with the most minutes of use was an application often used in physical therapy. Conclusions: Context-specific technological instruction coupled to no-cost licenses may increase access to immersive technology in pediatric health care settings. UR - https://xr.jmir.org/2024/1/e56447 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/56447 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/56447 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Riedemann, Lars PY - 2024/7/26 TI - Discovering and Creating the Leading Edge of Extended Reality and Spatial Computing: A Message From the Editor-in-Chief JO - JMIR XR Spatial Comput SP - e64545 VL - 1 KW - editorial KW - extended reality KW - XR KW - spatial computing UR - https://xr.jmir.org/2024/1/e64545 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/64545 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/64545 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Omisore, Mumini Olatunji AU - Odenigbo, Ifeanyi AU - Orji, Joseph AU - Beltran, Hernandez Amelia Itzel AU - Meier, Sandra AU - Baghaei, Nilufar AU - Orji, Rita PY - 2024/7/24 TI - Extended Reality for Mental Health Evaluation: Scoping Review JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e38413 VL - 12 KW - extended reality KW - mental disorder KW - depression KW - anxiety KW - exposure therapy N2 - Background: Mental health disorders are the leading cause of health-related problems worldwide. It is projected that mental health disorders will be the leading cause of morbidity among adults as the incidence rates of anxiety and depression grow worldwide. Recently, ?extended reality? (XR), a general term covering virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), is paving the way for the delivery of mental health care. Objective: We aimed to investigate the adoption and implementation of XR technology used in interventions for mental disorders and to provide statistical analyses of the design, usage, and effectiveness of XR technology for mental health interventions with a worldwide demographic focus. Methods: In this paper, we conducted a scoping review of the development and application of XR in the area of mental disorders. We performed a database search to identify relevant studies indexed in Google Scholar, PubMed, and the ACM Digital Library. A search period between August 2016 and December 2023 was defined to select papers related to the usage of VR, AR, and MR in a mental health context. The database search was performed with predefined queries, and a total of 831 papers were identified. Ten papers were identified through professional recommendation. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were designed and applied to ensure that only relevant studies were included in the literature review. Results: We identified a total of 85 studies from 27 countries worldwide that used different types of VR, AR, and MR techniques for managing 14 types of mental disorders. By performing data analysis, we found that most of the studies focused on high-income countries, such as the United States (n=14, 16.47%) and Germany (n=12, 14.12%). None of the studies were for African countries. The majority of papers reported that XR techniques lead to a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety or depression. The majority of studies were published in 2021 (n=26, 30.59%). This could indicate that mental disorder intervention received higher attention when COVID-19 emerged. Most studies (n=65, 76.47%) focused on a population in the age range of 18-65 years, while few studies (n=2, 3.35%) focused on teenagers (ie, subjects in the age range of 10-19 years). In addition, more studies were conducted experimentally (n=67, 78.82%) rather than by using analytical and modeling approaches (n=8, 9.41%). This shows that there is a rapid development of XR technology for mental health care. Furthermore, these studies showed that XR technology can effectively be used for evaluating mental disorders in a similar or better way that conventional approaches. Conclusions: In this scoping review, we studied the adoption and implementation of XR technology for mental disorder care. Our review shows that XR treatment yields high patient satisfaction, and follow-up assessments show significant improvement with large effect sizes. Moreover, the studies adopted unique designs that were set up to record and analyze the symptoms reported by their participants. This review may aid future research and development of various XR mechanisms for differentiated mental disorder procedures. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e38413 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/38413 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/38413 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Park, Subin AU - Shin, Ju Hui AU - Kwak, Hyoeun AU - Lee, Joo Hyun PY - 2024/7/24 TI - Effects of Immersive Technology?Based Education for Undergraduate Nursing Students: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) Approach JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e57566 VL - 26 KW - nursing education KW - nursing students KW - immersive technology KW - systematic review KW - meta-analysis KW - virtual reality KW - augmented reality KW - extended reality KW - simulation-based learning KW - medical education N2 - Background: The adoption of immersive technology in simulation-based nursing education has grown significantly, offering a solution to resource limitations and enabling safe access to clinical environments. Despite its advantages, there are still diverse reports regarding the effectiveness of immersive technology. It is crucial to verify the effectiveness of immersive technology in nursing education to inform future educational programs. Objective: This systematic review aimed to identify the contents of immersive technology?based education for undergraduate nursing students and evaluate the effectiveness of immersive technology compared to traditional teaching methods. Methods: A literature search was performed using 4 databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science; the latest search was completed on January 19, 2023. The inclusion criteria were as follows: participants were undergraduate nursing students; studies were published in Korean or English; designs included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or nonrandomized studies; and interventions involved virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality, or extended reality. Quality assessment was conducted using Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool version 2 for RCTs and the Risk-of-Bias Assessment Tool for Nonrandomized Studies. The main outcomes of the included studies were classified according to the New World Kirkpatrick Model (NWKM), ranging from level 1 (reaction) to level 4 (results). Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 software, and subgroup analysis was conducted due to heterogeneity of the results of the meta-analysis. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was adopted for assessing certainty and synthesizing results of the relevant literature. Results: A total of 23 studies were included, with participant numbers ranging from 33 to 289. Of these, 19 (82.6%) studies adopted VR to simulate various nursing scenarios, including disaster training, resuscitation, health assessments, and home health care; 4 (17.4%) studies used AR technologies; and 15 (65.2%) studies involved virtual patients in their scenarios. Based on the NWKM, the main outcome variables were classified as level 1 (usability and satisfaction), level 2 (knowledge, motivation, confidence, performance, attitude, and self-efficacy), and level 3 (clinical reasoning); level 4 outcomes were not found in the selected studies. Results of the subgroup analysis showed that immersive technology?based nursing education is more effective than traditional education in knowledge attainment (standard mean difference [SMD]=0.59, 95% CI 0.28-0.90, P<.001, I2=49%). Additionally, there were significant difference differences between the experimental and control group in confidence (SMD=0.70, 95% CI 0.05-1.35, P=.03, I2=82%) and self-efficacy (SMD=0.86, 95% CI 0.42-1.30, P<.001, I2=63%). Conclusions: These findings support the effectiveness of immersive technology?based education for undergraduate nursing students, despite heterogeneity in methods and interventions. We suggest that long-term cohort studies be conducted to evaluate the effects of immersive technology?based nursing education on NWKM level 4. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e57566 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/57566 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38978483 ID - info:doi/10.2196/57566 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Jackson, Walton Riley AU - Cao-Nasalga, Ann AU - Chieng, Amy AU - Pirkl, Amy AU - Jagielo, D. Annemarie AU - Xu, Cindy AU - Goldenhersch, Emilio AU - Rosencovich, Nicolas AU - Waitman, Cristian AU - Prochaska, J. Judith PY - 2024/7/23 TI - Adding Virtual Reality Mindful Exposure Therapy to a Cancer Center?s Tobacco Treatment Offerings: Feasibility and Acceptability Single-Group Pilot Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e54817 VL - 8 KW - tobacco cessation KW - virtual reality KW - exposure therapy KW - cancer care KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: Smoking contributes to 1 in 3 cancer deaths. At the Stanford Cancer Center, tobacco cessation medication management and counseling are provided as a covered benefit. Patients charted as using tobacco are contacted by a tobacco treatment specialist and offered cessation services. As a novel addition, this study examined the acceptability of a virtual reality (VR) mindful exposure therapy app for quitting smoking called MindCotine. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of offering 6 weeks of MindCotine treatment as a part of Stanford?s Tobacco Treatment Services for patients seen for cancer care. Methods: As part of a single-group pilot study, the MindCotine VR program was offered to English- or Spanish-speaking patients interested in quitting smoking. Given the visual interface, epilepsy was a medical exclusion. Viewed from a smartphone with an attachable VR headset, MindCotine provides a digital environment with audiovisual content guiding mindfulness exercises (eg, breathing techniques, body awareness, and thought recognition), text-based coaching, and cognitive behavioral therapy-based self-reflections for quitting smoking. Interested patients providing informed consent were mailed a MindCotine headset and asked to use the app for 10+ minutes a day. At the end of 6 weeks, participants completed a feedback survey. Results: Of the 357 patients reached by the tobacco treatment specialist, 62 (17.3%) were ineligible, 190 (53.2%) were not interested in tobacco treatment services, and 78 (21.8%) preferred other tobacco treatment services. Among the 105 eligible and interested in assistance with quitting, 27 (25.7%) were interested in MindCotine, of whom 20 completed the informed consent, 9 used the program, and 8 completed their end-of-treatment survey. Participants using MindCotine completed, on average, 13 (SD 20.2) program activities, 19 (SD 26) journal records, and 11 (SD 12.3) coaching engagements. Of the 9 participants who used MindCotine, 4 (44%) reported some dizziness with app use that resolved and 7 (78%) would recommend MindCotine to a friend. In total, 2 participants quit tobacco (22.2% reporting, 10% overall), 2 others reduced their smoking by 50% or more, and 2 quit for 24 hours and then relapsed. Conclusions: In a feasibility and acceptability pilot study of a novel VR tobacco treatment app offered to patients at a cancer center, 4 of 9 (44%) reporting and 4 of 20 (20%) overall substantially reduced or quit using tobacco after 6 weeks and most would recommend the app to others. Further testing on a larger sample is warranted. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05220254; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05220254 UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e54817 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/54817 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/54817 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Banakou, Domna AU - Johnston, Tania AU - Beacco, Alejandro AU - Senel, Gizem AU - Slater, Mel PY - 2024/7/22 TI - Desensitizing Anxiety Through Imperceptible Change: Feasibility Study on a Paradigm for Single-Session Exposure Therapy for Fear of Public Speaking JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e52212 VL - 8 KW - exposure therapy KW - virtual reality KW - gradual exposure KW - fear of public speaking KW - anxiety KW - change blindness KW - public speaking KW - desensitization KW - anxiety disorder KW - feasibility study N2 - Background: Exposure therapy (ET) for anxiety disorders involves introducing the participant to an anxiety-provoking situation over several treatment sessions. Each time, the participant is exposed to a higher anxiety-provoking stimulus; for example, in the case of fear of heights, the participant would successively experience being at a greater height. ET is effective, and its counterpart, virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy (VRET), where VR substitutes real-world exposure, is equally so. However, ET is time-consuming, requiring several sessions. Objective: This study aimed to compare the results of single-session exposure with those of traditional VRET with regard to reducing public speaking anxiety. Methods: We introduced a paradigm concerned with public speaking anxiety where the VR exposure occurred in a single session while the participant interacted with a virtual therapist. Over time, the therapist transformed into an entire audience with almost imperceptible changes. We carried out a feasibility study with 45 participants, comparing 3 conditions: single-session exposure (n=16, 36%); conventional multiple-session exposure (n=14, 31%), where the same content was delivered in successive segments over 5 sessions; and a control group (n=15, 33%), who interacted with a single virtual character to talk about everyday matters. A week later, the participants were required to speak on a stage in front of a large audience in VR. Results: Across most of the series of conventional public speaking anxiety measures, the single-session exposure was at least as effective in reducing anxiety as the multiple-session exposure, and both these conditions were better than the control condition. The 12-item Personal Report of Confidence as a Speaker was used to measure public speaking anxiety levels, where higher values indicated more anxiety. Using a Bayesian model, the posterior probabilities of improvement compared to a high baseline were at least 1.7 times greater for single- and multiple-session exposures compared to the control group. The State Perceived Index of Competence was used as a measure of anticipatory anxiety for speaking on a stage in front of a large audience, where lower values indicated higher anxiety. The probabilities of improvement were just over 4 times greater for single- and multiple-session exposures compared to the control group for a low baseline and 489 (single) and 53 (multiple) times greater for a middle baseline. Conclusions: Overall, the results of this feasibility study show that for moderate public speaking anxiety, the paradigm of gradual change in a single session is worth following up with further studies with more severe levels of anxiety and a larger sample size, first with a randomized controlled trial with nonpatients and subsequently, if the outcomes follow those that we have found, with a full clinical trial with patients. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e52212 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/52212 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39037760 ID - info:doi/10.2196/52212 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Tuan, Sheng-Hui AU - Chang, Lin-Hui AU - Sun, Shu-Fen AU - Li, Chien-Hui AU - Chen, Guan-Bo AU - Tsai, Yi-Ju PY - 2024/7/18 TI - Assessing the Clinical Effectiveness of an Exergame-Based Exercise Training Program Using Ring Fit Adventure to Prevent and Postpone Frailty and Sarcopenia Among Older Adults in Rural Long-Term Care Facilities: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e59468 VL - 26 KW - exergame KW - Ring Fit Adventure KW - sarcopenia KW - frailty KW - long-term care KW - multicomponent training N2 - Background: Frailty and sarcopenia are geriatric syndromes of increasing concern and are associated with adverse health outcomes. They are more prevalent among long-term care facility (LTCF) users than among community dwellers. Exercise, especially multicomponent and progressive resistance training, is essential for managing these conditions. However, LTCFs, particularly in rural areas, face challenges in implementing structured exercise programs due to health care professional shortages. Moreover, older adults often become bored with repetitive exercise training and may lose interest over time. The Nintendo Switch Ring Fit Adventure (RFA) exergame is a novel exergame that combines resistance, aerobic, and balance exercises and offers a potential solution by boosting motivation in an immersive manner and reducing staff intervention needs. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of an exergame-based exercise training program delivered via RFA (exergame-RFA) in improving muscle mass and functional performance among older adult LTCF users. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted from August 2022 to September 2023 and involved older adult LTCF users (aged ?60 y) in rural southern Taiwan. Participants were randomized into an intervention group (exergame-RFA plus standard care) or a control group (standard care alone). The intervention, conducted seated with arm fit skills and trunk control exercises using the RFA, lasted 30 minutes twice weekly over 12 weeks. The primary outcomes measured were the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures index (serving as an indicator of frailty status) and the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia (appendicular skeletal muscle mass index, handgrip strength, and gait speed). The secondary outcomes included functional performance (box and block test as well as maximum voluntary isometric contraction of the dominant upper extremity), muscle condition (muscle thickness measured using ultrasonography), activities of daily living (Kihon checklist), health-related quality of life (Short Form Health Survey-36), and cognitive function (brain health test). We used an intention-to-treat analysis, incorporating a simple imputation technique in statistical analysis. A mixed ANOVA, with time as a within-participant factor and intervention as a between-participant factor, was used to compare the training effects on outcomes. Results: We recruited 96 individuals, of whom 60 (62%) underwent randomization. Of these 60 participants, 55 (92%) completed the study. Significant group×time interactions were observed in the intervention group in all primary outcomes (all P<.001, except P=.01 for handgrip strength) and most secondary outcomes, including maximum voluntary isometric contraction of the biceps (P=.004) and triceps brachii (P<.001) muscles, biceps muscle thickness measured using ultrasonography (P<.001), box and block test (P<.001), Kihon checklist (physical function: P=.01, mood status: P=.003, and total: P=.003), and brain health test (P<.001). Conclusions: The exergame-RFA intervention significantly improved muscle mass, strength, and functional performance among older adult users of rural LTCFs, offering a novel approach to addressing frailty and sarcopenia. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05360667; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05360667 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.3389/fmed.2022.1071409 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e59468 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/59468 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39024000 ID - info:doi/10.2196/59468 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Polecho?ski, Jacek AU - Przepiórzy?ski, Alan AU - Polecho?ski, Piotr AU - Tomik, Rajmund PY - 2024/7/16 TI - Effect of Elastic Resistance on Exercise Intensity and User Satisfaction While Playing the Active Video Game BoxVR in Immersive Virtual Reality: Empirical Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e58411 VL - 12 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - game KW - gaming KW - immersive KW - immersion KW - health-related physical activity KW - physical activity KW - exercise KW - active video games KW - attractiveness KW - enjoyment scale KW - enjoyment KW - serious games KW - elastic resistance KW - resistance N2 - Background: One of the main contemporary forms of physical activity (PA) involves exercises and games in an immersive virtual reality (VR) environment, which allows the user to practice various forms of PA in a small space. Unfortunately, most of the currently available VR games and workout applications are mostly based on upper body movements, especially the arms, which do not guarantee sufficiently high exercise intensity and health benefits. Therefore, it is worth seeking solutions to help increase the exercise load during PA in VR. Objective: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of elastic arm resistance in the form of latex resistance bands of different elasticity levels on the intensity of students? PA while playing the BoxVR game. We further assessed the satisfaction of this form of exercise and its associations with PA intensity. Methods: A total of 21 healthy and physically fit men (mean age 22.5, SD 2.0 years) were included in the study. The tests consisted of 3 10-minute games. One game was run with no load and the other two were run with 1.5-meter latex resistance bands (low and high resistance). The order of the tests was randomized and the participants rested for 20 minutes after each exercise. Exercise intensity was estimated using objective (heart rate monitoring) and subjective (Borg scale) methods. The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale was used to assess satisfaction with the PA. The effect of elastic resistance on exercise intensity and user enjoyment was estimated using ANOVA for repeated measures. Results: The ANOVA results indicated that incorporation of elastic resistance caused a significant change (F2,40=20.235, P<.001; ?²p=0.503) in the intensity of PA in VR, which was low while playing without resistance and then increased to a moderate level with additional resistance. The use of elastic bands also changed participants? perceptions of the enjoyment of exercise in VR (F2,40=9.259, P<.001; ?²p=0.316). The students rated their satisfaction with PA in VR on a 7-point scale highly and similarly when exercising without an upper limb load (mean 6.19, SD 0.61) and with slight elastic resistance (mean 6.17, SD 0.66), whereas their satisfaction declined significantly (mean 5.66, SD 0.94) when incorporating a higher load. Conclusions: The intensity of PA among students playing the BoxVR game is at a relatively low level. With the added resistance of elastic bands attached to the upper limbs, the intensity of the exercise increased to a moderate level, as recommended for obtaining health benefits. Participants rated the enjoyment of PA in VR highly. The use of slight elastic resistance did not negatively affect satisfaction with the BoxVR game, although user satisfaction declined with a higher load. Further research should be undertaken to increase the effectiveness of exercise in VR so that regular users can enjoy the health benefits. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e58411 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/58411 ID - info:doi/10.2196/58411 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Kim, Sunghak AU - Jung, Timothy AU - Sohn, Kyung Dae AU - Suh, Mina AU - Chang, Jung Yoon PY - 2024/7/15 TI - Factors Associated With Continuous Use of a Cancer Education Metaverse Platform: Mixed Methods Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e57762 VL - 26 KW - metaverse KW - virtual reality KW - cancer education KW - cancer detection KW - digital health N2 - Background: Early detection of cancer and provision of appropriate treatment can increase the cancer cure rate and reduce cancer-related deaths. Early detection requires improving the cancer screening quality of each medical institution and enhancing the capabilities of health professionals through tailored education in each field. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, regional disparities in educational infrastructure emerged, and educational accessibility was restricted. The demand for remote cancer education services to address these issues has increased, and in this study, we considered medical metaverses as a potential means of meeting these needs. In 2022, we used Metaverse Educational Center, developed for the virtual training of health professionals, to train radiologic technologists remotely in mammography positioning. Objective: This study aims to investigate the user experience of the Metaverse Educational Center subplatform and the factors associated with the intention for continuous use by focusing on cases of using the subplatform in a remote mammography positioning training project. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional survey between July and December 2022. We performed a descriptive analysis to examine the Metaverse Educational Center user experience and a logistic regression analysis to clarify factors closely related to the intention to use the subplatform continuously. In addition, a supplementary open-ended question was used to obtain feedback from users to improve Metaverse Educational Center. Results: Responses from 192 Korean participants (male participants: n=16, 8.3%; female participants: n=176, 91.7%) were analyzed. Most participants were satisfied with Metaverse Educational Center (178/192, 92.7%) and wanted to continue using the subplatform in the future (157/192, 81.8%). Less than half of the participants (85/192, 44.3%) had no difficulty in wearing the device. Logistic regression analysis results showed that intention for continuous use was associated with satisfaction (adjusted odds ratio 3.542, 95% CI 1.037-12.097; P=.04), immersion (adjusted odds ratio 2.803, 95% CI 1.201-6.539; P=.02), and no difficulty in wearing the device (adjusted odds ratio 2.020, 95% CI 1.004-4.062; P=.049). However, intention for continuous use was not associated with interest (adjusted odds ratio 0.736, 95% CI 0.303-1.789; P=.50) or perceived ease of use (adjusted odds ratio 1.284, 95% CI 0.614-2.685; P=.51). According to the qualitative feedback, Metaverse Educational Center was useful in cancer education, but the experience of wearing the device and the types and qualities of the content still need to be improved. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the positive user experience of Metaverse Educational Center by focusing on cases of using the subplatform in a remote mammography positioning training project. Our results also suggest that improving users? satisfaction and immersion and ensuring the lack of difficulty in wearing the device may enhance their intention for continuous use of the subplatform. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e57762 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/57762 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/57762 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Chan, Kitty AU - Kor, Kin Patrick Pui AU - Liu, Wa Justina Yat AU - Cheung, Kin AU - Lai, Timothy AU - Kwan, Cho Rick Yiu PY - 2024/7/10 TI - The Use of Immersive Virtual Reality Training for Developing Nontechnical Skills Among Nursing Students: Multimethods Study JO - Asian Pac Isl Nurs J SP - e58818 VL - 8 KW - education KW - educational KW - hospital KW - hospitals KW - nontechnical skills KW - nurse KW - nurses KW - nursing education KW - nursing KW - satisfaction KW - self-confidence KW - simulation KW - simulations KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - immersive N2 - Background: Immersive virtual reality (IVR) is a niche technology rising in popularity in nursing education. Although there is an abundance of evidence to demonstrate the effect of virtual reality (VR) on desired learning outcomes, this evidence is limited to technical or procedural skills or managing a single patient with clinical problems. Nontechnical skills (NTS), such as communication, decision-making, teamwork, situation awareness, and managerial skills, have not been explored using IVR technology. Objective: This study aimed to (1) investigate the potential efficacy of the IVR system virtual reality hospital (VR-Hospital, or VR-Hosp), a single-user game we developed, on nursing students? NTS, sense of presence in the virtual clinical environment, and satisfaction and self-confidence in learning; (2) identify variables that predict NTS; and (3) explore students? experience in using VR-Hosp. Methods: A multimethods design with a quantitative and qualitative approach was adopted. Participants were provided with VR-Hosp with 3 scenarios in training. VR-Hosp adopted a multibed, multipatient, multitask approach and was embedded with various clinical situations. Learning outcomes were measured after the training, followed by group interviews. Results: In total, 202 students joined the study. Results revealed high levels of satisfaction and self-confidence in learning. Significant achievement in NTS was perceived by the students. The levels of satisfaction and self-confidence in learning and the involvement and sensory fidelity domains in the sense of presence were positive predictors of NTS. Conclusions: The promising results offer a basis for designing IVR activities for nursing education. Further investigations are imperative to determine the impact of IVR technology on learning outcomes in clinical practice. UR - https://apinj.jmir.org/2024/1/e58818 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/58818 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/58818 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Bonneterre, Solenne AU - Zerhouni, Oulmann AU - Boffo, Marilisa PY - 2024/7/9 TI - The Influence of Billboard-Based Tobacco Prevention Posters on Memorization, Attitudes, and Craving: Immersive Virtual Reality Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e49344 VL - 26 KW - tobacco KW - smoking KW - health promotion KW - health prevention campaigns KW - immersive virtual reality KW - incidental exposure KW - advertising N2 - Background: Health prevention campaigns often face challenges in reaching their target audience and achieving the desired impact on health behaviors. These campaigns, particularly those aimed at reducing tobacco use, require rigorous evaluation methods to assess their effectiveness. Objective: This study aims to use immersive virtual reality (iVR) to systematically evaluate recall, attitudinal, and craving responses to antitobacco prevention messages when presented in a realistic virtual environment, thereby exploring the potential of iVR as a novel tool to improve the effectiveness of public health campaigns. Methods: A total of 121 undergraduate students (mean age 19.6, SD 3.7 years), mostly female (n=99, 82.5%), were invited to take a guided walk in the virtual environment, where they were randomly exposed to a different ratio of prevention and general advertising posters (80/20 or 20/80) depending on the experimental condition. Participants? gaze was tracked throughout the procedure, and outcomes were assessed after the iVR exposure. Results: Incidental exposure to antitobacco prevention and general advertising posters did not significantly alter attitudes toward tobacco. Memorization of prevention posters was unexpectedly better in the condition where advertising was more frequent (?=?6.15; P<.001), and high contrast between poster types led to a better memorization of the less frequent type. Despite a nonsignificant trend, directing attention to prevention posters slightly improved their memorization (?=.02; P=.07). In addition, the duration of exposure to prevention posters relative to advertisements negatively affected memorization of advertising posters (?=?2.30; P=.01). Conclusions: Although this study did not find significant changes in attitudes toward tobacco after exposure to prevention campaigns using iVR, the technology does show promise as an evaluation tool. To fully evaluate the use of iVR in public health prevention strategies, future research should examine different types of content, longer exposure durations, and different contexts. Trial Registration: Open Science Framework E3YK7; https://osf.io/e3yk7 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e49344 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/49344 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38980707 ID - info:doi/10.2196/49344 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Gold, I. Jeffrey AU - Akbar, M. Krystal AU - Avila, Sandra AU - Ngo, H. Nhat AU - Klein, J. Margaret PY - 2024/7/1 TI - Exploring Relations Between Unique Patient Characteristics and Virtual Reality Immersion Level on Anxiety and Pain in Patients Undergoing Venipuncture: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Control Trial JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e53196 VL - 26 KW - pediatrics KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - immersion KW - anxiety KW - pain management KW - routine medical procedures KW - venipuncture KW - secondary data analysis KW - mediation KW - moderation KW - pain KW - acute pain KW - pediatric pain KW - anxiety sensitivity N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) is a well-researched digital intervention that has been used for managing acute pain and anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing various medical procedures. This study focuses on investigating the role of unique patient characteristics and VR immersion level on the effectiveness of VR for managing pediatric pain and anxiety during venipuncture. Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine how specific patient characteristics and level of immersion during a VR intervention impact anxiety and pain levels for pediatric patients undergoing venipuncture procedures. Methods: This study is a secondary data analysis of 2 combined, previously published randomized control trials on 252 pediatric patients aged 10-21 years observed at Children?s Hospital Los Angeles from April 12, 2017, to July 24, 2019. One randomized clinical trial was conducted in 3 clinical environments examining peripheral intravenous catheter placement (radiology and an infusion center) and blood draw (phlebotomy). Conditional process analysis was used to conduct moderation and mediation analyses to assess the impact of immersion level during the VR intervention. Results: Significant moderation was found between the level of immersion and anxiety sensitivity when predicting postprocedural anxiety (P=.01). Patients exhibiting the highest anxiety sensitivity within the standard of care yielded a 1.9 (95% CI 0.9-2.8; P<.001)-point elevation in postprocedural anxiety relative to individuals with high immersion levels. No other significant factors were found to mediate or moderate the effect of immersion on either postprocedural anxiety or pain. Conclusions: VR is most effective for patients with higher anxiety sensitivity who report feeling highly immersed. Age, location of the procedure, and gender of the patient were not found to significantly impact VR?s success in managing levels of postprocedural pain or anxiety, suggesting that immersive VR may be a beneficial intervention for a broad pediatric population. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04268901; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04268901 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e53196 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/53196 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38949862 ID - info:doi/10.2196/53196 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Yang, Jingzhen AU - Alshaikh, Enas AU - Yu, Deyue AU - Kerwin, Thomas AU - Rundus, Christopher AU - Zhang, Fangda AU - Wrabel, G. Cameron AU - Perry, Landon AU - Lu, Zhong-Lin PY - 2024/6/26 TI - Visual Function and Driving Performance Under Different Lighting Conditions in Older Drivers: Preliminary Results From an Observational Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e58465 VL - 8 KW - nighttime driving KW - functional vision KW - driving simulation KW - older drivers KW - visual functions KW - photopic KW - mesopic KW - glare KW - driving simulator N2 - Background: Age-related vision changes significantly contribute to fatal crashes at night among older drivers. However, the effects of lighting conditions on age-related vision changes and associated driving performance remain unclear. Objective: This pilot study examined the associations between visual function and driving performance assessed by a high-fidelity driving simulator among drivers 60 and older across 3 lighting conditions: daytime (photopic), nighttime (mesopic), and nighttime with glare. Methods: Active drivers aged 60 years or older participated in visual function assessments and simulated driving on a high-fidelity driving simulator. Visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity function (CSF), and visual field map (VFM) were measured using quantitative VA, quantitative CSF, and quantitative VFM procedures under photopic and mesopic conditions. VA and CSF were also obtained in the presence of glare in the mesopic condition. Two summary metrics, the area under the log CSF (AULCSF) and volume under the surface of VFM (VUSVFM), quantified CSF and VFM. Driving performance measures (average speed, SD of speed [SDspeed], SD of lane position (SDLP), and reaction time) were assessed under daytime, nighttime, and nighttime with glare conditions. Pearson correlations determined the associations between visual function and driving performance across the 3 lighting conditions. Results: Of the 20 drivers included, the average age was 70.3 years; 55% were male. Poor photopic VA was significantly correlated with greater SDspeed (r=0.26; P<.001) and greater SDLP (r=0.31; P<.001). Poor photopic AULCSF was correlated with greater SDLP (r=?0.22; P=.01). Poor mesopic VUSFVM was significantly correlated with slower average speed (r=?0.24; P=.007), larger SDspeed (r=?0.19; P=.04), greater SDLP (r=?0.22; P=.007), and longer reaction times (r=?0.22; P=.04) while driving at night. For functional vision in the mesopic condition with glare, poor VA was significantly correlated with longer reaction times (r=0.21; P=.046) while driving at night with glare; poor AULCSF was significantly correlated with slower speed (r=?0.32; P<.001), greater SDLP (r=?0.26; P=.001) and longer reaction times (r=?0.2; P=.04) while driving at night with glare. No other significant correlations were observed between visual function and driving performance under the same lighting conditions. Conclusions: Visual functions differentially affect driving performance in different lighting conditions among older drivers, with more substantial impacts on driving during nighttime, especially in glare. Additional research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these results. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e58465 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/58465 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38922681 ID - info:doi/10.2196/58465 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Zsoldos, Isabella AU - Trân, Eléonore AU - Fournier, Hippolyte AU - Tarpin-Bernard, Franck AU - Fruitet, Joan AU - Fouillen, Mélodie AU - Bailly, Gérard AU - Elisei, Frédéric AU - Bouchot, Béatrice AU - Constant, Patrick AU - Ringeval, Fabien AU - Koenig, Olivier AU - Chainay, Hanna PY - 2024/6/20 TI - The Value of a Virtual Assistant to Improve Engagement in Computerized Cognitive Training at Home: Exploratory Study JO - JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol SP - e48129 VL - 11 KW - cognitive training KW - cognitive decline KW - cognitive disorders KW - mild cognitive impairment KW - Alzheimer disease KW - digital therapies KW - virtual health assistant KW - conversational agent KW - artificial intelligence KW - social interaction KW - THERADIA N2 - Background: Impaired cognitive function is observed in many pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease. At present, the pharmaceutical treatments available to counter cognitive decline have only modest effects, with significant side effects. A nonpharmacological treatment that has received considerable attention is computerized cognitive training (CCT), which aims to maintain or improve cognitive functioning through repeated practice in standardized exercises. CCT allows for more regular and thorough training of cognitive functions directly at home, which represents a significant opportunity to prevent and fight cognitive decline. However, the presence of assistance during training seems to be an important parameter to improve patients? motivation and adherence to treatment. To compensate for the absence of a therapist during at-home CCT, a relevant option could be to include a virtual assistant to accompany patients throughout their training. Objective: The objective of this exploratory study was to evaluate the interest of including a virtual assistant to accompany patients during CCT. We investigated the relationship between various individual factors (eg, age, psycho-affective functioning, personality, personal motivations, and cognitive skills) and the appreciation and usefulness of a virtual assistant during CCT. This study is part of the THERADIA (Thérapies Digitales Augmentées par l?Intelligence Artificielle) project, which aims to develop an empathetic virtual assistant. Methods: A total of 104 participants were recruited, including 52 (50%) young adults (mean age 21.2, range 18 to 27, SD 2.9 years) and 52 (50%) older adults (mean age 67.9, range 60 to 79, SD 5.1 years). All participants were invited to the laboratory to answer several questionnaires and perform 1 CCT session, which consisted of 4 cognitive exercises supervised by a virtual assistant animated by a human pilot via the Wizard of Oz method. The participants evaluated the virtual assistant and CCT at the end of the session. Results: Analyses were performed using the Bayesian framework. The results suggest that the virtual assistant was appreciated and perceived as useful during CCT in both age groups. However, older adults rated the assistant and CCT more positively overall than young adults. Certain characteristics of users, especially their current affective state (ie, arousal, intrinsic relevance, goal conduciveness, and anxiety state), appeared to be related to their evaluation of the session. Conclusions: This study provides, for the first time, insight into how young and older adults perceive a virtual assistant during CCT. The results suggest that such an assistant could have a beneficial influence on users? motivation, provided that it can handle different situations, particularly their emotional state. The next step of our project will be to evaluate our device with patients experiencing mild cognitive impairment and to test its effectiveness in long-term cognitive training. UR - https://rehab.jmir.org/2024/1/e48129 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/48129 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/48129 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Szczepocka, Ewa AU - Mokros, ?ukasz AU - Kazmierski, Jakub AU - Nowakowska, Karina AU - ?ucka, Anna AU - Antoszczyk, Anna AU - Oltra-Cucarella, Javier AU - Werzowa, Walter AU - Hellevik, Moum Martin AU - Skouras, Stavros AU - Bagger, Karsten PY - 2024/6/5 TI - The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality?Based Training on Cognitive, Social, and Physical Functioning in High-Functioning Older Adults (CoSoPhy FX): 2-Arm, Parallel-Group Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e53261 VL - 13 KW - cognitive functions KW - head-mounted-display KW - healthy seniors KW - virtual reality KW - well-being KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising technology for enhancing the health care of older individuals, particularly in the domains of cognition, physical activity, and social engagement. However, existing VR products and services have limited availability and affordability; hence, there is a need for a scientifically validated and personalized VR service to be used by older adults in their homes, which can improve their overall physical, cognitive, and social well-being. Objective: The main purpose of the CoSoPhy FX (Cognitive, Social, and Physical Effects) study was to analyze the effects of a VR-based digital therapeutics app on the cognitive, social, and physical performance abilities of healthy (high-functioning) older adults. This paper presents the study protocol and the results from the recruitment phase. Methods: A group of 188 healthy older adults aged 65-85 years, recruited at the Medical University of Lodz, Poland, were randomly allocated to the experimental group (VR dual-task training program) or to the control group (using a VR headset app showing nature videos). A total of 3 cognitive exercises were performed in various 360° nature environments delivered via a VR head-mounted display; the participants listened to their preferred music genre. Each patient received 3 sessions of 12 minutes per week for 12 weeks, totaling a minimum of 36 sessions per participant. Attention and working memory (Central Nervous System Vital Signs computerized cognitive battery) were used as primary outcomes, while other cognitive domains in the Central Nervous System Vital Signs battery, quality of life (World Health Organization?5 Well-Being Index), health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), and anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder 7-item questionnaire) were the secondary outcomes. The group-by-time interaction was determined using linear mixed models with participants? individual slopes. Results: In total, 122 (39%) of the initial 310 participants failed to meet the inclusion criteria, resulting in a recruitment rate of 61% (188/310). Among the participants, 68 successfully completed the intervention and 62 completed the control treatment. The data are currently being analyzed, and we plan to publish the results by the end of September 2024. Conclusions: VR interventions have significant potential among healthy older individuals. VR can address various aspects of well-being by stimulating cognitive functions, promoting physical activity, and facilitating social interaction. However, challenges such as physical discomfort, technology acceptance, safety concerns, and cost must be considered when implementing them for older adults. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of VR-based interventions, optimal intervention designs, and the specific populations that would benefit most. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05369897; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05369897 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/53261 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e53261 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/53261 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38837194 ID - info:doi/10.2196/53261 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Craig, V. Tabitha AU - Rhodes, E. Ryan AU - Sui, Wuyou PY - 2024/6/4 TI - Examining and Comparing the Energy Expenditure of Two Modes of a Virtual Reality Fitness Game (Supernatural): Indirect Calorimetry Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e53999 VL - 12 KW - energy expenditure KW - exergaming KW - indirect calorimetry KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - VR fitness KW - VR gaming N2 - Background: The effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) fitness games as a form of moderate to vigorous physical activity has yet to be thoroughly quantified through gold standard energy expenditure measures. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the energy expenditure of 2 medium-intensity modes (?Flow and ?Boxing?) of a VR fitness game, Supernatural, using indirect calorimetry. Methods: Indirect calorimetry was used to examine relative and objective maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), metabolic equivalents of task (METs), and calories burned during medium-intensity bouts of both Flow and Boxing gameplay modes in young (mean age 25.42, SD 3.25 years), active individuals (n=12 female and n=11 male). METs and calories were also compared using a triaxial waist-worn accelerometer, an Apple smartwatch, and a VR headset. Mood states were assessed pre- and postbout using the shortened Profile of Mood States Questionnaire. Paired 2-tailed t tests were used to examine differences in game modes, between sexes, and pre-post exercise sessions. Results: Objective and relative VO2 max averaged 1.93 (SD 0.44) L/min and 27.61 (SD 5.60) mL/kg/min, respectively, between modes. Flow (mean 8.2, SD 1.54 METs) and Boxing (mean 7.6, SD 1.66 METs) are both classified as high energy expenditure, vigorous activities. Calorie expenditure data of the accelerometer and VR headset differed significantly from the metabolic cart. Mood changes pre- to post exercise were consistent with expected values for moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, with participants reporting that they felt more ?active,? ?full of pep,? ?vigorous,? and ?lively? (P<.05) following bouts. Male individuals reported higher objective oxygen consumption (VO2) for both Flow and Boxing modes; no other sex-specific differences were observed. Conclusions: Both Flow and Boxing gameplay modes of Supernatural classify as vigorous physical activity and demonstrate the potential to promote mental and physical health benefits. Supernatural may be an effective exercise modality in a VO2 training program. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e53999 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/53999 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38833285 ID - info:doi/10.2196/53999 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Umibe, Akiko AU - Fushiki, Hiroaki AU - Tsunoda, Reiko AU - Kuroda, Tatsuaki AU - Kuroda, Kazuhiro AU - Tanaka, Yasuhiro PY - 2024/6/4 TI - Development of a Subjective Visual Vertical Test System Using a Smartphone With Virtual Reality Goggles for Screening of Otolithic Dysfunction: Observational Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e53642 VL - 8 KW - vestibular function tests KW - telemedicine KW - smartphone KW - virtual reality KW - otolith dysfunction screening tool KW - vestibular evoked myogenic potential KW - iPhone KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: The subjective visual vertical (SVV) test can evaluate otolith function and spatial awareness and is performed in dedicated vertigo centers using specialized equipment; however, it is not otherwise widely used because of the specific equipment and space requirements. An SVV test smartphone app was developed to easily perform assessments in outpatient facilities. Objective: This study aimed to verify whether the SVV test smartphone app with commercially available virtual reality goggles can be used in a clinical setting. Methods: The reference range was calculated for 15 healthy participants. We included 14 adult patients with unilateral vestibular neuritis, sudden sensorineural hearing loss with vertigo, and Meniere disease and investigated the correlation between the SVV test results and vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) results. Results: The SVV reference range of healthy participants for the sitting front-facing position was small, ranging from ?2.6º to 2.3º. Among the 14 patients, 6 (43%) exceeded the reference range for healthy participants. The SVV of patients with vestibular neuritis and sudden sensorineural hearing loss tended to deviate to the affected side. A total of 9 (64%) had abnormal cervical VEMP (cVEMP) values and 6 (43%) had abnormal ocular VEMP (oVEMP) values. No significant difference was found between the presence or absence of abnormal SVV values and the presence or absence of abnormal cVEMP and oVEMP values; however, the odds ratios (ORs) suggested a higher likelihood of abnormal SVV values among those with abnormal cVEMP and oVEMP responses (OR 2.40, 95% CI 0.18-32.88; P>.99; and OR 2, 95% CI 0.90-4.45; P=.46, respectively). Conclusions: The SVV app can be used anywhere and in a short period while reducing directional bias by using virtual reality goggles, thus making it highly versatile and useful as a practical otolith dysfunction screening tool. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e53642 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/53642 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38833295 ID - info:doi/10.2196/53642 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Dalko, Katharina AU - Elsuson, Andri Hlynur AU - Kalter, Ivonne AU - Zilezinski, Max AU - Hofstetter, Sebastian AU - Stoevesandt, Dietrich AU - Paulicke, Denny AU - Jahn, Patrick PY - 2024/5/31 TI - Virtual Reality Applications for the Implementation of Domestic Respiratory Rehabilitation Programs for Patients With Long COVID and Post-COVID Condition: Scoping Review JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e52309 VL - 12 KW - long COVID KW - post-COVID KW - rehabilitation KW - virtual reality KW - implementation KW - respiratory KW - respiratory rehabilitation KW - scoping review KW - development KW - accessibility KW - support KW - physical KW - psychological KW - motivation KW - compliance KW - usability KW - COVID-19 KW - COVID N2 - Background: Due to a high number of patients affected by long COVID or post-COVID condition, an essential step to address the long-term effects of COVID-19 lies in the development and implementation of flexible and accessible rehabilitation programs. Virtual reality (VR) technologies offer the potential to support traditional therapies with individualized at-home programs. Objective: This study aims to provide an overview of existing scientific evidence on the development and implementation of VR-assisted respiratory rehabilitation programs for patients with long COVID and post-COVID condition and to synthesize the results. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of studies from 6 databases. PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, Web of Science Social Sciences Citation Index, and PEDro were searched using an exploratory search strategy. The search, which was last updated in February 2024, included peer-reviewed studies on immersive VR applications providing respiratory rehabilitation programs for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and long COVID or post-COVID condition. Exclusion criteria were studies in clinical or inpatient settings, telemedicine, nonimmersive VR applications, and gray literature. Nine publications were included in this review. Findings were extracted and summarized from the studies according to the JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute) method and thematically categorized. Topics covered were study characteristics, physiotherapeutic concept, clinical parameters, as well as usability and acceptability. Results: The 9 publications included in the qualitative analysis were published in 2019-2023. Eight empirical studies were included: 4 followed a mixed methods design, 3 were qualitative studies, and 1 followed a quantitative method. One scoping review was included in the data analyses. Four of the included studies were on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The 9 studies demonstrated that VR-supported respiratory rehabilitation programs result in positive initial outcomes in terms of physical as well as psychological parameters. Particularly noteworthy was the increased motivation and compliance of patients. However, adverse effects and lack of usability are the barriers to the implementation of this innovative approach. Conclusions: Overall, VR is a promising technology for the implementation of individualized and flexible respiratory rehabilitation programs for patients with long COVID and post-COVID condition. Nevertheless, corresponding approaches are still under development and need to be more closely adapted to the needs of users. Further, the evidence was limited to pilot studies or a small number of patients, and no randomized controlled trials or long-term studies were part of the study selection. The included studies were performed by 4 groups of researchers: 3 from Europe and 1 from the United States. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e52309 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/52309 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38819890 ID - info:doi/10.2196/52309 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Elser, Alexander AU - Lange, Marina AU - Kopkow, Christian AU - Schäfer, Georg Axel PY - 2024/5/15 TI - Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of Virtual Reality Interventions for People With Chronic Pain: Scoping Review JO - JMIR XR Spatial Comput SP - e53129 VL - 1 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - chronic pain KW - implementation science KW - scoping review KW - barriers KW - facilitators N2 - Background: Chronic pain is a growing health problem worldwide with a significant impact on individuals and societies. In regard to treatment, there is a gap between guideline recommendations and common practice in health care, especially concerning cognitive and psychological interventions. Virtual reality (VR) may provide a way to improve this situation. A growing body of evidence indicates that VR therapy has positive effects on pain and physical function. However, there is limited knowledge about barriers and facilitators to the implementation of VR interventions for people with chronic pain in health care settings. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the barriers and facilitators involved in implementing VR interventions for people with chronic pain. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of the German and English literature using the MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, PEDro, LILACS, and Web of Science (inception to November 2023) databases, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies reporting barriers and facilitators to the implementation of VR interventions for people with chronic pain, as reported by patients or health care professionals. Two reviewers systematically screened the abstracts and full texts of retrieved articles according to the inclusion criteria. All mentioned barriers and facilitators were extracted and categorized according to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Results: The database search resulted in 1864 records after removal of duplicates. From the 14 included studies, 30 barriers and 33 facilitators from the patient perspective and 2 facilitators from the health care professional perspective were extracted. Barriers reported by people with chronic pain were most frequently assigned to the TDF domains environmental context (60%) and skills (16.7%). Most facilitators were found in three domains for both the patients and health care professionals: beliefs about consequences (30.3%), emotions (18.2%), and environmental context (18.2%). Conclusions: The findings of this review can inform the development of strategies for future implementations of VR interventions for people with chronic pain. Additionally, further research should address knowledge gaps about the perspective of health care professionals regarding the implementation of VR interventions for people with chronic pain. UR - https://xr.jmir.org/2024/1/e53129 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/53129 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/53129 ER - TY - JOUR AU - El-Gabalawy, Renée AU - Sommer, L. Jordana AU - Hebbard, Pamela AU - Reynolds, Kristin AU - Logan, S. Gabrielle AU - Smith, D. Michael S. AU - Mutter, C. Thomas AU - Mutch, Alan W. AU - Mota, Natalie AU - Proulx, Catherine AU - Gagnon Shaigetz, Vincent AU - Maples-Keller, L. Jessica AU - Arora, C. Rakesh AU - Perrin, David AU - Benedictson, Jada AU - Jacobsohn, Eric PY - 2024/5/14 TI - An Immersive Virtual Reality Intervention for Preoperative Anxiety and Distress Among Adults Undergoing Oncological Surgery: Protocol for a 3-Phase Development and Feasibility Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e55692 VL - 13 KW - virtual reality KW - preoperative anxiety and distress KW - perioperative mental health KW - breast cancer KW - oncological surgery N2 - Background: Preoperative state anxiety (PSA) is distress and anxiety directly associated with perioperative events. PSA is associated with negative postoperative outcomes such as longer hospital length of stay, increased pain and opioid use, and higher rates of rehospitalization. Psychological prehabilitation, such as education, exposure to hospital environments, and relaxation strategies, has been shown to mitigate PSA; however, there are limited skilled personnel to deliver such interventions in clinical practice. Immersive virtual reality (VR) has the potential for greater accessibility and enhanced integration into an immersive and interactive experience. VR is rarely used in the preoperative setting, but similar forms of stress inoculation training involving exposure to stressful events have improved psychological preparation in contexts such as military deployment. Objective: This study seeks to develop and investigate a targeted PSA intervention in patients undergoing oncological surgery using a single preoperative VR exposure. The primary objectives are to (1) develop a novel VR program for patients undergoing oncological surgery with general anesthesia; (2) assess the feasibility, including acceptability, of a single exposure to this intervention; (3) assess the feasibility, including acceptability, of outcome measures of PSA; and (4) use these results to refine the VR content and outcome measures for a larger trial. A secondary objective is to preliminarily assess the clinical utility of the intervention for PSA. Methods: This study comprises 3 phases. Phase 1 (completed) involved the development of a VR prototype targeting PSA, using multidisciplinary iterative input. Phase 2 (data collection completed) involves examining the feasibility aspects of the VR intervention. This randomized feasibility trial involves assessing the novel VR preoperative intervention compared to a VR control (ie, nature trek) condition and a treatment-as-usual group among patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. Phase 3 will involve refining the prototype based on feasibility findings and input from people with lived experience for a future clinical trial, using focus groups with participants from phase 2. Results: This study was funded in March 2019. Phase 1 was completed in April 2020. Phase 2 data collection was completed in January 2024 and data analysis is ongoing. Focus groups were completed in February 2024. Both the feasibility study and focus groups will contribute to further refinement of the initial VR prototype (phase 3), with the final simulation to be completed by mid-2024. Conclusions: The findings from this work will contribute to the limited body of research examining feasible and broadly accessible interventions for PSA. Knowledge gained from this research will contribute to the final development of a novel VR intervention to be tested in a large population of patients with cancer before surgery in a randomized clinical trial. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04544618; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04544618 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/55692 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e55692 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/55692 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38743939 ID - info:doi/10.2196/55692 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Mittal, Ajay AU - Wakim, Jonathan AU - Huq, Suhaiba AU - Wynn, Tung PY - 2024/5/9 TI - Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Reducing Perceived Pain and Anxiety Among Patients Within a Hospital System: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e52649 VL - 13 KW - virtual reality KW - digital health KW - feasibility KW - acceptability KW - pain KW - anxiety KW - hospital KW - hospitalization KW - in-patient KW - observational study KW - pharmacologic pain management KW - pain management KW - topical anesthetic creams KW - topical cream N2 - Background: Within hospital systems, diverse subsets of patients are subject to minimally invasive procedures that provide therapeutic relief and necessary health data that are often perceived as anxiogenic or painful. These feelings are particularly relevant to patients experiencing procedures where they are conscious and not sedated or placed under general anesthesia that renders them incapacitated. Pharmacologic pain management and topical anesthetic creams are used to manage these feelings; however, distraction-based methods can provide nonpharmacologic means to modify the painful experience and discomfort often associated with these procedures. Recent studies support distraction as a useful method for reducing anxiety and pain and as a result, improving patient experience. Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology that provides an immersive user experience and can operate through a distraction-based method to reduce the negative or painful experience often related to procedures where the patient is conscious. Given the possible short-term and long-term outcomes of poorly managed pain and enduring among patients, health care professionals are challenged to improve patient well-being during medically essential procedures. Objective: The purpose of this pilot project is to assess the efficacy of using VR as a distraction-based intervention for anxiety or pain management compared to other nonpharmacologic interventions in a variety of hospital settings, specifically in patients undergoing lumbar puncture procedures and bone marrow biopsies at the oncology ward, patients receiving nerve block for a broken bone at an anesthesia or surgical center, patients undergoing a cleaning at a dental clinic, patients conscious during an ablation procedure at a cardiology clinic, and patients awake during a kidney biopsy at a nephrology clinic. This will provide the framework for additional studies in other health care settings. Methods: In a single visit, patients eligible for the study will complete brief preprocedural and postprocedural questionnaires about their perceived fear, anxiety, and pain levels. During the procedure, research assistants will place a VR headset on the patient and the patient will undergo a VR experience to distract from any pain felt from the procedure. Participants? vitals, including blood pressure, heart rate, and rate of respiration, will also be recorded before, during, and after the procedure. Results: The study is already underway, and results support a decrease in perceived pain by 1.00 and a decrease in perceived anxiety by 0.3 compared to the control group (on a 10-point Likert scale). Among the VR intervention group, the average rating for comfort was 4.35 out of 5. Conclusions: This study will provide greater insight into how patients? perception of anxiety and pain could potentially be altered. Furthermore, metrics related to the operational efficiency of providing a VR intervention compared to a control will provide insight into the feasibility and integration of such technologies in routine practice. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/52649 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e52649 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/52649 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38722681 ID - info:doi/10.2196/52649 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Shetty, Shishir AU - Bhat, Supriya AU - Al Bayatti, Saad AU - Al Kawas, Sausan AU - Talaat, Wael AU - El-Kishawi, Mohamed AU - Al Rawi, Natheer AU - Narasimhan, Sangeetha AU - Al-Daghestani, Hiba AU - Madi, Medhini AU - Shetty, Raghavendra PY - 2024/5/8 TI - The Scope of Virtual Reality Simulators in Radiology Education: Systematic Literature Review JO - JMIR Med Educ SP - e52953 VL - 10 KW - virtual reality KW - simulators KW - radiology education KW - medical imaging KW - radiology KW - education KW - systematic review KW - literature review KW - imaging KW - meta analysis KW - student KW - students KW - VR KW - PRISMA KW - Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses N2 - Background: In recent years, virtual reality (VR) has gained significant importance in medical education. Radiology education also has seen the induction of VR technology. However, there is no comprehensive review in this specific area. This review aims to fill this knowledge gap. Objective: This systematic literature review aims to explore the scope of VR use in radiology education. Methods: A literature search was carried out using PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for articles relating to the use of VR in radiology education, published from database inception to September 1, 2023. The identified articles were then subjected to a PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses)?defined study selection process. Results: The database search identified 2503 nonduplicate articles. After PRISMA screening, 17 were included in the review for analysis, of which 3 (18%) were randomized controlled trials, 7 (41%) were randomized experimental trials, and 7 (41%) were cross-sectional studies. Of the 10 randomized trials, 3 (30%) had a low risk of bias, 5 (50%) showed some concerns, and 2 (20%) had a high risk of bias. Among the 7 cross-sectional studies, 2 (29%) scored ?good? in the overall quality and the remaining 5 (71%) scored ?fair.? VR was found to be significantly more effective than traditional methods of teaching in improving the radiographic and radiologic skills of students. The use of VR systems was found to improve the students? skills in overall proficiency, patient positioning, equipment knowledge, equipment handling, and radiographic techniques. Student feedback was also reported in the included studies. The students generally provided positive feedback about the utility, ease of use, and satisfaction of VR systems, as well as their perceived positive impact on skill and knowledge acquisition. Conclusions: The evidence from this review shows that the use of VR had significant benefit for students in various aspects of radiology education. However, the variable nature of the studies included in the review reduces the scope for a comprehensive recommendation of VR use in radiology education. UR - https://mededu.jmir.org/2024/1/e52953 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/52953 ID - info:doi/10.2196/52953 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Wu, Shih-Chung AU - Chuang, Chia-Wen AU - Liao, Wen-Chun AU - Li, Chung-Fang AU - Shih, Hsin-Hsin PY - 2024/4/16 TI - Using Virtual Reality in a Rehabilitation Program for Patients With Breast Cancer: Phenomenological Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e44025 VL - 12 KW - breast cancer KW - rehabilitation KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - virtual reality design process KW - VR design process KW - feasibility KW - accessibility N2 - Background: Surgery is an essential treatment for early-stage breast cancer. However, various side effects of breast cancer surgery, such as arm dysfunction and lymphedema, remain causes for concern. Rehabilitation exercises to prevent such side effects should be initiated within 24 hours after surgery. Virtual reality (VR) can assist the process of rehabilitation; however, the feasibility of applying VR for rehabilitation must be explored, in addition to experiences of this application. Objective: This study explored patients? attitudes toward and experiences of using VR for their rehabilitation to determine the feasibility of such VR use and to identify potential barriers. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted from September to December 2021. A total of 18 patients with breast cancer who had undergone surgical treatment were interviewed using open-ended questions. The Colaizzi 7-step procedure for phenomenological analysis was used for data analysis. To ensure high study reliability, this study followed previously reported quality criteria for trustworthiness. Results: Three themes were identified: (1) VR was powerful in facilitating rehabilitation, (2) early and repetitive upper limb movements were an advantage of VR rehabilitation, and (3) extensive VR use had challenges to be overcome. Most of the interviewed patients reported positive experiences of using VR for rehabilitation. Specifically, VR helped these patients identify appropriate motion and angle limits while exercising; in other words, knowledge gained through VR can play a key role in the rehabilitation process. In addition, the patients reported that the use of VR provided them company, similar to when a physiotherapist is present. Finally, the gamified nature of the VR system seemed to make VR-based rehabilitation more engaging than traditional rehabilitation, particularly with respect to early rehabilitation; however, the high cost of VR equipment made VR-based rehabilitation difficult to implement at home. Conclusions: The interviewed patients with breast cancer had positive experiences in using VR for rehabilitation. The high cost of both VR equipment and software development presents a challenge for applying VR-based rehabilitation. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e44025 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/44025 ID - info:doi/10.2196/44025 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Min, Jennifer Hyojin AU - Andler, Caroline AU - Barber, Banca Rebecca Ortiz La AU - Chang, P. Todd AU - Abelairas-Gomez, Cristian AU - Knowlin, T. Laquanda AU - Liu, R. Deborah AU - Fija?ko, Nino PY - 2024/4/16 TI - Virtual Reality for Basic Life Support Training in High School Students: Thematic Analysis of Focus Group Interviews JO - JMIR XR Spatial Comput SP - e53212 VL - 1 KW - virtual reality KW - mixed reality KW - technology KW - basic life support KW - cardiovascular pulmonary resuscitation KW - near-peer mentoring KW - education KW - high school students N2 - Background: High-quality and engaging cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training of both health care professionals and members of the public is necessary to provide timely and effective CPR to maximize survival and minimize injuries. Virtual reality (VR) is a novel method to enhance CPR engagement and training. However, a near-peer mentoring framework has not been applied in such training to date. Objective: The purpose of this pilot qualitative study was to understand the acceptability and feasibility of using VR technology to introduce basic life support (BLS) to high school students reinforced by near-peer coaching. Methods: Dyads of high school students underwent BLS training in CPR using a VR experience reinforced by the near-peer mentoring model. Focus group interviews were performed following the intervention. The interview sessions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to thematic analysis. VR software data were analyzed after five cycles of chest compressions between the two participants. Results: The overwhelming responses from the three dyads of high school students indicated positive acceptance of learning CPR using VR. Analysis of emerging themes revealed three main categories of barriers and facilitators: (1) motivation to learn CPR, (2) CPR learning modality, and (3) coaching CPR content. These themes supported the theoretical framework of an ?intention-focused? paradigm leading to acquiring the skills needed to perform CPR and ultimately increasing the chances of a bystander performing CPR. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential for training a unique population to increase bystander effects using novel VR technology coupled with a near-peer mentoring method. Further research is warranted to measure the outcome of the knowledge attained and the intention to perform CPR by high school students who participate in CPR education using VR and a near-peer mentoring method. UR - https://xr.jmir.org/2024/1/e53212 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/53212 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/53212 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Paul, Margot AU - Bullock, Kim AU - Bailenson, Jeremy AU - Burns, David PY - 2024/4/15 TI - Examining the Efficacy of Extended Reality?Enhanced Behavioral Activation for Adults With Major Depressive Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Ment Health SP - e52326 VL - 11 KW - virtual reality KW - extended reality KW - major depressive disorder KW - behavioral activation KW - depression KW - Meta Quest 2 N2 - Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a global concern with increasing prevalence. While many evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) have been identified to treat MDD, there are numerous barriers to patients accessing them. Virtual reality (VR) has been used as a treatment enhancement for a variety of mental health disorders, but few studies have examined its clinical use in treating MDD. Behavioral activation (BA) is a simple yet effective and established first-line EBP for MDD that has the potential to be easily enhanced and adapted with VR technology. A previous report by our group explored the feasibility and acceptability of VR-enhanced BA in a small clinical proof-of-concept pilot. This study examines the clinical efficacy of a more immersive extended reality (XR)?enhanced BA (XR-BA) prototype. This is the first clinical efficacy test of an XR-BA protocol. Objective: This study examined whether XR-BA was feasible and efficacious in treating MDD in an ambulatory telemedicine clinic. Methods: A nonblinded between-subject randomized controlled trial compared XR-BA to traditional BA delivered via telehealth. The study used a previously established, brief 3-week, 4-session BA EBP intervention. The experimental XR-BA participants were directed to use a Meta Quest 2 (Reality Labs) VR headset to engage in simulated pleasant or mastery activities and were compared to a control arm, which used only real-life mastery or pleasant activities as between-session homework. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)?9 was the primary outcome measure. Independent-sample and paired-sample t tests (2-tailed) were used to determine statistical significance and confirmed using structural equation modeling. Results: Overall, 26 participants with MDD were randomized to receive either XR-BA (n=13, 50%) or traditional BA (n=13, 50%). The mean age of the 26 participants (n=6, 23% male; n=19, 73% female; n=1, 4% nonbinary or third gender) was 50.3 (SD 17.3) years. No adverse events were reported in either group, and no substantial differences in dropout rates or homework completion were observed. XR-BA was found to be statistically noninferior to traditional BA (t18.6=?0.28; P=.78). Both the XR-BA (t9=2.5; P=.04) and traditional BA (t10=2.3; P=.04) arms showed a statistically significant decrease in PHQ-9 and clinical severity from the beginning of session 1 to the beginning of session 4. There was a significant decrease in PHQ-8 to PHQ-9 scores between the phone intake and the beginning of session 1 for the XR-BA group (t11=2.6; P=.03) but not the traditional BA group (t11=1.4; P=.20). Conclusions: This study confirmed previous findings that XR-BA may be a feasible, non-inferior, and acceptable enhancement to traditional BA. Additionally, there was evidence that supports the potential of XR to enhance expectation or placebo effects. Further research is needed to examine the potential of XR to improve access, outcomes, and barriers to MDD care. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05525390; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05525390 UR - https://mental.jmir.org/2024/1/e52326 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/52326 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38437873 ID - info:doi/10.2196/52326 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Li, Ran AU - Li, Yinghao AU - Kong, Youli AU - Li, Hanbin AU - Hu, Danrong AU - Fu, Chenying AU - Wei, Quan PY - 2024/2/26 TI - Virtual Reality?Based Training in Chronic Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e45406 VL - 26 KW - virtual reality KW - low back pain KW - chronic KW - rehabilitation KW - exercise N2 - Background: Low back pain is one of the most prevalent pain conditions worldwide. Virtual reality?based training has been used for low back pain as a new treatment strategy. Present evidence indicated that the effectiveness of virtual reality?based training for people with chronic low back pain is inconclusive. Objective: This study conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the immediate- and short-term effects of virtual reality?based training on pain, pain-related fear, and disability in people with chronic low back pain. Methods: We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PEDro, CENTRAL, and CINAHL databases from inception until January 2024. Only randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of virtual reality?based training on individuals with chronic low back pain were selected. The outcomes were focused on pain, pain-related fear measured by the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, and disability measured by the Oswestry Disability Index. The immediate term was defined as the immediate period after intervention, and the short term was defined as 3 to 6 months after intervention. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach were used to evaluate the quality of the methodology and evidence, respectively. Results: In total, 20 randomized controlled trials involving 1059 patients were eligible for analysis. Virtual reality?based training showed significant improvements in pain (mean difference [MD] ?1.43; 95% CI ?1.86 to ?1.00; I2=95%; P<.001), pain-related fear using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (MD ?5.46; 95% CI ?9.40 to 1.52; I2=90%; P=.007), and disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (MD ?11.50; 95% CI ?20.00 to ?3.01; I2=95%; P=.008) in individuals with chronic low back pain immediately after interventions. However, there were no significant differences observed in pain (P=.16), pain-related fear (P=.10), and disability (P=.43) in the short term. Conclusions: These findings indicated that virtual reality?based training can be used effectively for individuals with chronic low back pain in the immediate term, especially to reduce pain, alleviate pain-related fear, and improve disability. However, the short-term benefits need more high-quality trials to be demonstrated. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42021292633; http://tinyurl.com/25mydxpz UR - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e45406 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/45406 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38407948 ID - info:doi/10.2196/45406 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Su, Zhenzhen AU - Zhang, Liyan AU - Lian, Xuemin AU - Guan, Miaomiao PY - 2024/2/26 TI - Virtual Reality?Based Exercise Rehabilitation in Cancer-Related Dysfunctions: Scoping Review JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e49312 VL - 26 KW - virtual reality KW - cancer KW - virtual reality?based exercise rehabilitation KW - cancer-related dysfunction KW - rehabilitation KW - scoping review N2 - Background: Virtual reality?based exercise rehabilitation (VRER) is a promising intervention for patients with cancer-related dysfunctions (CRDs). However, studies focusing on VRER for CRDs are lacking, and the results are inconsistent. Objective: We aimed to review the application of VRER in patients with CRDs. Methods: This scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist framework. Publications were included from the time of database establishment to October 14, 2023. The databases were PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, ProQuest, arXiv, IEEE Xplore, MedRxiv, CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, and SinoMed. The population included patients with cancer. A virtual reality (VR) system or device was required to be provided in exercise rehabilitation as an intervention. Eligible studies focused on VRER used for CRDs. Study selection and data extraction were performed by 2 reviewers independently. Extracted data included authors, year, country, study type, groups, sample size, participant age, cancer type, existing or potential CRDs, VR models and devices, intervention programs and durations, effectiveness, compliance, satisfaction, and safety. Results: We identified 25 articles, and among these, 12 (48%) were randomized clinical trials, 11 (44%) were other experimental studies, and 2 (8%) were observational studies. The total sample size was 1174 (range 6-136). Among the 25 studies, 22 (88%), 2 (8%), and 1 (4%) included nonimmersive VR, immersive VR, and augmented reality, respectively, which are models of VRER. Commercial game programs (17/25, 68%) were the most popular interventions of VRER, and their duration ranged from 3 to 12 weeks. Using these models and devices, VRER was mostly applied in patients with breast cancer (14/25, 56%), leukemia (8/25, 32%), and lung cancer (3/25, 12%). Furthermore, 6 CRDs were intervened by VRER, and among these, postmastectomy syndromes were the most common (10/25, 40%). Overall, 74% (17/23) of studies reported positive results, including significant improvements in limb function, joint range of motion, edema rates, cognition, respiratory disturbance index, apnea, activities of daily living, and quality of life. The compliance rate ranged from 56% to 100%. Overall, 32% (8/25) of studies reported on patient satisfaction, and of these, 88% (7/8) reported satisfaction with VRER. Moreover, 13% (1/8) reported mild sickness as an adverse event. Conclusions: We found that around half of the studies reported using VRER in patients with breast cancer and postmastectomy dysfunctions through nonimmersive models and commercial game programs having durations of 3-12 weeks. In addition, most studies showed that VRER was effective owing to virtualization and interaction. Therefore, VRER may be an alternate intervention for patients with CRDs. However, as the conclusions were drawn from data with acknowledged inconsistencies and limited satisfaction reports, studies with larger sample sizes and more outcome indictors are required. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e49312 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/49312 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38407951 ID - info:doi/10.2196/49312 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Kirkham, Rebecca AU - Kooijman, Lars AU - Albertella, Lucy AU - Myles, Dan AU - Yücel, Murat AU - Rotaru, Kristian PY - 2024/2/26 TI - Immersive Virtual Reality?Based Methods for Assessing Executive Functioning: Systematic Review JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e50282 VL - 12 KW - virtual reality KW - executive functioning KW - neuropsychological assessment KW - systematic review KW - psychometric properties KW - cybersickness KW - immersion KW - cognition N2 - Background: Neuropsychological assessments traditionally include tests of executive functioning (EF) because of its critical role in daily activities and link to mental disorders. Established traditional EF assessments, although robust, lack ecological validity and are limited to single cognitive processes. These methods, which are suitable for clinical populations, are less informative regarding EF in healthy individuals. With these limitations in mind, immersive virtual reality (VR)?based assessments of EF have garnered interest because of their potential to increase test sensitivity, ecological validity, and neuropsychological assessment accessibility. Objective: This systematic review aims to explore the literature on immersive VR assessments of EF focusing on (1) EF components being assessed, (2) how these assessments are validated, and (3) strategies for monitoring potential adverse (cybersickness) and beneficial (immersion) effects. Methods: EBSCOhost, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched in July 2022 using keywords that reflected the main themes of VR, neuropsychological tests, and EF. Articles had to be peer-reviewed manuscripts written in English and published after 2013 that detailed empirical, clinical, or proof-of-concept studies in which a virtual environment using a head-mounted display was used to assess EF in an adult population. A tabular synthesis method was used in which validation details from each study, including comparative assessments and scores, were systematically organized in a table. The results were summed and qualitatively analyzed to provide a comprehensive overview of the findings. Results: The search retrieved 555 unique articles, of which 19 (3.4%) met the inclusion criteria. The reviewed studies encompassed EF and associated higher-order cognitive functions such as inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, working memory, planning, and attention. VR assessments commonly underwent validation against gold-standard traditional tasks. However, discrepancies were observed, with some studies lacking reported a priori planned correlations, omitting detailed descriptions of the EF constructs evaluated using the VR paradigms, and frequently reporting incomplete results. Notably, only 4 of the 19 (21%) studies evaluated cybersickness, and 5 of the 19 (26%) studies included user experience assessments. Conclusions: Although it acknowledges the potential of VR paradigms for assessing EF, the evidence has limitations. The methodological and psychometric properties of the included studies were inconsistently addressed, raising concerns about their validity and reliability. Infrequent monitoring of adverse effects such as cybersickness and considerable variability in sample sizes may limit interpretation and hinder psychometric evaluation. Several recommendations are proposed to improve the theory and practice of immersive VR assessments of EF. Future studies should explore the integration of biosensors with VR systems and the capabilities of VR in the context of spatial navigation assessments. Despite considerable promise, the systematic and validated implementation of VR assessments is essential for ensuring their practical utility in real-world applications. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e50282 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/50282 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38407958 ID - info:doi/10.2196/50282 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Toma, Marian-Vladut AU - Turcu, Elena Cristina AU - Turcu, Octavian Corneliu AU - Vlad, Sorin AU - Tiliute, Eugen Doru AU - Pascu, Paul PY - 2024/2/19 TI - Extended Reality?Based Mobile App Solutions for the Therapy of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Systematic Literature Review JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e49906 VL - 12 KW - autism KW - autistic KW - autism spectrum disorder KW - ASD KW - virtual reality KW - augmented reality KW - extended reality KW - mixed reality KW - mobile app KW - children KW - preschool KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: The increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has driven research interest on the therapy of individuals with autism, especially children, as early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can lead to improvement in the condition. With the widespread availability of virtual reality, augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality technologies to the public and the increasing popularity of mobile devices, the interest in the use of applications and technologies to provide support for the therapy of children with autism is growing. Objective: This study aims to describe the literature on the potential of virtual reality, AR, and mixed reality technologies in the context of therapy for children with ASD. We propose to investigate and analyze the temporal distribution of relevant papers, identify the target audience for studies related to extended reality apps in ASD therapy, examine the technologies used in the development of these apps, assess the skills targeted for improvement in primary studies, explore the purposes of the proposed solutions, and summarize the results obtained from their application. Methods: For the systematic literature review, 6 research questions were defined in the first phase, after which 5 international databases (Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, IEEE Xplore Digital Library, and ACM Digital Library) were searched using specific search strings. Results were centralized, filtered, and processed applying eligibility criteria and using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The results were refined using a technical and IT-oriented approach. The quality criteria assessed whether the research addressed ASDs, focused on children?s therapy, involved targeted technologies, deployed solutions on mobile devices, and produced results relevant to our study. Results: In the first step, 179 publications were identified in Zotero reference manager software (Corporation for Digital Scholarship). After excluding articles that did not meet the eligibility or quality assessment criteria, 28 publications were finalized. The analysis revealed an increase in publications related to apps for children with autism starting in 2015 and peaking in 2019. Most studies (22/28, 79%) focused on mobile AR solutions for Android devices, which were developed using the Unity 3D platform and the Vuforia engine. Although 68% (19/28) of these apps were tested with children, 32% (9/28) were tested exclusively by developers. More than half (15/28, 54%) of the studies used interviews as an evaluation method, yielding mostly favorable although preliminary results, indicating the need for more extensive testing. Conclusions: The findings reported in the studies highlight the fact that these technologies are appropriate for the therapy of children with ASD. Several studies showed a distinct trend toward the use of AR technology as an educational tool for people with ASD. This trend entails multidisciplinary cooperation and an integrated research approach, with an emphasis on comprehensive empirical evaluations and technology ethics. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e49906 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/49906 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38373032 ID - info:doi/10.2196/49906 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Stendal, Karen AU - Bernabe, C. Rosemarie D. L. PY - 2024/2/13 TI - Extended Reality?New Opportunity for People With Disability? Practical and Ethical Considerations JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e41670 VL - 26 KW - extended reality KW - virtual worlds KW - virtual reality KW - disability KW - practical KW - ethical KW - technology KW - virtual KW - reality KW - development KW - research KW - challenges UR - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e41670 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/41670 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38349731 ID - info:doi/10.2196/41670 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Zhang, Tongtong AU - Li, Xin AU - Zhou, Xuan AU - Zhan, Lixia AU - Wu, Fan AU - Huang, Zefan AU - Sun, Yuxun AU - Feng, Yufei AU - Du, Qing PY - 2024/2/12 TI - Virtual Reality Therapy for the Management of Chronic Spinal Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e50089 VL - 12 KW - virtual reality KW - chronic spinal pain KW - inflammation-related pain KW - systematic review KW - meta-analysis N2 - Background: The effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) therapy in adults with chronic spinal pain (CSP) is unclear. Objective: This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of VR therapy and other therapies in adults with CSP, especially patients with inflammation-related pain. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched up to November 11, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing adults with CSP receiving VR therapy with those receiving other therapies were included. The trial registration platform as well as the reference lists of included studies and previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses were manually searched. Two independent reviewers performed study selection, data extraction, risk-of-bias assessment, and evaluation of the quality of the evidence. The weighted mean difference (WMD) was used as the effect size used to synthesize the outcome measure. Results: In total, 16 RCTs involving 800 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled data from 15 (94%) RCTs including 776 (97%) participants showed that VR therapy was superior in improving pain intensity (WMD=?1.63, 95% CI ?2.11 to ?1.16, P<.001, I2=90%) and reducing inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (WMD=?0.89, 95% CI ?1.07 to ?0.70, P<.001, I2=0%), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (WMD=?6.60, 95% CI ?8.56 to ?4.64, P<.001, I2=98%), and interleukin-6 (WMD=?2.76, 95% CI ?2.98 to ?2.53, P<.001, I2=0%). However, no significant differences were found in terms of the spinal range of motion (ROM), disability level, or fear of movement. In addition, 10 (63%) of the included RCTs had a high risk of bias. Conclusions: VR therapy may be an effective and safe intervention for reducing symptoms in patients with CSP, as it is shown to exert significant analgesic effects and beneficial improvements in inflammatory factor levels. However, this approach may not have significant effects on the spinal ROM, disability level, or fear of movement. Notably, the quality of the evidence from the RCTs included in this study ranged from moderate to low. Therefore, we recommend that readers interpret the results of this study with caution. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022382331; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=382331 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e50089 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/50089 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38345832 ID - info:doi/10.2196/50089 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Yao, WenQi AU - Han, YiBing AU - Yang, Li AU - Chen, Ying AU - Yan, ShengZhe AU - Cheng, YanZhen PY - 2024/2/12 TI - Electronic Interactive Games for Glycemic Control in Individuals With Diabetes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e43574 VL - 12 KW - electronic game KW - physical activity KW - diet KW - diabetes mellitus KW - glycemic control N2 - Background: Several electronic interventions have been used to improve glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Electronic interactive games specific to physical activity are available, but it is unclear if these are effective at improving glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of electronic game?based interventions on glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Methods: Relevant studies that were published before April 1, 2023, were searched from 5 databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Eligibility criteria included prospective studies examining the relationship between electronic games with physical activities or diet education and glycemic control as the outcome. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. All analyses were conducted using RevMan5.4.1. Depending on the heterogeneity across studies, the pooled effects were calculated using fixed-effects or random-effects models. Results: Participants from 9 studies were included and assessed. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose improved in the intervention group, although the analysis revealed no significant reduction in HbA1c (?0.09%, 95% CI ?0.29% to 0.10%) or fasting blood glucose (?0.94 mg/dL, 95% CI ?9.34 to 7.46 mg/dL). However, the physical activity of individuals in the intervention group was significantly higher than that of those in the control group (standardized mean difference=0.84, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.38; P=.002). Other outcomes, such as weight and blood lipids, exhibited no significant improvement (all P>.05). Conclusions: Electronic games had a good impact on participants? physical activity and offered an advantage in glycemic control without reaching statistical significance. Electronic games are convenient for reminders and education. Low-intensity exercise games may not be considered a better adjuvant intervention to improve diabetes self-management care. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e43574 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/43574 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38345856 ID - info:doi/10.2196/43574 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Shahid, Simon AU - Kelson, Joshua AU - Saliba, Anthony PY - 2024/2/8 TI - Effectiveness and User Experience of Virtual Reality for Social Anxiety Disorder: Systematic Review JO - JMIR Ment Health SP - e48916 VL - 11 KW - social anxiety disorder KW - social phobia KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - VR exposure therapy KW - effectiveness KW - user experience KW - safety KW - usability KW - acceptability KW - anxiety KW - phobia KW - exposure KW - systematic KW - review methods KW - review methodology KW - social KW - psychiatric KW - mental health KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder that affects occupational and social functioning. Virtual reality (VR) therapies can provide effective treatment for people with SAD. However, with rapid innovations in immersive VR technology, more contemporary research is required to examine the effectiveness and concomitant user experience outcomes (ie, safety, usability, acceptability, and attrition) of emerging VR interventions for SAD. Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness and user experience of contemporary VR interventions among people with SAD. Methods: The Cochrane Library, Emcare, PsycINFO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched between January 1, 2012, and April 26, 2022. Deduplicated search results were screened based on title and abstract information. Full-text examination was conducted on 71 articles. Studies of all designs and comparator groups were included if they appraised the effectiveness and user experience outcomes of any immersive VR intervention among people with SAD. A standardized coding sheet was used to extract data on key participant, intervention, comparator, outcome, and study design items. Results: The findings were tabulated and discussed using a narrative synthesis. A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. Conclusions: The findings showed that VR exposure therapy?based interventions can generally provide effective, safe, usable, and acceptable treatments for adults with SAD. The average attrition rate from VR treatment was low (11.36%) despite some reported user experience difficulties, including potential simulator sickness, exposure-based emotional distress, and problems with managing treatment delivered in a synchronous group setting. This review also revealed several research gaps, including a lack of VR treatment studies on children and adolescents with SAD as well as a paucity of standardized assessments of VR user experience interactions. More studies are required to address these issues. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022353891; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=353891 UR - https://mental.jmir.org/2024/1/e48916 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/48916 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38329804 ID - info:doi/10.2196/48916 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Egger, Jan AU - Gsaxner, Christina AU - Kleesiek, Jens AU - Puladi, Behrus PY - 2024/1/31 TI - What is Diminished Virtuality? A Directional and Layer-Based Taxonomy for the Reality-Virtuality Continuum JO - JMIR XR Spatial Comput SP - e52904 VL - 1 KW - reality-virtuality continuum KW - diminished virtuality KW - Apple Vision Pro KW - VR KW - virtual reality KW - reality-virtuality KW - mixed reality KW - augmented reality KW - XR KW - extended reality KW - taxonomy KW - classification KW - classifications KW - concept KW - concepts KW - conceptual UR - https://xr.jmir.org/2024/1/e52904 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/52904 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/52904 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Appel, Lora AU - Appel, Eva AU - Kisonas, Erika AU - Lewis-Fung, Samantha AU - Pardini, Susanna AU - Rosenberg, Jarred AU - Appel, Julian AU - Smith, Christopher PY - 2024/1/30 TI - Evaluating the Impact of Virtual Reality on the Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia and Quality of Life of Inpatients With Dementia in Acute Care: Randomized Controlled Trial (VRCT) JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e51758 VL - 26 KW - digital therapies KW - nonpharmacological KW - cognitive impairment KW - behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia KW - BPSDs KW - randomized controlled trial KW - virtual reality N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly considered a valuable therapeutic tool for people with dementia. However, rigorous studies are still needed to evaluate its impact on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs) and quality of life (QoL) across care settings. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of VR therapy on managing BPSDs, falls, length of stay, and QoL in inpatients with dementia admitted to an acute care hospital. The secondary aim was to evaluate the intervention?s feasibility in terms of acceptability, safety, and patient experience. Methods: A prospective, open-label, mixed methods, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted between April 2019 and March 2020. A total of 69 participants (aged ?65 years with a diagnosis of dementia and who did not meet the exclusion criteria) were randomly assigned to either the control (n=35, 51%) or VR (n=34, 49%) arm. Participants in the experimental (VR) arm were visited by a researcher and watched 360° VR films on a head-mounted display for up to 20 minutes every 1 to 3 days, whereas individuals in the control arm received standard of care. Instances of daily BPSDs and falls were collected from nurses? daily notes. QoL was measured through semistructured interviews and the Quality of Life in Late-Stage Dementia scale. Structured observations and semistructured interviews were used to measure treatment feasibility. The primary outcomes were analyzed at a 95% significance level based on the intention-to-treat method. Results: VR therapy had a statistically significant effect on reducing aggressiveness (ie, physical aggression and loud vociferation; P=.01). Substantial impact of VR therapy was not found for other BPSDs (eg, apathy), falls, length of stay, or QoL as measured using the Quality of Life in Late-Stage Dementia scale. The average VR therapy session lasted 6.8 (SD 6.6; range 0-20) minutes, and the intervention was overall an acceptable and enjoyable experience for participants. No adverse events occurred as a result of VR therapy. Conclusions: Immersive VR therapy appears to have an effect on aggressive behaviors in patients with dementia in acute care. Although the randomized controlled trial was stopped before reaching the intended sample size owing to COVID-19 restrictions, trends in the results are promising. We suggest conducting future trials with larger samples and, in some cases, more sensitive data collection instruments. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03941119; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03941119 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/22406 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e51758 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/51758 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38289666 ID - info:doi/10.2196/51758 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Pardini, Susanna AU - Gabrielli, Silvia AU - Olivetto, Silvia AU - Fusina, Francesca AU - Dianti, Marco AU - Forti, Stefano AU - Lancini, Cristina AU - Novara, Caterina PY - 2024/1/30 TI - Personalized Virtual Reality Compared With Guided Imagery for Enhancing the Impact of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Ment Health SP - e48649 VL - 11 KW - digital health KW - progressive muscular relaxation technique KW - mental well-being KW - virtual reality therapy KW - anxiety KW - relaxation KW - e-therapy KW - eHealth KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: Empirical evidence has shown that virtual reality (VR) scenarios can increase the effects of relaxation techniques, reducing anxiety by enabling people to experience emotional conditions in more vivid settings. Objective: This pilot randomized controlled study aims to investigate whether the progressive muscle relaxation technique (PMRT) associated with a personalized scenario in VR promotes psychological well-being and facilitates the recall of relaxing images more than the standard complementary intervention that involves the integration of PMRT and guided imagery (GI). Methods: On the basis of a longitudinal, between-subject design, 72 university students were randomly exposed to one of two experimental conditions: (1) standard complementary procedure (PMRT and GI exposure) and (2) experimental procedure (PMRT and personalized VR exposure). Individuals were assessed by a therapist before and after 7 training sessions based on measures investigating anxiety, depression, quality of life, coping strategies, sense of presence, engagement, and side effects related to VR exposure. Heart rate data were also collected. Results: Differences in changes between the 2 groups after the in vivo PMRT session conducted by the psychotherapist (T1) were statistically significant for state anxiety (F1,67=30.56; P<.001) and heart rate (F1,67=4.87; P=.01). Individuals in the VR group obtained lower scores both before (t67=?2.63; P=.01; Cohen d=0.91) and after (t67=?7.23; P<.001; Cohen d=2.45) the relaxation session when it was self-administered by participants (T2). A significant reduction in perceived state anxiety at T1 and T2 was observed for both groups (P<.001). After the VR experience, individuals reported feeling higher engagement in the experience than what was mentioned by participants in the GI group (F1,67=2.85; P=.03; ?p2=0.15), and they experienced the environment as more realistic (F1,67=4.38; P=.003; ?p2=0.21). No differences between groups regarding sense of presence were found (F1,67=1.99; P=.11; ?p2=0.11). Individuals exposed before to the VR scenario (T1) referred to perceiving the scenario recalled in-imagination at T2 as more realistic than what those in the GI group experienced (F1,67=3.21; P=.02; ?p2=0.12). The VR group had lower trait anxiety levels than the GI group after the relaxation session during session 7 (T2; t67=?2.43; P=.02). Conclusions: Personalized relaxing VR scenarios can contribute to improving relaxation and decreasing anxiety when integrated with PMRT as a complementary relaxation method. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05478941; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05478941 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/44183 UR - https://mental.jmir.org/2024/1/e48649 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/48649 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38289673 ID - info:doi/10.2196/48649 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Sommer, L. Jordana AU - Reynolds, Kristin AU - Hebbard, Pamela AU - Smith, D. Michael S. AU - Mota, Natalie AU - Mutch, C. W. Alan AU - Maples-Keller, Jessica AU - Roos, Leslie AU - El-Gabalawy, Renée PY - 2024/1/17 TI - Preoperative Virtual Reality to Expose Patients With Breast Cancer to the Operating Room Environment: Feasibility and Pilot Case Series Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e46367 VL - 8 KW - virtual reality KW - preoperative anxiety and distress KW - breast cancer surgery KW - anesthesia KW - feasibility KW - pilot N2 - Background: Clinically elevated preoperative distress and anxiety are common among patients undergoing cancer surgery. Preoperative interventions have been developed to mitigate this distress and anxiety but are inconsistent in efficacy and feasibility for broad implementation. Objective: This preliminary pilot study aims to assess the feasibility and utility of a newly developed virtual reality (VR) intervention to expose patients awaiting breast cancer surgery to the operating room environment and a simulation of anesthetic induction. Methods: Patients undergoing breast cancer surgery (N=7) were assigned to the VR intervention or control (treatment as usual) group and completed self-report measures of distress and anxiety before surgery, on the day of surgery, and after surgery (5 and 30 d postoperatively). Those in the intervention group trialed the VR simulation 1 to 2 weeks preoperatively and provided qualitative and quantitative feedback. We assessed the feasibility of recruitment capability and study design and evaluated participants? impressions of the intervention using self-report rating scales and open-ended questions. We also descriptively examined distress and anxiety levels throughout the duration of the study. Results: Recruitment occurred between December 2021 and December 2022 and progressed slowly (rate: 1 participant/7 wk on average; some hesitancy because of stress and being overwhelmed). All participants who consented to participate completed the entire study. All participants were female and aged 56 (SD 10.56) years on average. In total, 57% (4/7) of the participants were assigned to the intervention group. On average, intervention participants spent 12 minutes engaged in the VR simulation. In general, the intervention was rated favorably (eg, clear information, enjoyable, and attractive presentation; mean% agreement 95.00-96.25, SD 4.79-10.00) and as helpful (mean% agreement 87.50, SD 25.00). Participants described the intervention as realistic (eg, ?It was realistic to my past surgical experiences?), impacting their degree of preparedness and expectations for surgery (eg, ?The sounds and sights and procedures give you a test run; they prepare you for the actual day?), and having a calming or relaxing effect (eg, ?You feel more relaxed for the surgery?). Conclusions: This preoperative VR intervention demonstrated preliminary feasibility among a sample of patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. Results and participant feedback will inform modifications to the VR intervention and the study design of a large-scale randomized controlled trial to examine the efficacy of this intervention. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04544618; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04544618 UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e46367 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/46367 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38231570 ID - info:doi/10.2196/46367 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Pang, MengWei AU - Dong, YanLing AU - Zhao, XiaoHan AU - Wan, JiaWu AU - Jiang, Li AU - Song, JinLin AU - Ji, Ping AU - Jiang, Lin PY - 2024/1/17 TI - Virtual and Interprofessional Objective Structured Clinical Examination in Dentistry and Dental Technology: Development and User Evaluations JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e44653 VL - 8 KW - dentist KW - dental technician KW - objective structured clinical examination KW - OSCE KW - interprofessional education KW - interprofessional collaborative practice N2 - Background: Interprofessional education (IPE) facilitates interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) to encourage teamwork among dental care professionals and is increasingly becoming a part of training programs for dental and dental technology students. However, the focus of previous IPE and IPCP studies has largely been on subjective student and instructor perceptions without including objective assessments of collaborative practice as an outcome measure. Objective: The purposes of this study were to develop the framework for a novel virtual and interprofessional objective structured clinical examination (viOSCE) applicable to dental and dental technology students, to assess the effectiveness of the framework as a tool for measuring the outcomes of IPE, and to promote IPCP among dental and dental technology students. Methods: The framework of the proposed novel viOSCE was developed using the modified Delphi method and then piloted. The lead researcher and a group of experts determined the content and scoring system. Subjective data were collected using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale and a self-made scale, and objective data were collected using examiner ratings. Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests. Results: We successfully developed a viOSCE framework applicable to dental and dental technology students. Of 50 students, 32 (64%) participated in the pilot study and completed the questionnaires. On the basis of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale, the subjective evaluation indicated that teamwork skills were improved, and the only statistically significant difference in participant motivation between the 2 professional groups was in the mutual evaluation scale (P=.004). For the viOSCE evaluation scale, the difference between the professional groups in removable prosthodontics was statistically significant, and a trend for negative correlation between subjective and objective scores was noted, but it was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The results confirm that viOSCE can be used as an objective evaluation tool to assess the outcomes of IPE and IPCP. This study also revealed an interesting relationship between mutual evaluation and IPCP results, further demonstrating that the IPE and IPCP results urgently need to be supplemented with objective evaluation tools. Therefore, the implementation of viOSCE as part of a large and more complete objective structured clinical examination to test the ability of students to meet undergraduate graduation requirements will be the focus of our future studies. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e44653 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/44653 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38231556 ID - info:doi/10.2196/44653 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Gomez Bergin, D. Aislinn AU - Allison, M. Aoife AU - Hazell, M. Cassie PY - 2024/1/12 TI - Understanding Public Perceptions of Virtual Reality Psychological Therapy Using the Attitudes Towards Virtual Reality Therapy (AVRT) Scale: Mixed Methods Development Study JO - JMIR Ment Health SP - e48537 VL - 11 KW - psychological interventions KW - digital KW - virtual reality KW - virtual agent KW - mental health KW - presence N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) psychological therapy has the potential to increase access to evidence-based mental health interventions by automating their delivery while maintaining outcomes. However, it is unclear whether these more automated therapies are acceptable to potential users of mental health services. Objective: The main aim of this study was to develop a new, validated questionnaire to measure public perceptions of VR therapy (VRT) guided by a virtual coach. We also aimed to explore these perceptions in depth and test how aspects such as familiarity with VR and mental health are associated with these perceptions, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Methods: We used a cross-sectional mixed methods design and conducted an exploratory factor analysis of a questionnaire that we developed, the Attitudes Towards Virtual Reality Therapy (AVRT) Scale, and a qualitative content analysis of the data collected through free-text responses during completion of the questionnaire. Results: We received 295 responses and identified 4 factors within the AVRT Scale, including attitudes toward VRT, expectation of presence, preference for VRT, and cost-effectiveness. We found that being more familiar with VR was correlated with more positive attitudes toward VRT (factor 1), a higher expectation of presence (factor 2), a preference for VRT over face-to-face therapy (factor 3), and a belief that VRT is cost-effective (factor 4). Qualitative data supported the factors we identified and indicated that VRT is acceptable when delivered at home and guided by a virtual coach. Conclusions: This study is the first to validate a scale to explore attitudes toward VRT guided by a virtual coach. Our findings indicate that people are willing to try VRT, particularly because it offers increased access and choice, and that as VR becomes ubiquitous, they will also have positive attitudes toward VRT. Future research should further validate the AVRT Scale. UR - https://mental.jmir.org/2024/1/e48537 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/48537 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38214958 ID - info:doi/10.2196/48537 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Villada Castillo, Felipe Julian AU - Montoya Vega, Fernanda Maria AU - Muñoz Cardona, Edison John AU - Lopez, David AU - Quiñones, Leonardo AU - Henao Gallo, Alberto Oscar AU - Lopez, Fernando Jose PY - 2024/1/11 TI - Design of Virtual Reality Exergames for Upper Limb Stroke Rehabilitation Following Iterative Design Methods: Usability Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e48900 VL - 12 KW - stroke KW - user-centered design KW - exergame KW - design KW - virtual reality KW - playtest KW - upper limb rehabilitation N2 - Background: Since the early 2000s, there has been a growing interest in using exercise video games (exergames) and virtual reality (VR)?based interventions as innovative methods to enhance physical rehabilitation for individuals with multiple disabilities. Over the past decade, researchers and exercise professionals have focused on developing specialized immersive exercise video games for various populations, including those who have experienced a stroke, revealing tangible benefits for upper limb rehabilitation. However, it is necessary to develop highly engaging, personalized games that can facilitate the creation of experiences aligned with the preferences, motivations, and challenges communicated by people who have had an episode of stroke. Objective: This study seeks to explore the customization potential of an exergame for individuals who have undergone a stroke, concurrently evaluating its usability as a technological tool in the realm of physical therapy and rehabilitation. Methods: We introduce a playtest methodology to enhance the design of a VR exergame developed using a user-centered approach for upper limb rehabilitation in stroke survivors. Over 4 playtesting sessions, stroke survivors interacted with initial game versions using VR headsets, providing essential feedback for refining game content and mechanics. Additionally, a pilot study involving 10 stroke survivors collected data through VR-related questionnaires to assess game design aspects such as mechanics, assistance, experience, motion sickness, and immersion. Results: The playtest methodology was beneficial for improving the exergame to align with user needs, consistently incorporating their perspectives and achieving noteworthy results. The pilot study revealed that users had a positive response. In the first scenario, a carpenter presents a game based on the flexion-extension movement of the elbow; the second scenario includes a tejo game (a traditional Colombian throwing game) designed around game mechanics related to the flexion-extension movement of the shoulder; and in the third scenario, a farmer challenges the player to perform a movement combining elbow flexion and extension with internal and external rotation of the shoulder. These findings suggest the potential of the studied exergame as a tool for the upper limb rehabilitation of individuals who have experienced a stroke. Conclusions: The inclusion of exergames in rehabilitation for stroke-induced hemiparesis has significantly benefited the recovery process by focusing on essential shoulder and elbow movements. These interactive games play a crucial role in helping users regain mobility and restore practical use of affected limbs. They also serve as valuable data sources for researchers, improving the system?s responsiveness. This iterative approach enhances game design and markedly boosts user satisfaction, suggesting exergames have promising potential as adjunctive elements in traditional therapeutic approaches. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2024/1/e48900 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/48900 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38206670 ID - info:doi/10.2196/48900 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Bogdanski, Erin PY - 2023/12/22 TI - The Effects of Virtual Reality Telemedicine With Pediatric Patients Diagnosed With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Exploratory Research Method Case Report JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e34346 VL - 7 KW - virtual reality KW - psychology KW - neuroscience KW - behavioral health KW - telehealth KW - eHealth KW - telemedicine KW - trauma KW - traumatic KW - PTSD KW - posttraumatic stress disorder KW - mental health KW - mental condition KW - mental illness KW - cognitive behavioral therapy KW - CBT KW - avatar KW - case study KW - pediatric KW - child KW - youth KW - psychiatric disorder N2 - Background: Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) strategies are common interventions to treat child trauma and a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis in children with histories of sexual and physical abuse. With the advent of COVID-19, the disruption of child development combined with intense exposure to technology and screen time indicate a need for delivering other novel approaches to treat pediatric PTSD. Virtual reality (VR) has been used with evidence-based TF-CBT as an intervention in lab-based settings, but never as telehealth. Such technologies, including a VR head-mounted device (HMD) programmed with novel TheraVR software, for psychotherapy and treating trauma-related symptoms could redefine how pediatric populations respond to treatment. Objective: The aim of this exploratory single-case study was to reflect symptom improvement and patient engagement using VR as telehealth. Methods: The patient was a 10-year-old girl of Middle Eastern descent diagnosed with trauma and comorbid medical conditions. The patient was in divorced joint parental custody and a Child Protective Services report was made with referral for therapy. Night terrors, hallucinations, depression, anxiety, isolation, and encopresis symptoms were assessed at the beginning of treatment. Clinical analysis met the criteria for a diagnosis of early onset PTSD, which was treated over the course of 7 months using TF-CBT. A cross-analysis design was used to compare improved effectiveness in treatment and patient outcomes when moving from delivery of care with telehealth using desktop and tablet synchronous technology to 2D VR desktop telehealth with TheraVR software and subsequently HMD VR telehealth with TheraVR software. Sessions were conducted in private practice providing psychotherapy for remote patient care, collateral care with the family, and coordination of clinical care with the patient?s pediatrician. Safety and protocols for reducing triggers were clinically monitored by the provider. Results: Over the course of treatment, and moving from standard telehealth to 2D VR to TheraVR with a standalone HMD, there was a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms. The transfer from using the standard video conferencing with face-to-face video to using customizable avatar technology with an assigned scene environment presented an increase in patient retention and follow-through with the treatment goals. The continuous use of delivery of care using VR with the TheraVR software demonstrated breakthrough clinical observations where the patient devised her own interventions for coping with mood, emotional regulation, and negative cognitive processes using the 10 different VR environments. Conclusions: This study shows the potential efficacy in using VR specifically for younger populations as a better modality of pediatrics care, while improving engagement with the provider through telehealth. These findings suggest the value of further research through larger clinical trials including pediatric patients diagnosed with severe trauma or trauma-related symptoms to assess the effectiveness of TheraVR software. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e34346 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/34346 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38133920 ID - info:doi/10.2196/34346 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Gabrielli, Silvia AU - Cristofolini, Melanie AU - Dianti, Marco AU - Alvari, Gianpaolo AU - Vallefuoco, Ersilia AU - Bentenuto, Arianna AU - Venuti, Paola AU - Mayora Ibarra, Oscar AU - Salvadori, Elio PY - 2023/12/8 TI - Co-Design of a Virtual Reality Multiplayer Adventure Game for Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Mixed Methods Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e51719 VL - 11 KW - co-design KW - virtual reality environments KW - autism KW - social skills interventions KW - multiplayer game design KW - serious games N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) adventure games can offer ideal technological solutions for training social skills in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), leveraging their support for multisensory and multiplayer interactions over distance, which may lower barriers to training access and increase user motivation. However, the design of VR-based game environments for social skills training is still understudied and deserves the deployment of an inclusive design approach to ensure its acceptability by target users. Objective: We aimed to present the inclusive design process that we had followed to develop the Zentastic VR adventure game to foster social skills training in adolescents with ASD and to investigate its feasibility as a training environment for adolescents. Methods: The VR game supports multiplayer training sessions involving small groups of adolescents and their therapists, who act as facilitators. Adolescents with ASD and their therapists were involved in the design and in an explorative acceptability study of an initial prototype of the gaming environment, as well as in a later feasibility multisession evaluation of the VR game final release. Results: The feasibility study demonstrated good acceptability of the VR game by adolescents and an enhancement of their social skills from baseline to posttraining. Conclusions: The findings provide preliminary evidence of the benefits that VR-based games can bring to the training of adolescents with ASD and, potentially, other neurodevelopmental disorders. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2023/1/e51719 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/51719 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38064258 ID - info:doi/10.2196/51719 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Maltby, Steven AU - Garcia-Esperon, Carlos AU - Jackson, Kate AU - Butcher, Ken AU - Evans, W. James AU - O'Brien, William AU - Dixon, Courtney AU - Russell, Skye AU - Wilson, Natalie AU - Kluge, G. Murielle AU - Ryan, Annika AU - Paul, L. Christine AU - Spratt, J. Neil AU - Levi, R. Christopher AU - Walker, Rohan Frederick PY - 2023/12/7 TI - TACTICS VR Stroke Telehealth Virtual Reality Training for Health Care Professionals Involved in Stroke Management at Telestroke Spoke Hospitals: Module Design and Implementation Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e43416 VL - 11 KW - virtual reality KW - technology KW - medical education KW - telehealth KW - stroke management KW - stroke workflow N2 - Background: Stroke management in rural areas is more variable and there is less access to reperfusion therapies, when compared with metropolitan areas. Delays in treatment contribute to worse patient outcomes. To improve stroke management in rural areas, health districts are implementing telestroke networks. The New South Wales Telestroke Service provides neurologist-led telehealth to 23 rural spoke hospitals aiming to improve treatment delivery and patient outcomes. The training of clinical staff was identified as a critical aspect for the successful implementation of this service. Virtual reality (VR) training has not previously been used in this context. Objective: We sought to develop an evidence-based VR training module specifically tailored for stroke telehealth. During implementation, we aimed to assess the feasibility of workplace deployment and collected feedback from spoke hospital staff involved in stroke management on training acceptability and usability as well as perceived training impact. Methods: The TACTICS VR Stroke Telehealth application was developed with subject matter experts. During implementation, both quantitative and qualitative data were documented, including VR use and survey feedback. VR hardware was deployed to 23 rural hospitals, and use data were captured via automated Wi-Fi transfer. At 7 hospitals in a single local health district, staff using TACTICS VR were invited to complete surveys before and after training. Results: TACTICS VR Stroke Telehealth was deployed to rural New South Wales hospitals starting on April 14, 2021. Through August 20, 2023, a total of 177 VR sessions were completed. Survey respondents (n=20) indicated a high level of acceptability, usability, and perceived training impact (eg, accuracy and knowledge transfer; mean scores 3.8-4.4; 5=strongly agree). Furthermore, respondents agreed that TACTICS VR increased confidence (13/18, 72%), improved understanding (16/18, 89%), and improved awareness (17/18, 94%) regarding stroke telehealth. A comparison of matched pre- and posttraining responses revealed that training improved the understanding of telehealth workflow practices (after training: mean 4.2, SD 0.6; before training: mean 3.2, SD 0.9; P<.001), knowledge on accessing stroke telehealth (mean 4.1, SD 0.6 vs mean 3.1, SD 1.0; P=.001), the awareness of stroke telehealth (mean 4.1, SD 0.6 vs mean 3.4, SD 0.9; P=.03), ability to optimally communicate with colleagues (mean 4.2, SD 0.6 vs mean 3.7, SD 0.9; P=.02), and ability to make improvements (mean 4.0, SD 0.6 vs mean 3.5, SD 0.9; P=.03). Remote training and deployment were feasible, and limited issues were identified, although uptake varied widely (0-66 sessions/site). Conclusions: TACTICS VR Stroke Telehealth is a new VR application specifically tailored for stroke telehealth workflow training at spoke hospitals. Training was considered acceptable, usable, and useful and had positive perceived training impacts in a real-world clinical implementation context. Additional work is required to optimize training uptake and integrate training into existing education pathways. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2023/1/e43416 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/43416 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38060297 ID - info:doi/10.2196/43416 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lai, Byron AU - Young, Raven AU - Craig, Mary AU - Chaviano, Kelli AU - Swanson-Kimani, Erin AU - Wozow, Cynthia AU - Davis, Drew AU - Rimmer, H. James PY - 2023/12/6 TI - Improving Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Adolescents With Physical Disabilities Through Group-Based Virtual Reality Gaming: Feasibility Pre-Post Trial Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e47630 VL - 7 KW - therapy KW - mindfulness KW - play KW - friend KW - friends KW - friendship KW - lonely KW - loneliness KW - psychotherapy KW - peer KW - peers KW - recreation KW - disability KW - adolescent KW - adolescents KW - disabled KW - physical disability KW - digital mental health intervention KW - youth KW - young adult KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - gaming KW - depression KW - depressive KW - mental health KW - social KW - isolated KW - isolation KW - socialize KW - socializing KW - socialization KW - interaction KW - interactions KW - acceptability KW - game KW - games KW - exergame KW - exergames KW - exergaming N2 - Background: Adolescents with disabilities experience alarmingly higher rates of depression and isolation than peers without disabilities. There is a need to identify interventions that can improve mental health and isolation among this underserved population. Innovations in virtual reality (VR) gaming ?standalone? headsets allow greater access to immersive high-quality digital experiences, due to their relatively low cost. Objective: This study had three purposes, which were to (1) examine the preliminary effects of a low-cost, home-based VR multiplayer recreation and socialization on depression, socialization, and loneliness; (2) quantify the acceptability of the program as measured by participant adherence, total play time, and exercise time; and (3) identify and describe behavioral mechanisms that affected participant engagement. Methods: This was a single-group, pre- to postdesign trial. The intervention was conducted at home. Participants were recruited from a children?s hospital. The intervention lasted 4 weeks and included 2×1-hour sessions per week of supervised peer-to-peer gaming. Participants used the Meta Quest 2 headset to meet peers and 2 coaches in a private party held digitally. Aim 1 was evaluated with the Children?s Depression Inventory 2 Short Form and the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale 20 items, which are measures of social isolation and loneliness, respectively. Aim 2 was evaluated through the following metrics: participant adherence, the types of games played, friendship building and playtime, and program satisfaction and enjoyment. Results: In total, 12 people enrolled (mean age 16.6, SD 1.8 years; male: n=9 and female: n=3), and 8 people completed the program. Mean attendance for the 8 participants was 77% (49 sessions of 64 total possible sessions; mean 6, SD 2 sessions). A trend was observed for improved Children?s Depression Inventory 2 Short Form scores (mean preintervention score 7.25, SD 4.2; mean postintervention score 5.38, SD 4.1; P=.06; effect size=0.45, 95% CI ?0.15 to 3.9), but this was not statistically significant; no difference was observed for University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale 20 items scores. Most participants (7/8, 88%) stated that they became friends with a peer in class; 50% (4/8) reported that they played with other people. Participants reported high levels of enjoyment and satisfaction with how the program was implemented. Qualitative analysis resulted in 4 qualitative themes that explained behavioral mechanisms that determined engagement in the program. Conclusions: The study findings demonstrated that a brief VR group program could be valuable for potentially improving mental health among adolescents with physical disabilities. Participants built friendships with peers and other players on the web, using low-cost consumer equipment that provided easy access and strong scale-up potential. Study findings identified factors that can be addressed to enhance the program within a larger clinical trial. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05259462; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05259462 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/42651 UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e47630 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/47630 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38055309 ID - info:doi/10.2196/47630 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Zhou, Siyu AU - Gromala, Diane AU - Wang, Leyu PY - 2023/12/4 TI - Ethical Challenges of Virtual Reality Technology Interventions for the Vulnerabilities of Patients With Chronic Pain: Exploration of Technician Responsibility JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e49237 VL - 25 KW - patients with chronic pain KW - vulnerability KW - virtual reality interventions KW - ethics KW - responsibility KW - technical developers UR - https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e49237 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/49237 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38048153 ID - info:doi/10.2196/49237 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Hasan, Safa AU - Alhaj, Hamid AU - Hassoulas, Athanasios PY - 2023/11/30 TI - The Efficacy and Therapeutic Alliance of Augmented Reality Exposure Therapy in Treating Adults With Phobic Disorders: Systematic Review JO - JMIR Ment Health SP - e51318 VL - 10 KW - augmented reality KW - virtual reality KW - anxiety disorders KW - phobic disorders KW - exposure therapy KW - augmented reality exposure KW - phobia KW - excessive fear KW - prevalence KW - technology KW - cost-effectiveness KW - fear KW - phobic N2 - Background: Phobic disorders are characterized by excessive fear of a stimulus that can affect the quality of a patient?s life. The lifetime prevalence in adults is 7.7% to 12.5%. The current literature provides evidence-based inferences about the effectiveness of in-vivo exposure therapy (IVET) in treating phobia. However, this method can put the therapist and the client in danger, with high drop out and refusal rates. A newer approach for exposure therapy using augmented reality technology is under assessment. Objective: This systematic review investigated the novel technology?s efficacy, cost-efficacy, and therapeutic alliance in treating adults with phobia. Methods: An extensive search was conducted using 4 major databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, and Scopus) using a comprehensive list of synonyms for augmented reality exposure therapy (ARET) and phobic disorders. The search targeted any randomized control trial testing ARET in adults with phobic disorders up to August 8, 2022. Results: A total of 6 studies were included, with 208 participants providing results. Studies investigating the efficacy of ARET compared to no intervention showed significant results (P<.05) in the ARET group improvement. Head-to-head comparative studies comparing ARET to IVET showed no significant difference (P>.05) in the effectiveness and therapeutic alliance between both therapies. Further, the results demonstrated that the ARET group had a better long-term effect than IVET, with the ability to put the patients in more situations to face the feared object. Conclusions: The current data suggest clinically significant efficacy and a promising therapeutic alliance of ARET. However, no data are available investigating the cost-effectiveness of ARET. Further research is warranted to ascertain ARET?s cost-effectiveness and examine its efficacy in other populations and anxiety conditions. UR - https://mental.jmir.org/2023/1/e51318 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/51318 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38032710 ID - info:doi/10.2196/51318 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Kim, Sunghak AU - Jung, Timothy AU - Sohn, Kyung Dae AU - Chae, Yoon AU - Kim, Ae Young AU - Kang, Hyun Seung AU - Park, Yujin AU - Chang, Jung Yoon PY - 2023/11/30 TI - The Multidomain Metaverse Cancer Care Digital Platform: Development and Usability Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e46242 VL - 11 KW - metaverse KW - virtual reality KW - cancer education KW - cancer care KW - digital health KW - cancer treatment KW - patient care KW - cross-sectional survey KW - digital health intervention N2 - Background: As cancer treatment methods have diversified and the importance of self-management, which lowers the dependence rate on direct hospital visits, has increased, effective cancer care education and management for health professionals and patients have become necessary. The metaverse is in the spotlight as a means of digital health that allows users to engage in cancer care education and management beyond physical constraints. However, it is difficult to find a multipurpose medical metaverse that can not only be used in the field but also complements current cancer care. Objective: This study aimed to develop an integrated metaverse cancer care platform, Dr. Meta, and examine its usability. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional survey between November and December 2021. A descriptive analysis was performed to examine users? experiences with Dr. Meta. In addition, a supplementary open-ended question was used to ask users for their suggestions and improvements regarding the platform. Results: Responses from 70 Korean participants (male: n=19, 27% and female: n=51, 73%) were analyzed. More than half (n=37, 54%) of the participants were satisfied with Dr. Meta; they responded that it was an interesting and immersive platform (n=50, 72%). Less than half perceived no discomfort when using Dr. Meta (n=34, 49%) and no difficulty in wearing and operating the device (n=30, 43%). Furthermore, more than half (n=50, 72%) of the participants reported that Dr. Meta would help provide non?face-to-face and noncontact services. More than half also wanted to continue using this platform in the future (n=41, 59%) and recommended it to others (n=42, 60%). Conclusions: We developed a multidomain metaverse cancer care platform that can support both health professionals and patients in non?face-to-face cancer care. The platform was uniquely disseminated and implemented in multiple regional hospitals and showed the potential to perform successful cancer care. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2023/1/e46242 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/46242 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38032697 ID - info:doi/10.2196/46242 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Hu, Yanjie AU - Yuan, Xingzhu AU - Ye, Peiling AU - Chang, Chengting AU - Hu, Han Yue AU - Zhang, Weihua AU - Li, Ka PY - 2023/11/23 TI - Virtual Reality in Clinical Nursing Practice Over the Past 10 Years: Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e52022 VL - 11 KW - virtual reality KW - clinical nursing KW - artificial intelligence KW - AI-assisted medical rehabilitation KW - health promotion KW - umbrella review N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) has shown promising levels of effectiveness in nursing education, pain management, and rehabilitation. However, meta-analyses have discussed the effects of VR usage in nursing unilaterally and inconsistently, and the evidence base is diffuse and varied. Objective: We aimed to synthesize the combined evidence from meta-analyses that assessed the effects of nurses using VR technology on nursing education or patient health outcomes. Methods: We conducted an umbrella review by searching for meta-analyses about VR intervention in clinical nursing practice on Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, and PubMed, and in reference lists. Eligible studies were published in English between December 1, 2012, and September 20, 2023. Meta-analyses of ?2 intervention studies and meta-analyses without 95% CI or heterogeneity data were excluded. Characteristic indicators, population information, VR intervention information, and 95% CIs were extracted. A descriptive analysis of research results was conducted to discern relationships between VR interventions and outcomes. I2 and P values were used to evaluate publication bias. AMSTAR (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) 2 and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) checklist were used to appraise literature quality. Results: In total, 768 records were identified; 74 meta-analyses were included for review. The most reported VR study conditions were neuronursing (25/74, 34%), pediatric nursing (13/74, 18%), surgical and wound care (11/74, 15%), oncological nursing (11/74, 15%), and older adult nursing (10/74, 14%). Further, 30% (22/74) of meta-analyses reported publication bias, and 15% (11/74) and 8% (6/74) were rated as ?high? based on AMSTAR 2 and the GRADE checklist, respectively. The main outcome indicators among all included meta-analyses were pain (37/214, 17.3%), anxiety (36/214, 16.8%), cognitive function (17/214, 7.9%), balance (16/214, 7.5%), depression (16/214, 7.5%), motor function (12/214, 5.6%), and participation in life (12/214, 5.6%). VR treatment for cognition, pain, anxiety, and depression was effective (all P values were <.05), while the utility of VR for improving motor function, balance, memory, and attention was controversial. Adverse effects included nausea, vomiting, and dizziness (incidence: range 4.76%-50%). The most common VR platforms were Pico VR glasses, head-mounted displays, the Nintendo Wii, and the Xbox Kinect. VR intervention duration ranged from 2 weeks to 12 months (typically ?4 wk). VR session length and frequency ranged from 5 to 100 minutes and from 1 to 10 times per week, respectively. Conclusions: VR in nursing has positive effects?relieving patients? pain, anxiety, and depression and improving cognitive function?despite the included studies? limited quality. However, applying VR in nursing to improve patients? motor function, balance, memory, and attention remains controversial. Nursing researchers need to further explore the effects and standard operation protocols of VR in clinical practice, and more high-quality research on VR in nursing is needed. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022381382; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=381382 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2023/1/e52022 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/52022 ID - info:doi/10.2196/52022 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Persky, Susan AU - Colloca, Luana PY - 2023/11/22 TI - Medical Extended Reality Trials: Building Robust Comparators, Controls, and Sham JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e45821 VL - 25 KW - augmented reality KW - clinical trial design KW - control conditions KW - medical extended reality KW - sham VR KW - virtual reality UR - https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e45821 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/45821 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37991836 ID - info:doi/10.2196/45821 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ummels, Darcy AU - Cnockaert, Elise AU - Timmers, Inge AU - den Hollander, Marlies AU - Smeets, Rob PY - 2023/11/10 TI - Use of Virtual Reality in Interdisciplinary Multimodal Pain Treatment With Insights From Health Care Professionals and Patients: Action Research Study JO - JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol SP - e47541 VL - 10 KW - virtual reality KW - interdisciplinary multimodal pain treatment KW - chronic pain KW - pain KW - rehabilitation KW - digital health KW - physiotherapy KW - occupational therapy KW - physical therapy N2 - Background: Chronic pain is a widespread global health problem. Interdisciplinary multimodal pain treatment (IMPT) is a treatment option for people with chronic pain. Virtual reality (VR) could be used to broaden IMPT programs. However, despite the advantages of VR, it is rarely used in daily clinical practice. Objective: This research aimed to explore how, when, and with whom VR can be used meaningfully during IMPT, either as an addition or substitution as a component of IMPT. Methods: This research used an action research design to help health care professionals and patients learn how, when, and with whom they can use VR. Data were collected through reflection sessions with health care professionals and semistructured interviews with patients in 2 specialized centers that provide IMPT for chronic pain. Two researchers performed direct content analyses. Results: In total, 4 physiotherapists, 1 occupational therapist, 3 psychologists, and 22 patients participated in this research. Three iteration cycles, including 9 reflection sessions and 8 semistructured interviews, were performed. Both health care professionals and patients considered VR to be useful in therapy as an addition but not a substitution. VR was used as a diagnostic and intervention tool with all patients at the rehabilitation center or home. VR was used to gain insight into patients? pain beliefs, cognitions, and irrational cognitions about additional damage and physical abilities. Considering VR as an intervention tool, the health care professionals had 3 goals: balancing relaxation and competition, grading activities, and exposure in vivo. Conclusions: VR could be a valuable addition to IMPT for both patients with chronic pain and health care professionals. More research should be performed to assess the additional effects of VR on patients? participation in daily life. UR - https://rehab.jmir.org/2023/1/e47541 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/47541 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37948109 ID - info:doi/10.2196/47541 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Wu, Wenjia AU - Le May, Sylvie AU - Hung, Nicole AU - Fortin, Olivier AU - Genest, Christine AU - Francoeur, Maxime AU - Guingo, Estelle AU - St-Arneault, Kate AU - Sylfra, Annie AU - Vu, Kateri An AU - Carmel, Janick AU - Lessard, Laurence AU - Cara-Slavich, Stephany AU - De Koven, Katheryn AU - Paquette, Julie AU - Hoffman, Hunter AU - Asselin, Marie-Eve PY - 2023/11/10 TI - Effects of a Virtual Reality Game on Children?s Anxiety During Dental Procedures (VR-TOOTH): Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e49956 VL - 12 KW - virtual reality KW - pediatrics KW - children KW - dentistry KW - procedures KW - fear KW - anxiety KW - child KW - pediatric KW - dentist KW - dental KW - tooth KW - teeth KW - oral KW - anxious KW - immersion KW - immersive KW - RCT KW - randomized KW - controlled trial N2 - Background: Dental fear and anxiety (DFA) is a condition that affects approximately one-quarter of children and adolescents. It is a significant cause for pediatric patients to avoid dental care later in adulthood. Lack of patient cooperation due to DFA can create an environment of stress, often obligating dentists to end appointments prematurely and consider alternative pharmacological treatment options. Virtual reality (VR) use during dental care, providing an immersive experience through sensory stimuli, is potentially an additional nonpharmacologic tool to better manage DFA in children with special health care needs (SHCN) undergoing dental procedures. Objective: This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of VR immersion as a tool to reduce DFA in pediatric special needs patients undergoing dental procedures. The study also aims to gain insight on parent and health care provider perspectives on the use of VR during dental appointments. Methods: This pilot randomized controlled trial study will follow a parallel design including 2 groups: a control group (clinic?s standard care using a wall TV) and an experimental group (using a VR game). We will randomize 20 participants to either group. Recruitment will be carried out at the dental clinic of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, a tertiary-quaternary care center that mostly serves pediatric patients with SHCN. The primary outcome will be patient recruitment rates and completion rates of planned procedures. DFA in children will be assessed using both an observation-based proxy assessment with the Venham Anxiety and Behavior Rating Scale and physiological assessments using parameters such as change in heart rate and levels of salivary alpha-amylase as a stress biomarker before and 10 minutes after the procedure. Sociodemographic characteristics, measures of the levels of parent and health care professional satisfaction, occurrence of side effects, and any deviation from normal procedure length will also be collected. Descriptive statistics, nonparametric tests, and effect sizes will be used for demographic and clinical variables and to present parent and health care professional satisfaction levels as well as procedural time. Results: This study will be conducted from May 2023 to May 2024, with results expected to be available in December 2024. Conclusions: The pilot study will provide insight on the feasibility and acceptability of VR use in clinical dentistry to reduce DFA for pediatric patients with SHCN. This study will guide future research on VR use in pediatric dentistry and can serve as a framework for a larger randomized clinical trial. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05898100; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05898100 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/49956 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e49956/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/49956 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/49956 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Marks, Asher AU - Garbatini, Amanda AU - Hieftje, Kimberly AU - Puthenpura, Vidya AU - Weser, Veronica AU - Fernandes, F. Claudia-Santi PY - 2023/11/9 TI - Use of Immersive Virtual Reality Spaces to Engage Adolescent and Young Adult Patients With Cancer in Therapist-Guided Support Groups: Protocol for a Pre-Post Study JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e48761 VL - 12 KW - cancer KW - virtual reality KW - support groups KW - peer support KW - adolescent KW - young adult KW - resilience KW - adolescents and young adults KW - oncology KW - therapist-guided support KW - social isolation KW - support system KW - psychosocial support KW - barrier KW - quality of life N2 - Background: For adolescents and young adults, a cancer diagnoses can magnify feelings of social isolation at an inherently vulnerable developmental stage. Prior studies have highlighted the importance of peer groups during cancer treatment. Support groups help foster connection and resilience, but patients find in-person participation difficult due to a variety of factors. Additionally, physical changes brought on by cancer makes these patients hesitant to meet in person. The COVID-19 pandemic magnified these difficulties. Virtual reality (VR) allows for the creation of a therapist-curated, computer-generated social space that potentially enables support groups for this population. Objective: This protocol describes a pilot study examining the efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of a social VR support group intervention for adolescent and young adult patients with cancer. Methods: We approached 20 participants aged 17-20 years, and 16 agreed to participate. Moreover, 1 participant dropped out due to hospitalization. Participants attended virtual, professionally facilitated support groups using Meta Quest VR headsets. The groups consisted of 4 participants and 1 facilitator, amounting to a total of 22 individual sessions. Each session lasted 45-60 minutes and took place weekly for 4-6 weeks. The primary aim of this study was to collect quantitative and qualitative data on the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Feasibility was measured through session participation rates and overall retention rates. The acceptability of the intervention was explored through brief in-person interviews with participants at the end of the final intervention session. The secondary aim of this study was to collect data on the preliminary efficacy of the intervention in decreasing symptoms of participant depression and anxiety and increasing positive affect and resiliency. Results: In total, 15 patients aged 17-20 years participated in 22 sessions between November 5, 2019, and July 8, 2021. The median age was 19 (IQR 17-20) years. Overall, 10 (62%) participants identified as male, 5 (31%) as female, and 1 (6%) as transgender female. Furthermore, 5 (31%) participants identified as Hispanic, 1 (6%) identified as non-Hispanic Asian, 3 (19%) identified as non-Hispanic Black, 6 (38%) identified as non-Hispanic White, and 1 (6%) identified as other race or ethnicity. Hematologic malignancies or bone marrow failure was the most common diagnosis (8/16, 50%). The mean attendance rate was 72.8% (SD 25.7%) and retention was 86.7% (SD 0.35%). Moreover, 45% (10/22) of sessions had to be postponed by a week or more due to unexpected participant scheduling issues. Conclusions: The use of VR to deliver psychosocial support for adolescents and young adults with cancer may reduce common barriers associated with attending in-person peer support groups while improving quality-of-life measures. The data from this study will inform future studies focused on conducting VR support groups in other rare disease populations, including older adults with cancer. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/48761 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e48761 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/48761 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37943596 ID - info:doi/10.2196/48761 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Weber, Antonia AU - Shevchenko, Yury AU - Gerhardt, Sarah AU - Hoffmann, Sabine AU - Kiefer, Falk AU - Vollstädt-Klein, Sabine PY - 2023/11/7 TI - Effectiveness of Reducing Craving in Alcohol Use Disorder Using a Serious Game (SALIENCE): Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e42194 VL - 7 KW - alcohol approach bias KW - alcohol attentional bias KW - alcohol use disorder KW - alcohol KW - attention KW - cognitive bias modification therapy KW - craving KW - cue-exposure therapy KW - decision-making training KW - decision-making KW - incentive salience KW - serious games KW - therapy KW - training N2 - Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) has become a major global health problem. Therapy for this condition is still a great challenge. Recently, it has become increasingly evident that computer-based training is a valuable addition to the treatment of addictive disorders. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the web-based serious game SALIENCE (Stop Alcohol in Everyday Life-New Choices and Evaluations) as an add-on therapy for AUD. It combines the cue-exposure therapy approach with elements of decision-making training, enhanced by interactive panoramic images. The effects of SALIENCE training on levels of craving, attention, and cognitive bias are investigated. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, 62 participants with AUD undergoing 3 weeks of an extended alcohol detoxification program were randomly allocated to an intervention and a control group. A total of 49 individuals (mean age 44.04 y; 17/49, 35% female) completed all sessions and were included in the analysis. Only pretreatment data were available from the other 13 patients. Participants answered questionnaires related to alcohol consumption and craving and completed neuropsychological tasks at the beginning of the study and 2 weeks later to evaluate levels of attention and cognitive biases. During the 2-week period, 27 of the participants additionally performed the SALIENCE training for 30 minutes 3 times a week, for a total of 6 sessions. Results: We observed a significant decrease in craving in both groups: the control group (mean 15.59, SD 8.02 on the first examination day vs mean 13.18, SD 8.38 on the second examination day) and the intervention group (mean 15.19, SD 6.71 on the first examination day vs mean 13.30, SD 8.47 on the second examination day; F1,47=4.31; P=.04), whereas the interaction effect was not statistically significant (F1,47=0.06; P=.80). Results of the multiple linear regression controlling for individual differences between participants indicated a significantly greater decrease in craving (?=4.12; t36=2.34; P=.03) with the SALIENCE intervention. Participants with lower drinking in negative situations reduced their craving (?=.38; t36=3.01; P=.005) more than people with higher drinking in negative situations. Conclusions: The general effectiveness of SALIENCE training as an add-on therapy in reducing alcohol craving was not confirmed. Nevertheless, taking into account individual differences (gender, duration of dependence, stress, anxiety, and drinking behavior in different situations), it was shown that SALIENCE training resulted in a larger reduction in craving than without. Notably, individuals who rarely consume alcohol due to negative affect profited the most from SALIENCE training. In addition to the beneficial effect of SALIENCE training, these findings highlight the relevance of individualized therapy for AUD, adapted to personal circumstances such as drinking motivation. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03765476; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03765476 UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e42194 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/42194 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37934561 ID - info:doi/10.2196/42194 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Kluge, G. Murielle AU - Maltby, Steven AU - Kuhne, Caroline AU - Walker, Nicole AU - Bennett, Neanne AU - Aidman, Eugene AU - Nalivaiko, Eugene AU - Walker, Rohan Frederick PY - 2023/11/6 TI - Evaluation of a Virtual Reality Platform to Train Stress Management Skills for a Defense Workforce: Multisite, Mixed Methods Feasibility Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e46368 VL - 25 KW - virtual reality KW - workplace training KW - stress management KW - defense N2 - Background: Psychological stress-related injuries within first-responder organizations have created a need for the implementation of effective stress management training. Most stress management training solutions have limitations associated with scaled adoption within the workforce. For instance, those that are effective in civilian populations often do not align with the human performance culture embedded within first-responder organizations. Programs involving expert-led instructions that are high in quality are often expensive. Objective: This study sought to evaluate a tailored stress management training platform within the existing training schedule of the Australian Defense Force (ADF). The platform, known as Performance Edge (PE), is a novel virtual reality (VR) and biofeedback-enabled stress management skills training platform. Focusing on practical training of well-established skills and strategies, the platform was designed to take advantage of VR technology to generate an immersive and private training environment. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of delivering the VR platform within the existing group-based training context and intended training population. In this setting, the study further aimed to collect data on critical predictors of user acceptance and technology adoption in education, including perceived usability, usefulness, and engagement, while also assessing training impacts. Methods: This study used a mixed methods, multisite approach to collect observational, self-reported, and biometric data from both training staff and trainers within a real-world ?on-base? training context in the ADF. Validated scales include the Presence Questionnaire and User Engagement Scale for perceived usefulness, usability, and engagement, as well as the State Mindfulness Scale and Relaxation Inventory, to gain insights into immediate training impacts for specific training modules. Additional surveys were specifically developed to assess implementation feedback, intention to use skills, and perceived training impact and value. Results: PE training was delivered to 189 ADF trainees over 372 training sessions. The platform was easy to use at an individual level and was feasible to deliver in a classroom setting. Trainee feedback consistently showed high levels of engagement and a sense of presence with the training content and environment. PE is overall perceived as an effective and useful training tool. Self-report and objective indices confirmed knowledge improvement, increased skill confidence, and increased competency after training. Specific training elements resulted in increased state mindfulness, increased physical relaxation, and reduced breathing rate. The ability to practice cognitive strategies in a diverse, private, and immersive training environment while in a group setting was highlighted as particularly valuable. Conclusions: This study found the VR-based platform (PE) to be a feasible stress management training solution for group-based training delivery in a defense population. Furthermore, the intended end users, both trainers and trainees, perceive the platform to be usable, useful, engaging, and effective for training, suggesting end-user acceptance and potential for technology adoption. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e46368 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/46368 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37930751 ID - info:doi/10.2196/46368 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Dreesmann, J. Nathan AU - Buchanan, Diana AU - Tang, Jean Hsin-Yi AU - Furness III, Thomas AU - Thompson, Hilaire PY - 2023/10/17 TI - Virtual Reality Meditation for Fatigue in Persons With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Mixed Methods Pilot Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e46209 VL - 7 KW - anxiety KW - chronic pain KW - depression KW - fatigue KW - feasibility study KW - feasibility KW - head-mounted display KW - meditation KW - mixed method KW - mood KW - pain KW - rheumatoid arthritis KW - symptom KW - virtual reality KW - VR N2 - Background: Effective symptom management is crucial to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with chronic diseases. Health care has changed markedly over the past decade as immersive, stand-alone, and wearable technologies including virtual reality have become available. One chronic pain population that could benefit from such an intervention is individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent pharmacologic advances in the management of RA have led to a decrease in inflammatory symptoms (eg, chronic pain) or even disease remission, yet up to 70% of patients with RA still suffer from fatigue. While VR-delivered behavior, meditation, and biofeedback programs show promise for pain and anxiety management, there is little information on the use of virtual reality meditation (VRM) for fatigue management among individuals with RA. Objective: This study aims to (1) examine the feasibility of implementing a study protocol that uses VRM, (2) determine the acceptability of using VRM for fatigue management in an outpatient population, and (3) identify barriers and contextual factors that might impact VRM use for fatigue management in outpatients with RA. Methods: We used a convergent, mixed methods design and enrolled adults aged 18 years or older with a clinical diagnosis of RA. Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Information System (PROMIS) measures of fatigue, depression, anxiety, pain behavior, and physical function were assessed alongside the brief mood introspection scale at baseline and weekly for 4 weeks. VRM use across the 4-week study period was automatically stored on headsets and later extracted for analysis. Semistructured interview questions focused on feedback regarding the participant?s experience with RA, previous experience of fatigue, strategies participants use for fatigue management, and the participant?s experience using VRM and recommendations for future use. Results: A total of 13 participants completed this study. Most participants completed all study surveys and measures (11/13, 84% and 13/13, 100%, respectively) and were active participants in interviews at the beginning and end of the program. Participants used VRM an average of 8.9 (SD 8.5) times over the course of the 4-week program. Most participants enjoyed VRM, found it relaxing, or recommended its use (12/13, 92%), but 8 (62%) noted barriers and conceptual factors that impacted VRM use. On average, participants saw decreases in PROMIS fatigue (?6.4, SD 5.1), depression (?5.6, SD 5.7), anxiety (?4.5, SD 6), and pain behavior (?3.9, SD 5.3), and improvements in PROMIS physical function (1.5, SD 2.7) and Brief Mood Introspection Scale mood (5.3, SD 6.7) over the course of this 4-week study. Conclusions: While this study?s implementation was feasible, VRM?s acceptability as an adjunctive modality for symptom management in RA is contingent on effectively overcoming barriers to use and thoughtfully addressing the contextual factors of those with RA to ensure successful intervention deployment. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04804462; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04804462 UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e46209 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/46209 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37847542 ID - info:doi/10.2196/46209 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Vidal, Elizabeth AU - Castro-Gutierrez, Eveling AU - Arisaca, Robert AU - Paz-Valderrama, Alfredo AU - Albiol-Pérez, Sergio PY - 2023/10/3 TI - Serious Game for Fine Motor Control Rehabilitation for Children With Epileptic Encephalopathy: Development and Usability Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e50492 VL - 7 KW - serious game KW - virtual motor rehabilitation KW - ecologic virtual system KW - fine motor rehabilitation KW - virtual reality KW - rare diseases KW - children with epileptic encephalopathy N2 - Background: Epileptic encephalopathy (EE) is defined as the presence of frequent epileptiform activity that adversely impacts development, typically causing the slowing or regression of developmental skills, and is usually associated with frequent seizures. One of the main disturbances in EE is in the coordination of the upper extremities and hands. Traditional rehabilitation for this type of pathology focuses on the alleviation of gross or fine motor disability. In the last few years, the use of low-cost devices together with customized serious games has shown improvements in motor disorders and enrichments in activities of daily living. Objective: This study aims to explore the feasibility of a new serious game for improving fine motor control in children with EE. Methods: The participants were 4 children with EE (male: n=2, 50%; female: n=2, 50%) who were classified as belonging to level 1 in the Gross Motor Classification System. The children were tested over 10 sessions during the intervention period (before and after treatment). The clinical tests performed were the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, 2nd edition and Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation Scale. The subscales of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, 2nd edition were fine motor precision, fine motor integration, manual dexterity, and upper-limb coordination. At the end of the first session, we used the User Satisfaction Evaluation Questionnaire to analyze user satisfaction. Results: The significance outcomes for a Student t test (1-tailed) were as follows: P=.009 for fine motor precision, P=.002 for fine motor integration, P=.56 for manual dexterity, and P=.99 for upper-limb coordination. The participation rate as measured using the Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation Scale was between good and very good, which means that, based on the therapist?s evaluation, interest, independence, and motivation were achieved by each participant. The mean User Satisfaction Evaluation Questionnaire score was close to 30, which is the maximum value. Conclusions: The results support the use of the proposed serious game as a complement in therapeutic sessions during the rehabilitation processes for children with EE. Significant improvements in fine motor control and activities of daily living revealed that the proposed serious game is beneficial for fine motor disorders of this pathology. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e50492 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/50492 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37788071 ID - info:doi/10.2196/50492 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Bui, T. Dung AU - Barnett, Tony AU - Hoang, Ha AU - Chinthammit, Winyu PY - 2023/10/2 TI - Usability of Augmented Reality Technology in Situational Telementorship for Managing Clinical Scenarios: Quasi-Experimental Study JO - JMIR Med Educ SP - e47228 VL - 9 KW - augmented reality KW - mentorship KW - patient simulation KW - patient care management KW - quasi-experimental study KW - telehealth N2 - Background: Telementorship provides a way to maintain the professional skills of isolated rural health care workers. The incorporation of augmented reality (AR) technology into telementoring systems could be used to mentor health care professionals remotely under different clinical situations. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the usability of AR technology in telementorship for managing clinical scenarios in a simulation laboratory. Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental design. Experienced health professionals and novice health practitioners were recruited for the roles of mentors and mentees, respectively, and then trained in the use of the AR setup. In the experiment, each mentee wearing an AR headset was asked to respond to 4 different clinical scenarios: acute coronary syndrome (ACS), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), pneumonia severe reaction to antibiotics (PSRA), and hypoglycemic emergency (HE). Their mentor used a laptop to provide remote guidance, following the treatment protocols developed for each scenario. Rating scales were used to measure the AR?s usability, mentorship effectiveness, and mentees? self-confidence and skill performance. Results: A total of 4 mentors and 15 mentees participated in this study. Mentors and mentees were positive about using the AR technology, despite some technical issues and the time required to become familiar with the technology. The positive experience of telementorship was highlighted (mean 4.8, SD 0.414 for mentees and mean of 4.25, SD 0.5 for mentors on the 5-point Likert scale). Mentees? confidence in managing each of the 4 scenarios improved after telementoring (P=.001 for the ACS, AMI, and PSRA scenarios and P=.002 for the HE scenario). Mentees? individual skill performance rates ranged from 98% in the ACS scenario to 97% in the AMI, PSRA, and HE scenarios. Conclusions: This study provides evidence about the usability of AR technology in telementorship for managing clinical scenarios. The findings suggest the potential for this technology to be used to support health workers in real-world clinical environments and point to new directions of research. UR - https://mededu.jmir.org/2023/1/e47228 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/47228 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37782533 ID - info:doi/10.2196/47228 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Aksoy, Emin Mehmet AU - Özkan, Ekin Arun AU - Kitapcioglu, Dilek AU - Usseli, Tuba PY - 2023/9/28 TI - Comparing the Outcomes of Virtual Reality?Based Serious Gaming and Lecture-Based Training for Advanced Life Support Training: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e46964 VL - 11 KW - Advanced Cardiac Life Support KW - virtual reality KW - serious game KW - randomized controlled trial KW - Advanced Life Support N2 - Background: Simulation-based Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Advanced Life Support (ALS) training for health care professionals is important worldwide for saving lives. Virtual reality (VR)?based serious gaming can be an alternative modality to be used as a part of simulation-based ALS training. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate whether a VR-based ALS serious game module can replace classroom-based ALS lectures, the latter being part of existing conventional ALS training protocols in addition to skills training. Methods: Participants were students from Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University?s Vocational School for Anesthesiology (N=29) randomly divided into 2 groups with 15 (conventional training group) and 14 (VR-based training group) participants each. Participants in the conventional training group had to complete the pretest consisting of multiple-choice questions at the beginning of the study. Afterward, they took part in an interactive classroom-based ALS lecture. The next step involved skills training with task trainers to teach them compression skills. Following this, the conventional training group was divided into Code Blue teams, each consisting of 5 participants for the simulation session. Two independent instructors evaluated video recordings in terms of technical and nontechnical skills. The score acquired from the manikin-based simulation session was considered the main performance indicator in this study to measure the learning outcome. A similar workflow was used for the VR-based training group, but this group was trained with the VR-based ALS serious game module instead of the theoretical lecture. The final stage of the study involved completing the posttest consisting of multiple-choice questions. A preference survey was conducted among the study participants. Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to analyze the 2 groups? performances in this study. Results: The improvement in posttest results compared with pretest results was significant in the conventional training group (P=.002). Hands-on technical scores of the conventional training group were higher than those of the VR-based training group during manikin-based simulation, but total scores, including those for technical and crisis resource management skills, acquired from the manikin-based simulation session did not reveal any significant difference between the 2 groups. The results of the VR preference survey revealed that the majority of the participants prefer VR-based serious game?based training instead of classroom lectures. Conclusions: Although hands-on technical scores of the conventional training group during the manikin-based simulation session were higher than those of the VR-based training group, both groups? total performance scores, including those for technical and crisis resource management skills, did not differ significantly. The preference survey reveals that the majority of the participants would prefer a VR-based ALS serious gaming module instead of lecture-based training. Further studies are required to reveal the learning outcome of VR-based ALS serious gaming. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05798910; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05798910 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2023/1/e46964 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/46964 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37768719 ID - info:doi/10.2196/46964 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Mittmann, Gloria AU - Zehetner, Vanessa AU - Hoehl, Stefanie AU - Schrank, Beate AU - Barnard, Adam AU - Woodcock, Kate PY - 2023/9/20 TI - Using Augmented Reality Toward Improving Social Skills: Scoping Review JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e42117 VL - 11 KW - virtual reality KW - serious games KW - autism spectrum disorder KW - social learning KW - communication KW - cooperation KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: Augmented reality (AR) has emerged as a promising technology in educational settings owing to its engaging nature. However, apart from applications aimed at the autism spectrum disorder population, the potential of AR in social-emotional learning has received less attention. Objective: This scoping review aims to map the range of AR applications that improve social skills and map the characteristics of such applications. Methods: In total, 2 independent researchers screened 2748 records derived from 3 databases in December 2021?PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and ACM Guide to Computing Literature. In addition, the reference lists of all the included records and existing reviews were screened. Records that had developed a prototype with the main outcome of improving social skills were included in the scoping review. Included records were narratively described for their content regarding AR and social skills, their target populations, and their outcomes. Evaluation studies were assessed for methodological quality. Results: A total of 17 records met the inclusion criteria for this study. Overall, 10 records describe applications for children with autism, primarily teaching about reading emotions in facial expressions; 7 records describe applications for a general population, targeting both children and adults, with a diverse range of outcome goals. The methodological quality of evaluation studies was found to be weak. Conclusions: Most applications are designed to be used alone, although AR is well suited to facilitating real-world interactions during a digital experience, including interactions with other people. Therefore, future AR applications could endorse social skills in a general population in more complex group settings. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2023/1/e42117 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/42117 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37728971 ID - info:doi/10.2196/42117 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Wong, Po Ka AU - Qin, Jing PY - 2023/9/18 TI - Effectiveness of Social Virtual Reality Training in Enhancing Social Interaction Skills in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Protocol for a Three-Arm Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e48208 VL - 12 KW - attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder KW - social interaction skills KW - executive functioning KW - emotional control KW - 3-arm randomized controlled trial KW - ADHD KW - attention deficit KW - hyperactive KW - hyperactivity KW - randomized KW - RCT KW - social interaction KW - social interactions KW - social skills KW - child KW - children KW - youth KW - pediatric KW - pediatrics KW - VR KW - virtual reality KW - childhood KW - neurodevelopmental N2 - Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders among children. Children with ADHD have challenges in understanding social cues and behavioral problems when entering a social setting. Virtual reality (VR) has been applied to improve cognitive behaviors in children with ADHD. Previous studies have not adopted VR to improve social interaction competence and appropriateness in children with ADHD. VR offers a more effective alternative to therapeutic strategies for children with ADHD. Objective: This study aims to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of social VR training in enhancing social interaction skills compared to traditional social skills training in children with ADHD. We hypothesize that participants in the social VR training group are likely to perform better on social interaction skills than those in the traditional social skills training group. Methods: In this nonblinded, 3-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT), 90 participants with ADHD recruited from the community will be randomized 1:1:1 to the social VR intervention group, traditional social skills training group, or waitlist control group. The child psychiatrist will conduct assessments for each participant at baseline and after the intervention. The Social Skills Rating Scale?Parent will be used to assess the social interaction skills of the participants before and after the intervention. Participants in the social VR intervention group and traditional social skills training group will receive twelve 20-minute training sessions for 3 weeks. The participants in the waitlist control group will receive no training. The primary outcome measure is training acceptability and compliance. The secondary outcome measures are the child psychiatrist's assessment and the Social Skills Rating Scale?Parent before and after the intervention. Another outcome measure is the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function and Attention. Differences in the scale scores will be examined using a t test and an F test. Results: This study is set to commence in the fourth quarter of 2023. It is anticipated that participants in the social VR intervention group will exhibit superior social interaction skills than those in the traditional social skills training group. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this RCT is the first study examining the feasibility and effectiveness of a social VR-based intervention for enhancing the social interaction skills of children with ADHD in Hong Kong. The VR-based social skills training is expected to provide a safer and more effective environment for children with ADHD to learn than the traditional approach. This study can lead to a full-scale RCT. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05778526; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05778526 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/48208 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e48208 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/48208 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37721790 ID - info:doi/10.2196/48208 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Naef, C. Aileen AU - Jeitziner, Marie-Madlen AU - Jakob, M. Stephan AU - Müri, M. René AU - Nef, Tobias PY - 2023/9/14 TI - Creating Custom Immersive 360-Degree Videos for Use in Clinical and Nonclinical Settings: Tutorial JO - JMIR Med Educ SP - e42154 VL - 9 KW - 360-degree video KW - head-mounted display KW - healthcare KW - relaxing content KW - technology KW - video content KW - video production KW - virtual reality KW - VR UR - https://mededu.jmir.org/2023/1/e42154 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/42154 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37707883 ID - info:doi/10.2196/42154 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Kilcioglu, Seyma AU - Schiltz, Benoît AU - Araneda, Rodrigo AU - Bleyenheuft, Yannick PY - 2023/9/12 TI - Short- to Long-Term Effects of Virtual Reality on Motor Skill Learning in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e42067 VL - 11 KW - cerebral palsy KW - virtual reality KW - motor skill learning KW - long-term effect KW - daily life activities KW - motor functions N2 - Background: Many studies have started integrating virtual reality (VR) into neurorehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy (CP). The results of the effects of VR on motor skill learning, including the short- to long-term results of relevant studies, must be pooled in a generic framework. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the short- to long-term effects of therapies including VR on motor skill learning in children with CP. Methods: Two examiners followed the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the ?Participant, Intervention, Control, and Outcome? framework. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs were considered if they compared VR-included interventions with control groups on motor functions and daily life activities in children with CP. PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, and IEEE Xplore databases were searched. The modified Downs and Black assessment was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Meta-analyses and subgroup analyses for RCTs were conducted whenever possible. Results: A total of 7 RCTs, 2 non-RCTs, and 258 children with CP were included. The priority focus of 78% (7/9) of the studies was upper limb functions. There was a significant short-term effect of adding VR to conventional therapies on upper limb functions when compared with conventional therapies (P=.04; standardized mean difference [SMD]=0.39, 95% CI 0.01-0.76). The overall medium- to long-term effects showed a trend toward favoring the VR group, although the difference was not statistically significant (P=.06; SMD=0.37, 95% CI ?0.02 to 0.77). For balance (P=.06; SMD=1.04, 95% CI ?0.04 to 2.12), gross motor functions (P=.30; SMD=2.85, 95% CI ?2.57 to 8.28), and daily life activities outcomes (P=.21; SMD=0.29, 95% CI ?0.16 to 0.74), the overall effect in the short term also showed a trend toward favoring the VR group, but these results were not statistically significant. Conclusions: VR seems to have additional benefits for motor skill learning in children with CP. Studies with follow-up outcomes of VR training focusing on balance and gross motor functions in patients with CP were quite limited. Future research on balance and gross motor function outcomes should target particularly long-term results of therapies including VR on motor skill learning. Trial Registration: PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42021227734; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021227734 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2023/1/e42067 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/42067 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37698895 ID - info:doi/10.2196/42067 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lucero, Stringer Katie AU - Larkin, Amy AU - Zakharkin, Stanislav AU - Wysham, Carol AU - Anderson, John PY - 2023/8/29 TI - The Impact of Web-Based Continuing Medical Education Using Patient Simulation on Real-World Treatment Selection in Type 2 Diabetes: Retrospective Case-Control Analysis JO - JMIR Med Educ SP - e48586 VL - 9 KW - continuing medical education KW - virtual patient simulation KW - real-world evidence KW - evaluation KW - outcomes KW - diabetes education KW - medical education KW - type 2 diabetes KW - web-based learning KW - web-based education N2 - Background: Despite guidelines recommending the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in certain patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), they are not being prescribed for many of these patients. Web-based continuing medical education (CME) patient simulations have been used to identify clinicians? practice gaps and improve clinical decision-making as measured within a simulation, but the impact of this format on real-world treatment has not been researched. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a simulation-based CME intervention on real-world use of GLP-1 RAs by endocrinologists and primary care physicians. Methods: Two evaluation phases of the CME simulation were conducted: phase I, the CME simulation phase, was a paired, pre-post study of 435 physician learners in the United States; and phase II, the real-world phase, was a retrospective, matched case-control study of 157 of the 435 physicians who had claims data available for the study period. Results: Phase I CME results showed a 29 percentage point increase in correct decisions from pre- to postfeedback (178/435, 40.9% to 304/435, 69.9%; P<.001) in selecting treatment that addresses both glycemic control and cardiovascular event protection. Phase II results showed that 39 of 157 (24.8%) physicians in the intervention group increased use of GLP-1 RAs, compared to 20 of 157 (12.7%) in the comparison group. Being in the intervention group predicted GLP-1 RA use after education (odds ratio 4.49; 95% CI 1.45-13.97; P=.001). Conclusions: A web-based CME simulation focused on secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in a patient with T2D was associated with increased use of evidence-based treatment selection in the real world. UR - https://mededu.jmir.org/2023/1/e48586 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/48586 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37642994 ID - info:doi/10.2196/48586 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Calabrò, Salvatore Rocco AU - Bonanno, Mirjam AU - Torregrossa, William AU - Cacciante, Luisa AU - Celesti, Antonio AU - Rifici, Carmela AU - Tonin, Paolo AU - De Luca, Rosaria AU - Quartarone, Angelo PY - 2023/8/21 TI - Benefits of Telerehabilitation for Patients With Severe Acquired Brain Injury: Promising Results From a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial Using Nonimmersive Virtual Reality JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e45458 VL - 25 KW - telerehabilitation KW - teleneuro-VRRS KW - virtual reality rehabilitation system KW - SABI KW - severe acquired brain injury KW - acquired brain injury KW - virtual reality KW - rehabilitation KW - neurorehabilitation KW - brain injury KW - neurology N2 - Background: In neurorehabilitation, the use of innovative technologies offers many opportunities to monitor and improve the health status of patients with severe acquired brain injury (SABI). Telerehabilitation allows for continuity of service through the entire rehabilitation cycle, including assessment, intervention, consultation, and education, affording early reintegration and positively enhancing the quality of life (QoL). Objective: The main purpose of this multicenter randomized controlled trial was to test the effectiveness of advanced training provided using a nonimmersive virtual reality rehabilitation system (ie, the VRRS HomeKit device) in improving functional outcomes in patients with SABI. Methods: In total, 40 patients with SABI and their 40 caregivers visiting 2 Italian rehabilitation centers were enrolled in the study protocol and randomized into 2 groups. Of the 40 patients, 20 (50%) underwent the experimental training using the VRRS HomeKit (teleneuro-VRRS group), whereas the other 20 (50%) were administered usual territorial rehabilitative treatments (UTRTs; control group). To investigate motor and neuropsychological functioning, patients with SABI were evaluated before (T0) and at the end of (T1) each training session by a multispecialist team through a complete clinical and psychometric battery: the Barthel Index (BI), the Tinetti Scale (TS), the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa), the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36), and the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI). In addition, the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) was administered to each caregiver to investigate the emotional burden status. Results: The teleneuro-VRRS group achieved a statistically significant improvement in both general and motor outcomes, as well as psychological well-being and QoL, compared to the control group. In particular, the BI (P<.001), FAB (P<.001), and BDI-II (P<.001) were the outcome scales with the best improvement. The burden of caregivers also significantly improved in the teleneuro-VRRS group (CBI; P<.004). Between-group analysis showed statistical differences in the anxiety (effect size [ES]=0.85, P<.02) and self-control (ES=0.40, P<.03) subtests of the PGWBI and in the social role functioning (ES=0.85, P<.02) subtest of the SF-36, confirmed by quite medium and large ESs. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the VRRS is a suitable alternative tool or complementary tool or both to improve motor (level of functional independence) and cognitive (frontal/executive abilities) outcomes, reducing behavioral alterations (anxiety and depression symptoms) in patients with SABI, with a beneficial impact also on the caregivers? burden distress management, mitigating distress and promoting positive aspects of caring. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03709875; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03709875 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e45458 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/45458 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37490017 ID - info:doi/10.2196/45458 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Hong, Chengang AU - Wang, Liping PY - 2023/8/21 TI - Virtual Reality Technology in Nursing Professional Skills Training: Bibliometric Analysis JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e44766 VL - 11 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - nursing professional skills KW - bibliometric analysis KW - visual content analysis KW - extended reality KW - XR KW - augmented reality KW - AR KW - mixed reality N2 - Background: Nursing professional skills training has undergone significant transformation due to the exponential growth of computer and medical technology. The innovative use of virtual reality (VR) in nursing education has emerged as a cutting-edge technical support technique that has gained attention as a highly effective method for improving nurse training quality. Objective: This study aims to review the current status of VR technology in nursing professional skills training, research hotspots, and emerging trends in the last 15 years. Methods: The Web of Science Core Collection database was used to search for literature on VR technology in nursing professional skills training covering the period from 2006 to 2022. Biblioshiny (K-Synth Srl) was used to import and convert the records to Bibliometrix (K-Synth Srl) for analysis, and R (R Core Team) was used for descriptive bibliometric analysis. VOSviewer (Leiden University) was used to cluster co-occurring keywords, and Scimago Graphica (version 1.0.16; Scimago Lab) was used to generate a geographical visualization of published countries and regions. Results: A total of 1073 papers were analyzed, indicating a surge in research on the application of VR in nursing professional skills training in recent years, as evidenced by a positive trend in annual publication of relevant literature. The majority of studies were from the United States (n=340) and Canada (n=107), and Margaret Verkuyl was the most prolific author, leading the way with 9 publications. Furthermore, ?Computerized Virtual Patients in Health Professions Education: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis? was the most frequently cited reference. Keywords such as education, simulation, skills, students, and care were most commonly used by researchers. Conclusions: The bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the use of VR in nursing professional skills training, indicating that VR-based training is an effective means of improving the skills and competencies of nursing students and professionals alike. The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of developing VR-based distance education, despite challenges such as integrating virtual and real-world training and mitigating safety risks. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2023/1/e44766 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/44766 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37603389 ID - info:doi/10.2196/44766 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Mendonca, J. Christen AU - Malone, A. Laurie AU - Mohanraj, Sangeetha AU - Thirumalai, Mohanraj PY - 2023/8/3 TI - The Usability of a Touchpad Active Video Game Controller for Individuals With Impaired Mobility: Observational Study JO - JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol SP - e41993 VL - 10 KW - active video games KW - exergames KW - usability KW - enjoyment KW - disability KW - mobility limitation KW - mobility impairment N2 - Background: Video games are a popular sedentary activity among people with impaired mobility; however, active video game hardware typically lacks accessibility and customization options for individuals with mobility impairments. A touchpad video game system can elicit moderate physical activity in healthy adults; however, it is unclear if this system is usable by adults with impaired mobility. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the usability of a touchpad video game controller system adapted for adults with impaired mobility. Additional outcomes explored were enjoyment, perceived exertion, self-efficacy, participant feedback, and researcher observations of gameplay. Methods: Participants played several video game titles for 20 minutes with a touchpad video game controller as they stood or sat in a chair or their wheelchair. Usability was assessed with the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale (Health-ITUES) surveys after gameplay. After each video game, participants reported enjoyment using a visual analog scale (0 to 100 mm) and a rating of perceived exertion using the OMNI 0 to 10 scale. Self-efficacy was measured before and after gameplay. Participants provided feedback at the end of their session. Results: In total, 21 adults (6 females and 15 males) with a mean age of 48.8 (SD 13.8) years with various mobility impairments participated in this study. The touchpads received mean usability scores on the SUS 80.1 (SD 18.5) and Health-ITUES 4.23 (SD 0.67). Conclusions: The SUS scores reported suggest the touchpad system is ?usable?; however, the Health-ITUES scores were slightly below a suggested benchmark. Participants reported moderate to high enjoyment but perceived the exertion as ?somewhat easy.? Self-efficacy was moderate to high and did not differ pre- to postgame play. The participants regarded the touchpads as novel, fun, and entertaining. The generalizability of our results is limited due to the heterogenous sample; however, our participants identified several areas of improvement for future iteration. UR - https://rehab.jmir.org/2023/1/e41993 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/41993 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37535411 ID - info:doi/10.2196/41993 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Guo, Joyce AU - Blyth, Phil AU - Clifford, Kari AU - Hooper, Nikki AU - Crawford, Haemish PY - 2023/8/2 TI - Transfer Validity of Pediatric Supracondylar Humeral Fracture Pin Placement Practice on In-Theater Performance by Orthopedic Trainees Using an Augmented Reality Simulator: Protocol for a Pilot Interventional Cohort Study With a Retrospective Comparator Cohort JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e38282 VL - 12 KW - pediatric orthopedics KW - augmented reality simulator KW - supracondylar humeral fractures KW - closed reduction and percutaneous pinning KW - transfer validity KW - fracture KW - surgeons KW - education KW - practice KW - trainees KW - pediatric KW - orthopedic KW - training KW - surgical procedure N2 - Background: Supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHF) are a common cause of orthopedic morbidity in pediatric populations across the world. The treatment of this fracture is likely one of the first procedures involving x-ray?guided wire insertion that trainee orthopedic surgeons will encounter in their career. Traditional surgical training methods of ?see one, do one, teach one? are reliant on the presence of real-world cases and must be conducted within an operative environment. We have developed an augmented reality simulator that allows trainees to practice this procedure in a radiation-free environment at no extra risk to patients. Objective: This study aims to examine whether training on a simulator in addition to traditional surgical training improves the in-theater performance of trainees. Methods: This multicenter, interventional cohort study will involve orthopedic trainees from New Zealand in their first year of advanced training between 2019 and 2023. Advanced trainees with no simulator exposure who were in their first year in 2019-2021 will form the comparator cohort, while those in the years 2022-2023 will receive additional regular simulator training as the intervention cohort. The comparator cohort?s performance in pediatric SCHF surgery will be retrospectively audited using routinely collected operative outcomes and parameters over a 6-month period. Data on the performance of the intervention cohorts will be collected in the same way over a comparable period. The data collected for both groups will be used to determine whether additional training with an augmented reality training shows improved real-world surgical outcomes compared to traditional surgical training. Results: As of February 2022, a total of 8 retrospective comparator trainees have been recruited by email. The study is financially supported through an external grant from the Wishbone Orthopaedic Research Foundation of New Zealand (September 2021) and an internal research grant from the University of Otago (July 2021). Conclusions: This protocol has been approved by the University of Otago Health Ethics committee (reference HD21/087), and the study is due for completion in 2024. This protocol may assist other researchers conducting similar studies in the field. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12623000816651; https://tinyurl.com/mtdkecwb International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/38282 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e38282 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/38282 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37531159 ID - info:doi/10.2196/38282 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Liaw, Ying Sok AU - Tan, Zhi Jian AU - Bin Rusli, Dzakirin Khairul AU - Ratan, Rabindra AU - Zhou, Wentao AU - Lim, Siriwan AU - Lau, Ching Tang AU - Seah, Betsy AU - Chua, Ling Wei PY - 2023/7/26 TI - Artificial Intelligence Versus Human-Controlled Doctor in Virtual Reality Simulation for Sepsis Team Training: Randomized Controlled Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e47748 VL - 25 KW - artificial intelligence KW - interprofessional education KW - interprofessional communication KW - sepsis care KW - team training KW - virtual reality KW - simulation KW - AI KW - health care education KW - nursing student KW - nursing education KW - medical education N2 - Background: Interprofessional communication is needed to enhance the early recognition and management of patients with sepsis. Preparing medical and nursing students using virtual reality simulation has been shown to be an effective learning approach for sepsis team training. However, its scalability is constrained by unequal cohort sizes between medical and nursing students. An artificial intelligence (AI) medical team member can be implemented in a virtual reality simulation to engage nursing students in sepsis team training. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an AI-powered doctor versus a human-controlled doctor in training nursing students for sepsis care and interprofessional communication. Methods: A randomized controlled trial study was conducted with 64 nursing students who were randomly assigned to undertake sepsis team training with an AI-powered doctor (AI-powered group) or with medical students using virtual reality simulation (human-controlled group). Participants from both groups were tested on their sepsis and communication performance through simulation-based assessments (posttest). Participants? sepsis knowledge and self-efficacy in interprofessional communication were also evaluated before and after the study interventions. Results: A total of 32 nursing students from each group completed the simulation-based assessment, sepsis and communication knowledge test, and self-efficacy questionnaire. Compared with the baseline scores, both the AI-powered and human-controlled groups demonstrated significant improvements in communication knowledge (P=.001) and self-efficacy in interprofessional communication (P<.001) in posttest scores. For sepsis care knowledge, a significant improvement in sepsis care knowledge from the baseline was observed in the AI-powered group (P<.001) but not in the human-controlled group (P=.16). Although no significant differences were found in sepsis care performance between the groups (AI-powered group: mean 13.63, SD 4.23, vs human-controlled group: mean 12.75, SD 3.85, P=.39), the AI-powered group (mean 9.06, SD 1.78) had statistically significantly higher sepsis posttest knowledge scores (P=.009) than the human-controlled group (mean 7.75, SD 2.08). No significant differences were found in interprofessional communication performance between the 2 groups (AI-powered group: mean 29.34, SD 8.37, vs human-controlled group: mean 27.06, SD 5.69, P=.21). However, the human-controlled group (mean 69.6, SD 14.4) reported a significantly higher level of self-efficacy in interprofessional communication (P=.008) than the AI-powered group (mean 60.1, SD 13.3). Conclusions: Our study suggested that AI-powered doctors are not inferior to human-controlled virtual reality simulations with respect to sepsis care and interprofessional communication performance, which supports the viability of implementing AI-powered doctors to achieve scalability in sepsis team training. Our findings also suggested that future innovations should focus on the sociability of AI-powered doctors to enhance users? interprofessional communication training. Perhaps in the nearer term, future studies should examine how to best blend AI-powered training with human-controlled virtual reality simulation to optimize clinical performance in sepsis care and interprofessional communication. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05953441; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05953441 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e47748 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/47748 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37494112 ID - info:doi/10.2196/47748 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Sharrad, Kelsey AU - Martini, Caitlin AU - Tai, Andrew AU - Spurrier, Nicola AU - Smith, Ross AU - Esterman, Adrian AU - Gwilt, Ian AU - Sandford, Debra AU - Carson-Chahhoud, Kristin PY - 2023/7/26 TI - Mixed Reality Technology to Deliver Psychological Interventions to Adolescents With Asthma: Qualitative Study Using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability JO - JMIR Hum Factors SP - e34629 VL - 10 KW - asthma KW - augmented reality KW - virtual reality KW - mixed reality KW - psychological distress KW - adolescent KW - cognitive behavioral therapies KW - mental health N2 - Background: Interactive, mixed reality technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and holographic technology may provide a novel solution to fast-track the translation of evidence into practice. They may also help overcome barriers to both mental health and asthma management service uptake, such as cost, availability of appointments, fear of judgment, and quality of care. Objective: This study aimed to investigate if mixed reality technology is an acceptable mechanism for the delivery of a component of cognitive and behavioral therapies for the management of elevated psychological distress among young people with asthma. Methods: To explore the perceived acceptability of these technologies, mixed reality tools were evaluated via qualitative, 1-on-1 interviews with young people with asthma and symptoms of psychological distress, parents/caregivers of young people with asthma and symptoms of psychological distress, and relevant health professionals. The Theoretical Framework of Acceptability was used for the deductive coding of the recorded interview transcripts. Results: This study enrolled the following participants: (1) 3 adolescents with asthma and symptoms of psychological distress with a mean age of 14 (SD 1.7) years; (2) 4 parents/caregivers of adolescents with asthma with a mean age of 55 (SD 14.6) years; and (3) 6 health professionals with a mean age of 40.8 (SD 4.3) years. A total of 4 constructs?experienced affective attitude, experienced effectiveness, self-efficacy, and intervention coherence?were coded in all participant transcripts. The most frequently coded constructs were experienced affective attitude and intervention coherence, which were reported a total of 96 times. The least frequently coded construct was anticipated opportunity cost, which was reported a total of 5 times. Participants were mostly positive about the mixed reality resources. However, some concerns were raised regarding ethicality, particularly regarding privacy, accessibility, and messaging. Participants noted the need for technology to be used in conjunction with face-to-face engagement with health professionals and that some patients would respond to this type of delivery mechanism better than others. Conclusions: These results suggest that mixed reality technology to deliver psychological interventions may be an acceptable addition to current health care practices for young people with asthma and symptoms of psychological distress. Trial Registration: Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620001109998; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=380427 UR - https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2023/1/e34629 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/34629 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37494096 ID - info:doi/10.2196/34629 ER - url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37494096" } TY - JOUR AU - Specht, Julian AU - Stegmann, Barbara AU - Gross, Hanna AU - Krakow, Karsten PY - 2023/7/21 TI - Cognitive Training With Head-Mounted Display Virtual Reality in Neurorehabilitation: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e45816 VL - 11 KW - cognitive rehabilitation KW - virtual reality KW - neurorehabilitation KW - psychology KW - stroke N2 - Background: Neurological rehabilitation is technologically evolving rapidly, resulting in new treatments for patients. Stroke, one of the most prevalent conditions in neurorehabilitation, has been a particular focus in recent years. However, patients often need help with physical and cognitive constraints, whereby the cognitive domain in neurorehabilitation does not technologically exploit existing potential. Usually, cognitive rehabilitation is performed with pen and paper or on a computer, which leads to limitations in preparation for activities of daily living. Technologies such as virtual reality (VR) can bridge this gap. Objective: This pilot study investigated the use of immersive VR in cognitive rehabilitation for patients undergoing inpatient neurorehabilitation. The goal was to determine the difference in rehabilitation effectiveness between a VR serious game that combines everyday activities with cognitive paradigms and conventional computerized cognitive training. We hypothesized the superiority of the VR serious game regarding cognitive abilities and patient-reported outcomes as well as transfer to daily life. Methods: We recruited 42 patients with acute brain affection from a German neurorehabilitation clinic in inpatient care with a Mini Mental Status Test score >20 to participate in this randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned to 2 groups, with 1 receiving the experimental VR treatment (n=21). VR training consisted of daily life scenarios, for example, in a kitchen, focusing on treating executive functions such as planning and problem-solving. The control group (n=21) received conventional computerized cognitive training. Each participant received a minimum of 18 treatment sessions in their respective group. Patients were tested for cognitive status, subjective health, and quality of life before and after the intervention (Alters-Konzentrations-Test, Wechsler Memory Scale?Revised, Trail Making Test A and B, Tower of London?German version, Short Form 36, European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions visual analog scale, and Fragebogen zur Erfassung der Performance in VR). Results: Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed several significant main effects in the cognitive tests: Tower of London?German version (P=.046), Trail Making Test A (P=.01), and Wechsler Memory Scale?Revised (P=.006). However, post hoc tests revealed that the VR group showed significant improvement in the planning, executive control, and problem-solving domains (P=.046, Bonferroni P=.02). In contrast, no significant improvement in the control group between t0 and t1 was detected (all P>.05). Furthermore, a nonsignificant trend was observed in visual speed in the VR group (P=.09, Bonferroni P=.02). Conclusions: The results of this pilot randomized controlled trial showed that immersive VR training in cognitive rehabilitation had greater effectiveness than the standard of care in treating patients experiencing stroke in some cognitive domains . These findings support the further use and study of VR training incorporating activities of daily living in other neurological disorders involving cognitive dysfunction. Trial Registration: Federal Registry of Clinical Trials of Germany (DRKS) DRKS00023605; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00023605 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2023/1/e45816 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/45816 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37477957 ID - info:doi/10.2196/45816 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ezawa, D. Iony AU - Hollon, D. Steven AU - Robinson, Noah PY - 2023/7/14 TI - Examining Predictors of Depression and Anxiety Symptom Change in Cognitive Behavioral Immersion: Observational Study JO - JMIR Ment Health SP - e42377 VL - 10 KW - Cognitive Behavioral Immersion KW - virtual reality KW - metaverse KW - alliance KW - social support KW - cognitive behavioral KW - depression KW - anxiety KW - mood KW - mental health KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: Depressive and anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders, and there is a critical need for effective, affordable, and accessible interventions. Cognitive Behavioral Immersion (CBI) is a novel group-based cognitive behavioral skills training program delivered by lay coaches in the metaverse that can be accessed through various modalities including virtual reality (VR) head-mounted displays or flat-screen devices. Combining its ability to offer empirically supported therapy skills in a digital setting that can still facilitate interpersonal variables (eg, working alliance and sense of social support) with the aid of lay coaches, CBI has the potential to help fill this critical need. Objective: This study had 2 primary aims. First, we aimed to examine changes in depression and anxiety symptoms in a sample of individuals who participated in CBI. Second, we aimed to examine 2 interpersonal process variables (working alliance and web-based social support) as predictors of symptom changes. We predicted CBI participants would experience depression and anxiety symptom improvements and that such improvements would be associated with an increase in both interpersonal process variables. Methods: The study sample consists of 127 participants who endorsed clinical levels of depression or anxiety symptoms during their first CBI session and attended at least 2 sessions. Participants were asked to complete self-report measures of depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, alliance, and web-based social support throughout their participation in CBI. Results: Repeated measures ANOVAs determined that depression and anxiety symptom scores differed significantly across sessions (Ps<.01). We also found participants? web-based social support predicted improvement in depression symptoms (P=.01), but neither the alliance nor web-based social support predicted change in anxiety symptoms (Ps>.05). We also observed a significant difference in anxiety symptoms between participants who used a VR head-mounted display to access CBI and those who did not, such that participants who used VR head-mounted displays endorsed lower anxiety symptoms than those who did not at nearly every session (P=.04). Conclusions: Participation in CBI is associated with both depression and anxiety symptom improvement. Web-based social support may play an important role in fostering changes in depression symptoms. Future studies are encouraged to continue examining the process of change in CBI with special attention paid to methods that can elucidate causal mechanisms of change. UR - https://mental.jmir.org/2023/1/e42377 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/42377 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37450322 ID - info:doi/10.2196/42377 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Li Pira, Giorgio AU - Aquilini, Beatrice AU - Davoli, Alessandro AU - Grandi, Silvana AU - Ruini, Chiara PY - 2023/7/6 TI - The Use of Virtual Reality Interventions to Promote Positive Mental Health: Systematic Literature Review JO - JMIR Ment Health SP - e44998 VL - 10 KW - positive mental health KW - well-being KW - virtual reality KW - interventions KW - psychopathology KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: A large body of research has documented the efficacy of psychological interventions integrated with virtual reality (VR) therapies in treating psychiatric disorders. However, the concept of positive mental health calls for a 2-fold approach in which both symptoms and positive functioning should be addressed by modern interventions. Objective: This review aimed to summarize studies that applied VR therapies by embracing the positive mental health perspective. Methods: A literature search was conducted by entering the following keywords??virtual reality? AND ?intervention? OR ?treatment? OR ?therapy? AND ?mental health? NOT ?systematic review or meta-analysis??and limiting it to ?journal article? and the English language. To be included in this review, articles had to present at least one quantitative measure of positive functioning and one quantitative measure of symptoms or distress and had to investigate adult populations, including populations with psychiatric disorders. Results: A total of 20 articles were included. They described various VR protocols that were applied for the treatment of anxiety disorders (5/20, 25%), depression (2/20, 10%), posttraumatic stress disorder (3/20, 15%), psychosis (3/20, 15%), and stress (7/20, 35%). Most of the studies (13/20, 65%) showed the beneficial effects of VR therapies in improving stress and negative symptoms. However, 35% (7/20) of the studies showed no or a small effect on the various dimensions of positivity, particularly in clinical samples. Conclusions: VR interventions might be cost-effective and largely scalable, but further research is needed to develop existing VR software and treatments according to the modern positive mental health approach. UR - https://mental.jmir.org/2023/1/e44998 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/44998 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37410520 ID - info:doi/10.2196/44998 ER - TY - JOUR AU - De Miguel-Rubio, Amaranta AU - Alba-Rueda, Alvaro AU - Millán-Salguero, María Elena AU - De Miguel-Rubio, Dolores M. AU - Moral-Munoz, A. Jose AU - Lucena-Anton, David PY - 2023/6/30 TI - Virtual Reality for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Patients With Obstetric Brachial Palsy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e47391 VL - 25 KW - neonatal brachial plexus palsy KW - virtual reality KW - rehabilitation KW - upper extremity KW - review KW - meta-analysis N2 - Background: Obstetric brachial palsy (OBP) is a pathology caused by complications during childbirth because of cervical spine elongation, affecting the motor and sensory innervation of the upper limbs. The most common lesion occurs on the C5 and C6 nerve branches, known as Erb-Duchenne palsy. The least common lesion is when all nerve roots are affected (C5-T1), which has the worst prognosis. Virtual reality (VR) is commonly used in neurological rehabilitation for the evaluation and treatment of physical deficits. Objective: This systematic review aims to assess the efficacy of VR in the rehabilitation of upper limb function in patients with OBP. Methods: A search was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 guidelines in several scientific databases?PubMed, Web of Science, PEDro, Cochrane, MEDLINE, Scopus, and CINAHL?without language or date restrictions and including articles published up to April 2023. The inclusion criteria were established according to the population, intervention, comparison, outcome, and study (PICOS) design framework: children aged <18 years diagnosed with OBP, VR therapy used in addition to conventional therapy or isolated, VR therapy compared with conventional therapy, outcomes related to OBP rehabilitation therapy, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the RCTs, and the Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess the risk of bias. The Review Manager statistical software (version 5.4; The Cochrane Collaboration) was used to conduct the meta-analysis. The results were synthesized through information extraction and presented in tables and forest plots. Results: In total, 5 RCTs were included in this systematic review, with 3 (60%) providing information for the meta-analysis. A total of 138 participants were analyzed. All the studies used semi-immersive or nonimmersive VR systems. The statistical analysis showed no favorable results for all outcomes except for the hand-to-mouth subtest of the Mallet scoring system (functional activity; standardized mean difference ?0.97, 95% CI ?1.67 to ?0.27; P=.007). Conclusions: The evidence for the use of VR therapy for upper limb rehabilitation outcomes in patients with OBP was insufficient to support its efficacy and strongly recommend its use. Nevertheless, scientific literature supports the use of VR technologies for rehabilitation as it provides several advantages, such as enhancing the patient?s motivation, providing direct feedback, and focusing the patient?s attention during the intervention. Thus, the use of VR for upper limb rehabilitation in patients with OBP is still in its first stages. Small sample sizes; limited long-term analysis; lack of testing of different doses; and absence of International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health?related outcomes were present in the included RCTs, so further research is needed to fully understand the potential of VR technologies as a therapeutic approach for patients with OBP. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022314264; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=314264 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e47391 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/47391 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37389922 ID - info:doi/10.2196/47391 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Knudsen, Høxbro Marie AU - Breindahl, Niklas AU - Dalsgaard, Tor-Salve AU - Isbye, Dan AU - Mølbak, Grethe Anne AU - Tiwald, Gerhard AU - Svendsen, Søndergaard Morten Bo AU - Konge, Lars AU - Bergström, Joanna AU - Todsen, Tobias PY - 2023/6/6 TI - Using Virtual Reality Head-Mounted Displays to Assess Skills in Emergency Medicine: Validity Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e45210 VL - 25 KW - virtual reality KW - simulation-based education KW - undergraduate medical education KW - emergency medicine KW - assessment, acute medicine KW - Messick framework KW - medical education KW - head-mounted display KW - medical student KW - emergency N2 - Background: Many junior doctors must prepare to manage acutely ill patients in the emergency department. The setting is often stressful, and urgent treatment decisions are needed. Overlooking symptoms and making wrong choices may lead to substantial patient morbidity or death, and it is essential to ensure that junior doctors are competent. Virtual reality (VR) software can provide standardized and unbiased assessment, but solid validity evidence is necessary before implementation. Objective: This study aimed to gather validity evidence for using 360-degree VR videos with integrated multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to assess emergency medicine skills. Methods: Five full-scale emergency medicine scenarios were recorded with a 360-degree video camera, and MCQs were integrated into the scenarios to be played in a head-mounted display. We invited 3 groups of medical students with different experience levels to participate: first- to third-year medical students (novice group), last-year medical students without emergency medicine training (intermediate group), and last-year medical students with completed emergency medicine training (experienced group). Each participant?s total test score was calculated based on the number of correct MCQ answers (maximum score of 28), and the groups? mean scores were compared. The participants rated their experienced presence in emergency scenarios using the Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ) and their cognitive workload with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). Results: We included 61 medical students from December 2020 to December 2021. The experienced group had significantly higher mean scores than the intermediate group (23 vs 20; P=.04), and the intermediate group had significantly higher scores than the novice group (20 vs 14; P<.001). The contrasting groups? standard-setting method established a pass-or-fail score of 19 points (68% of the maximum possible score of 28). Interscenario reliability was high, with a Cronbach ? of 0.82. The participants experienced the VR scenarios with a high degree of presence with an IPQ score of 5.83 (on a scale from 1-7), and the task was shown to be mentally demanding with a NASA-TLX score of 13.30 (on a scale from 1-21). Conclusions: This study provides validity evidence to support using 360-degree VR scenarios to assess emergency medicine skills. The students evaluated the VR experience as mentally demanding with a high degree of presence, suggesting that VR is a promising new technology for emergency medicine skills assessment. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e45210 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/45210 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37279049 ID - info:doi/10.2196/45210 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ilioudi, Maria AU - Lindner, Philip AU - Ali, Lilas AU - Wallström, Sara AU - Thunström, Osmanovic Almira AU - Ioannou, Michael AU - Anving, Nicole AU - Johansson, Viktor AU - Hamilton, William AU - Falk, Örjan AU - Steingrimsson, Steinn PY - 2023/5/19 TI - Physical Versus Virtual Reality?Based Calm Rooms for Psychiatric Inpatients: Quasi-Randomized Trial JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e42365 VL - 25 KW - psychiatry KW - psychiatric inpatient care KW - relaxation KW - sensory room KW - virtual reality N2 - Background: Interest in sensory rooms or so-called ?calm rooms? in psychiatric inpatient care has increased significantly. In a hospital setting, their purpose is to introduce a relaxing environment to increase well-being as well as to decrease anxiety and aggressive behaviors. Calm rooms can also be used as a tool to provide self-help through a convenient environment for the patients and, at the same time, strengthen the therapeutic relationship between the patient and the professional. Recent developments in virtual reality (VR) have made virtual calm rooms possible, but these have not yet been evaluated in psychiatric inpatient care. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of VR and physical calm rooms on self-reported well-being and physiological markers of arousal. Methods: The study was conducted in 2 inpatient psychiatric wards specializing in bipolar disorder from March 2019 to February 2021. Patients who were already admitted were asked if they were interested in using a calm room and willing to provide ratings. This study relied on the quasi-randomized allocation of patients to the wards, which either had a physical or VR calm room. Self-assessment scales (Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale-Self Assessment [MADRS-S], Beck Anxiety Scale, and Clinical Global Impression) were used to determine the participants' baseline level of depressive and anxiety symptoms before their use of the physical or VR calm room. The study determined the state of well-being measured using an 11-point visual analog scale (VAS) as well as arousal measured by blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and heart rate before and after the use of the calm rooms. The primary end point was self-reported well-being using the VAS. Results: A total of 60 participants were included?40 used the VR calm room and 20 used the physical calm room. The mean age of participants was 39 years and the majority were women (35/60, 58%). Analysis of VAS measurement showed improved well-being at the group level from before to after the intervention (P<.05), with no statistically significant difference in effects between the 2 different interventions. Effects were not moderated by baseline depression levels (dichotomized as MADRS-S >20 or ?20) despite an overall difference in reported well-being between subgroups. Conclusions: Although the power in this study was low, the findings of this first study indicate comparable effects with respect to well-being and arousal of a VR calm room and a physical calm room. This suggests that a VR calm room can be a viable alternative when the use of a physical calm room is not an option for logistic or other reasons. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03918954; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03918954 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e42365 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/42365 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37204858 ID - info:doi/10.2196/42365 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Dechsling, Anders AU - Cogo-Moreira, Hugo AU - Gangestad, Spydevold Jonathan AU - Johannessen, Nettum Sandra AU - Nordahl-Hansen, Anders PY - 2023/5/11 TI - Evaluating the Feasibility of Emotion Expressions in Avatars Created From Real Person Photos: Pilot Web-Based Survey of Virtual Reality Software JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e44632 VL - 7 KW - avatar KW - emotion recognition KW - emotion KW - face KW - facial expression KW - facial KW - images KW - real images KW - software KW - virtual reality N2 - Background: The availability and potential of virtual reality (VR) has led to an increase of its application. VR is suggested to be helpful in training elements of social competence but with an emphasis on interventions being tailored. Recognizing facial expressions is an important social skill and thus a target for training. Using VR in training these skills could have advantages over desktop alternatives. Children with autism, for instance, appear to prefer avatars over real images when assessing facial expressions. Available software provides the opportunity to transform profile pictures into avatars, thereby giving the possibility of tailoring according to an individual?s own environment. However, the emotions provided by such software should be validated before application. Objective: Our aim was to investigate whether available software is a quick, easy, and viable way of providing emotion expressions in avatars transformed from real images. Methods: A total of 401 participants from a general population completed a survey on the web containing 27 different images of avatars transformed, using a software, from real images. We calculated the reliability of each image and their level of difficulty using a structural equation modeling approach. We used Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis testing under a multidimensional first-order correlated factor structure where faces showing the same emotions represented a latent variable. Results: Few emotions were correctly perceived and rated as higher than other emotions. The factor loadings indicating the discrimination of the image were around 0.7, which means 49% shared variance with the latent factor that the face is linked with. The standardized thresholds indicating the difficulty level of the images are mostly around average, and the highest correlation is between faces showing happiness and anger. Conclusions: Only using a software to transform profile pictures to avatars is not sufficient to provide valid emotion expressions. Adjustments are needed to increase faces? discrimination (eg, increasing reliabilities). The faces showed average levels of difficulty, meaning that they are neither very difficult nor very easy to perceive, which fits a general population. Adjustments should be made for specific populations and when applying this technology in clinical practice. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e44632 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/44632 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37166970 ID - info:doi/10.2196/44632 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lundin, M. Robert AU - Yeap, Yuhern AU - Menkes, B. David PY - 2023/5/5 TI - Adverse Effects of Virtual and Augmented Reality Interventions in Psychiatry: Systematic Review JO - JMIR Ment Health SP - e43240 VL - 10 KW - virtual reality KW - augmented reality KW - mental health KW - side effects KW - adverse events KW - hardware KW - VR KW - software KW - AR KW - cybersickness KW - reporting standards N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are emerging treatment modalities in psychiatry, which are capable of producing clinical outcomes broadly comparable to those achieved with standard psychotherapies. Objective: Because the side effect profile associated with the clinical use of VR and AR remains largely unknown, we systematically reviewed available evidence of their adverse effects. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework across 3 mental health databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase) to identify VR and AR interventions targeting mental health diagnoses. Results: Of 73 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, 7 reported worsening clinical symptoms or an increased fall risk. Another 21 studies reported ?no adverse effects? but failed to identify obvious adverse effects, mainly cybersickness, documented in their results. More concerningly, 45 of the 73 studies made no mention of adverse effects whatsoever. Conclusions: An appropriate screening tool would help ensure that VR adverse effects are correctly identified and reported. UR - https://mental.jmir.org/2023/1/e43240 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/43240 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37145841 ID - info:doi/10.2196/43240 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Langener, Simon AU - Kolkmeier, Jan AU - VanDerNagel, Joanne AU - Klaassen, Randy AU - van Manen, Jeannette AU - Heylen, Dirk PY - 2023/4/26 TI - Development of an Alcohol Refusal Training in Immersive Virtual Reality for Patients With Mild to Borderline Intellectual Disability and Alcohol Use Disorder: Cocreation With Experts in Addiction Care JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e42523 VL - 7 KW - virtual reality KW - conversational agent KW - embodied agent KW - persuasion KW - peer pressure KW - addiction KW - alcohol KW - intellectual disability N2 - Background: People with mild to borderline intellectual disability (MBID; IQ=50-85) are at risk for developing an alcohol use disorder (AUD). One factor contributing to this risk is sensitivity to peer pressure. Hence, tailored trainings are needed to practice alcohol refusal in impacted patients. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) appears promising to engage patients in dialogs with virtual humans, allowing to practice alcohol refusal realistically. However, requirements for such an IVR have not been studied for MBID/AUD. Objective: This study aims to develop an IVR alcohol refusal training for patients with MBID and AUD. In this work, we cocreated our peer pressure simulation with experienced experts in addiction care. Methods: We followed the Persuasive System Design (PSD) model to develop our IVR alcohol refusal training. With 5 experts from a Dutch addiction clinic for patients with MBID, we held 3 focus groups to design the virtual environment, persuasive virtual human(s), and persuasive dialog. Subsequently, we developed our initial IVR prototype and conducted another focus group to evaluate IVR and procedures for clinical usage, resulting in our final peer pressure simulation. Results: Our experts described visiting a friend at home with multiple friends as the most relevant peer pressure situation in the clinical setting. Based on the identified requirements, we developed a social-housing apartment with multiple virtual friends present. Moreover, we embedded a virtual man with generic appearance to exert peer pressure using a persuasive dialog. Patients can respond to persuasive attempts by selecting (refusal) responses with varying degrees of risk for relapse in alcohol use. Our evaluation showed that experts value a realistic and interactable IVR. However, experts identified lacking persuasive design elements, such as paralanguage, for our virtual human. For clinical usage, a user-centered customization is needed to prevent adverse effects. Further, interventions should be therapist delivered to avoid try-and-error in patients with MBID. Lastly, we identified factors for immersion, as well as facilitators and barriers for IVR accessibility. Conclusions: Our work establishes an initial PSD for IVR for alcohol refusal trainings in patients with MBID and AUD. With this, scholars can create comparable simulations by performing an analogous cocreation, replicate findings, and identify active PSD elements. For peer pressure, conveying emotional information in a virtual human?s voice (eg, paralanguage) seems vital. However, previous rapport building may be needed to ensure that virtual humans are perceived as cognitively capable entities. Future work should validate our PSD with patients and start developing IVR treatment protocols using interdisciplinary teams. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e42523 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/42523 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37099362 ID - info:doi/10.2196/42523 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Mo, Nan AU - Feng, yu Jin AU - Liu, xia Hai AU - Chen, yu Xiao AU - Zhang, Hui AU - Zeng, Hui PY - 2023/4/25 TI - Effects of Exergaming on Musculoskeletal Pain in Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e42944 VL - 11 KW - aged KW - exergaming KW - pain KW - review KW - video game KW - virtual reality N2 - Background: Exercise is effective for musculoskeletal pain. However, physical, social, and environmental factors make it difficult for older adults to persist in exercising. Exergaming is a new pathway that combines exercise with gameplay and may be helpful for older adults to overcome these difficulties and engage in regular exercise. Objective: This systematic review aimed to determine the efficacy of exergaming to improve musculoskeletal pain in older adults. Methods: The search was performed in 5 databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library). The risk of bias for randomized controlled studies was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool in randomized trials (RoB 2), and the methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence-Based Database scale. Standardized mean difference and 95% CI were calculated using fixed-effects model meta-analyses in the Review Manager version 5.3 (RevMan 5.3). Results: Seven randomized controlled studies were included, which contained 264 older adults. Three of the 7 studies reported significant improvements in pain after the exergaming intervention, but only 1 reported a significant difference between groups after adjustment for baseline (P<.05), and another reported a significant improvement in thermal pain between the 2 groups (P<.001). The results of the meta-analysis of the 7 studies showed no statistically significant improvement in pain compared to the control group (standardized mean difference ?0.22; 95% CI ?0.47 to 0.02; P=.07). Conclusions: Although the effects of exergames on musculoskeletal pain in older adults are unknown, exergame training is generally safe, fun, and appealing to older adults. Unsupervised exercise at home is feasible and cost-effective. However, most of the current studies have used commercial exergames, and it is recommended that there should be more cooperation between industries in the future to develop professional rehabilitation exergames that are more suitable for older adults. The sample sizes of the studies included are small, the risk of bias is high, and the results should be interpreted with caution. Further randomized controlled studies with large sample sizes, high quality, and rigor are needed in the future. Trial Registration: PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42022342325; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=342325 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2023/1/e42944 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/42944 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37097717 ID - info:doi/10.2196/42944 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Pardini, Susanna AU - Gabrielli, Silvia AU - Olivetto, Silvia AU - Fusina, Francesca AU - Dianti, Marco AU - Forti, Stefano AU - Lancini, Cristina AU - Novara, Caterina PY - 2023/4/17 TI - Personalized, Naturalistic Virtual Reality Scenarios Coupled With Web-Based Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training for the General Population: Protocol for a Proof-of-Principle Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e44183 VL - 12 KW - digital health KW - progressive muscular relaxation technique KW - mental well-being KW - virtual reality therapy KW - anxiety KW - relaxation KW - e-therapy KW - e-Health KW - virtual reality KW - tool KW - symptoms KW - depression KW - quality of life KW - coping N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative tool that can facilitate exposure to either stressful or relaxing stimuli and enables individuals who have difficulties visualizing scenes to be involved in a more realistic sensorimotor experience. It also facilitates multisensory stimulation, a sense of presence, and achievement of relaxation. VR scenarios representing visual and auditory elements of natural relaxing environments can facilitate the learning of relaxation techniques such as the progressive muscle relaxation technique (PMRT). A complementary standardized technique deployed to reduce anxiety symptoms is the integration of PMRT and guided imagery (GI). Exposure to a pleasant imaginary environment helps the establishment of an association between a relaxing scenario and the relaxation technique, consequently promoting relaxation. Empirical evidence has shown that VR scenarios can increase the effects of relaxation techniques by enabling people to experience emotional conditions in more vivid settings. Objective: The main aim of this pilot study protocol is to investigate the impact on state anxiety of PMRT, associated with a personalized relaxing scenario in VR, and the role of VR scenarios in facilitating the recall of relaxing images and a sense of presence. A secondary aim is to understand if relaxing sessions administered via Zoom are more effective for managing anxiety and stress than a procedural setting based on audio-track guidance. Methods: Based on a longitudinal, between-subject design, 108 university students will be randomly exposed to one of three experimental conditions: (1) PMRT via Zoom and GI exposure, (2) PMRT via Zoom and personalized VR exposure, and (3) PMRT based on audio-track guidance and personalized VR exposure. Individuals are assessed before and after 7 training sessions based on self-report questionnaires investigating anxiety, depression, quality of life, coping strategies, sense of presence, engagement, and side effects related to VR exposure. Heart rate data are also detected by an Mi Band 2 sensor. Results: The experimental procedure is ongoing. In this paper, preliminary data from a sample of 40 participants will be illustrated. The experimental phase is expected to conclude in May 2023, and the final results of the research will be presented in June 2023. Conclusions: The results of this study will help shape the experimental design to apply it on a subsequent randomized controlled trial, also considering clinical samples. This work is expected to measure whether VR is a more engaging and helpful technique in promoting relaxation and decreasing anxiety levels than GI, by making the visualization process easier and by helping people to face more realistic sensory experiences. Assessing the efficacy of the PMRT in alternative delivery modes may extend its applications, especially in situations where the standard procedure is more challenging to be administered. To our knowledge, no equivalent study has been published so far on this matter. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05478941; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05478941 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/44183 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e44183 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/44183 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37067881 ID - info:doi/10.2196/44183 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Sunkara, Charvi AU - Thakkar, Rajvi AU - Ong, Triton AU - Bunnell, E. Brian PY - 2023/4/14 TI - Characterizing Consumer Smartphone Apps for Virtual Reality?Based Exposure Therapy: Content Analysis JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e41807 VL - 25 KW - virtual reality KW - exposure therapy KW - phobia KW - apps KW - smartphones KW - VR KW - smartphone apps KW - mobile phone apps KW - content analysis KW - treatment KW - clinical evaluation KW - consumer apps KW - mHealth apps N2 - Background: In vivo exposure therapy is the most effective treatment for phobias but is often impractical. Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) can help overcome critical barriers to in vivo exposure therapy. However, accessible mobile software related to VRET is not well understood. Objective: The purpose of our study is to describe the landscape of accessible smartphone apps with potential utility for clinical VRET. Methods: We conducted a content analysis of publicly available smartphone apps related to virtual reality on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store as of March 2020. Results: The initial search yielded 525 apps, with 84 apps (52 on the Google Play Store and 32 on the Apple App Store) included for analysis. The most common phobic stimulus depicted was bodies of water or weather events (25/84, 29.8%), followed by heights (24/84, 28.6%), and animals (23/84, 27.4%). More than half of the apps were visually abstract (39/84, 53.5%). Most apps were free to use (48/84, 57.1%), while the rest were free to try (22/84, 26.2%) or required payment for use (14/84, 16.7%), with the highest cost for use being US $6. The average overall app rating was 2.9 stars out of 5, but the number of ratings ranged from 0 to 49,233. None of the 84 apps advertised compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, offered the ability to monitor data, provided clinician control over variables in the app experiences, or explicitly stated use by or development with clinicians. Conclusions: None of the smartphone apps reviewed were explicitly developed for phobia therapy. However, 16 of the 84 included apps were considered ideal candidates to investigate further as part of treatment due to their accessibility, depiction of phobia-relevant stimuli, low or no cost, and high user scores. Most of these apps were visually abstract and free to use, making them accessible and potentially flexible as part of clinical exposure hierarchies. However, none of the apps were designed for clinical use, nor did they provide tools for clinician workflows. Formal evaluation of these accessible smartphone apps is needed to understand the clinical potential of accessible VRET solutions. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e41807 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/41807 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37058343 ID - info:doi/10.2196/41807 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Hernandez Hernandez, Elena Maria AU - Michalak, Erin AU - Choudhury, Nusrat AU - Hewko, Mark AU - Torres, Ivan AU - Menon, Mahesh AU - Lam, W. Raymond AU - Chakrabarty, Trisha PY - 2023/4/7 TI - Co-design of a Virtual Reality Cognitive Remediation Program for Depression (bWell-D) With Patient End Users and Clinicians: Qualitative Interview Study Among Patients and Clinicians JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e43904 VL - 11 KW - depression KW - cognitive remediation KW - cognitive dysfunction KW - thematic analysis KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - qualitative study KW - user-centered design KW - immersive KW - co-design KW - depressive KW - mental health KW - mental illness N2 - Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the leading cause of global disability; however, the existing treatments do not always address cognitive dysfunction?a core feature of MDD. Immersive virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising modality to enhance the real-world effectiveness of cognitive remediation. Objective: This study aimed to develop the first prototype VR cognitive remediation program for MDD (?bWell-D?). This study gathered qualitative data from end users early in the design process to enhance its efficacy and feasibility in clinical settings. Methods: Semistructured end-user interviews were conducted remotely (n=15 patients and n=12 clinicians), assessing the participants? perceptions and goals for a VR cognitive remediation program. Video samples of bWell-D were also shared to obtain feedback regarding the program. The interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed via thematic analysis. Results: End users showed an optimistic outlook toward VR as a treatment modality, and perceived it as a novel approach with the potential of having multiple applications. The participants expressed a need for an engaging VR treatment that included realistic and multisensorial settings and activities, as well as customizable features. Some skepticism regarding its effectiveness was also reported, especially when the real-world applications of the practiced skills were not made explicit, as well as some concerns regarding equipment accessibility. A home-based or hybrid (ie, home and clinic) treatment modality was preferred. Conclusions: Patients and clinicians considered bWell-D interesting, acceptable, and potentially feasible, and provided suggestions to enhance its real-world applicability. The inclusion of end-user feedback is encouraged when developing future VR programs for clinical purposes. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2023/1/e43904 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/43904 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37027183 ID - info:doi/10.2196/43904 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lundstedt, Rikard AU - Persson, Johanna AU - Håkansson, Carita AU - Frennert, Susanne AU - Wallergård, Mattias PY - 2023/4/7 TI - Designing Virtual Natural Environments for Older Adults: Think-Aloud Study JO - JMIR Hum Factors SP - e40932 VL - 10 KW - virtual natural environments KW - user-centered design KW - qualitative method KW - real-time 3D graphics KW - older adults N2 - Background: Spending time in natural environments is beneficial for human health, but many older adults have limited or no access to natural environments. Virtual reality technology may be a means to facilitate nature experiences, and so, there is a need for knowledge on how to design virtual restorative natural environments for older adults. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify, implement, and test older adults? preferences and ideas regarding virtual natural environments. Methods: A total of 14 older adults (mean age 75, SD 5.9 years) participated in an iterative process to design such an environment. We used think-aloud protocols and qualitative content analysis and established questionnaires that targeted usability, affective aspects, and side effects. These data guided the design decisions for incremental implementations of a prototype. Results: The participants? preferences included trueness to reality in terms of rendition and behavior; traces of human activity and natural processes that trigger the imagination and provide believability; the ability to roam, explore, and interact with the environment; and a familiar, relatable environment that evokes memories. The iterative design process resulted in a prototype featuring many of the participants? ideas and preferences, including a seated locomotion technique, animals, a boat ride, the discovery of a boat wreck, and apple picking. The questionnaire results indicated high perceived usability, interest, and enjoyment; low pressure and tension; moderate value and usefulness; and negligible side effects. Conclusions: We suggested 3 principles for virtual natural environments for older adults: realness, interactivity, and relatedness. Virtual natural environments should also provide a diversity of content and activities to accommodate the heterogeneity in older adults? preferences. These results can contribute to a framework for designing virtual natural environments for older adults. However, these findings need to be tested and potentially revised in future studies. UR - https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2023/1/e40932 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/40932 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37027206 ID - info:doi/10.2196/40932 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Guo, Qifan AU - Zhang, LIMing AU - Gui, Chenfan AU - Chen, Guanghui AU - Chen, Yi AU - Tan, Huixin AU - Su, Wei AU - Zhang, Ruishi AU - Gao, Qiang PY - 2023/4/3 TI - Virtual Reality Intervention for Patients With Neck Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e38256 VL - 25 KW - meta-analysis KW - virtual reality KW - neck pain KW - disability KW - systematic review N2 - Background: Neck pain is a prevalent condition that causes an enormous health care burden due to the lack of efficient therapies. As a promising technology, virtual reality (VR) has shown advantages in orthopedic rehabilitation. However, there is no meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness of VR in neck pain management. Objective: This study aims to review original randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of VR for neck pain and to provide evidence for the clinical application of a new alternative approach for pain management. Methods: A total of 9 electronic databases were systematically searched for relevant articles published from inception to October 2022. RCTs in English or Chinese that investigated VR therapy for participants with neck pain were included. The methodological quality and the evidence level were assessed using the Cochrane Back and Neck Risk of Bias tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guideline, respectively. Results: A total of 8 studies with 382 participants were included for the final analysis. For the pain intensity, the overall pooled effect size was 0.51, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of ?0.51 (95% CI ?0.91 to ?0.11; GRADE: moderate), favoring VR therapy compared with controls. Subgroups analyses revealed that significant differences in pain intensity were found in the multimodal intervention (VR in combination with other therapies) than in other interventions (SMD ?0.45, 95% CI ?0.78 to ?0.13; GRADE: moderate), and better analgesic effects were also observed in patients with chronic neck pain receiving VR intervention (SMD ?0.70, 95% CI ?1.08 to ?0.32; GRADE: moderate) and patients treated in the clinic or research unit (SMD ?0.52, 95% CI ?0.99 to ?0.05; GRADE: moderate) than controls. Regarding other health outcomes, the VR experienced less disability, lower kinesiophobia, and greater kinematic function (cervical range of motion, mean and peak velocity). Nevertheless, the follow-up effects of VR therapy on pain intensity and disability were not found. Conclusions: Existing moderate evidence support VR as a beneficial nonpharmacological approach to improve pain intensity in patients with neck pain, with advantages to multimodal intervention, people with chronic neck pain, and clinic or research unit?based VR therapy. However, the limited quantity and high heterogeneity of the articles limit our findings. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020188635; https://tinyurl.com/2839jh8w UR - https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e38256 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/38256 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37010891 ID - info:doi/10.2196/38256 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Dinh, Alana AU - Tseng, Emily AU - Yin, Lukas Andrew AU - Estrin, Deborah AU - Greenwald, Peter AU - Fortenko, Alexander PY - 2023/3/28 TI - Perceptions About Augmented Reality in Remote Medical Care: Interview Study of Emergency Telemedicine Providers JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e45211 VL - 7 KW - augmented reality KW - telemedicine KW - telehealth KW - emergency medicine KW - education KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have increasingly appeared in the medical literature in the past decade, with AR recently being studied for its potential role in remote health care delivery and communication. Recent literature describes AR?s implementation in real-time telemedicine contexts across multiple specialties and settings, with remote emergency services in particular using AR to enhance disaster support and simulation education. Despite the introduction of AR in the medical literature and its potential to shape the future of remote medical services, studies have yet to investigate the perspectives of telemedicine providers regarding this novel technology. Objective: This study aimed to understand the applications and challenges of AR in telemedicine anticipated by emergency medicine providers with a range of experiences in using telemedicine and AR or VR technology. Methods: Across 10 academic medical institutions, 21 emergency medicine providers with variable exposures to telemedicine and AR or VR technology were recruited for semistructured interviews via snowball sampling. The interview questions focused on various potential uses of AR, anticipated obstacles that prevent its implementation in the telemedicine area, and how providers and patients might respond to its introduction. We included video demonstrations of a prototype using AR during the interviews to elicit more informed and complete insights regarding AR?s potential in remote health care. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed via thematic coding. Results: Our study identified 2 major areas of use for AR in telemedicine. First, AR is perceived to facilitate information gathering by enhancing observational tasks such as visual examination and granting simultaneous access to data and remote experts. Second, AR is anticipated to supplement distance learning of both minor and major procedures and nonprocedural skills such as cue recognition and empathy for patients and trainees. AR may also supplement long-distance education programs and thereby support less specialized medical facilities. However, the addition of AR may exacerbate the preexisting financial, structural, and literacy barriers to telemedicine. Providers seek value demonstrated by extensive research on the clinical outcome, satisfaction, and financial benefits of AR. They also seek institutional support and early training before adopting novel tools such as AR. Although an overall mixed reception is anticipated, consumer adoption and awareness are key components in AR?s adoption. Conclusions: AR has the potential to enhance the ability to gather observational and medical information, which would serve a diverse set of applications in remote health care delivery and education. However, AR faces obstacles similar to those faced by the current telemedicine technology, such as lack of access, infrastructure, and familiarity. This paper discusses the potential areas of investigation that would inform future studies and approaches to implementing AR in telemedicine. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e45211 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/45211 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36976628 ID - info:doi/10.2196/45211 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lie, Stangeland Silje AU - Røykenes, Kari AU - Sæheim, Aleksandra AU - Groven, Synne Karen PY - 2023/3/20 TI - Developing a Virtual Reality Educational Tool to Stimulate Emotions for Learning: Focus Group Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e41829 VL - 7 KW - virtual reality KW - 360° video KW - learning KW - experiences KW - emotions KW - health care and social work higher education N2 - Background: By watching 360° videos in virtual reality headsets, students may experience being immersed in the portrayed situation. There is a paucity of empirical studies on the application of immersive 360° videos watched in virtual reality headsets for students in health care and social work education and the pedagogical theory guiding the development of such educational tools. This led to our interest in exploring how a virtual reality educational tool involving 360° videos can stimulate emotions and how this can be used as a pedagogical tool in these educational programs. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of faculty members and students regarding a prototype 360° video watched in virtual reality headsets during the development phase of an educational project. We addressed the following research questions: How does the virtual reality prototype stimulate emotions? How can virtual reality be used in higher education for health care and social work students? Methods: We used a qualitative design and collected data through focus group interviews with project participants. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Our analysis identified 2 main themes in participants? experiences with the virtual reality prototype. The first theme highlights that when participants experienced watching the 360° video in a virtual reality headset, it stimulated their emotions as an authentic professional experience would. The second theme, contextualization of virtual reality, highlights participants? perceptions of how the virtual reality experience should be incorporated into a safe educational context. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that 360° videos with human actors who use eye contact with the camera can trigger emotions in the viewer and therefore serve as a pedagogic tool that can create authentic professional experiences for students. The participants expressed the view that the virtual reality educational tool could be used to prepare students for real-life practice in health care and social work. However, they underlined that 360° videos in virtual reality need to be contextualized in educational programs to create a safe environment for learning and to ensure follow-up on the emotions such experiences can trigger in students. Our results highlight the perceived importance of allowing students to reflect on the virtual reality experience in a safe setting and of follow-up by faculty members. In-person follow-up with students can be resource intensive for programs with large numbers of students and makes it challenging to offer repeated training, something that has been identified as one of the benefits of virtual reality. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e41829 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/41829 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36939819 ID - info:doi/10.2196/41829 ER - @Article{info:doi/10.2196/41091, author="Fan, Ting and Wang, Xiaobei and Song, Xiaoxi and Zhao, Gang and Zhang, Zhichang", title="Research Status and Emerging Trends in Virtual Reality Rehabilitation: Bibliometric and Knowledge Graph Study", journal="JMIR Serious Games", year="2023", month="Mar", day="6", volume="11", pages="e41091", keywords="mobility", keywords="rehabilitation", keywords="virtual reality", keywords="bibliometric", keywords="technology", keywords="training", keywords="interactive", keywords="research", keywords="exercise", keywords="resources", keywords="cerebral palsy", keywords="adult", keywords="video games", abstract="Background: Virtual reality (VR) technology has been widely used in rehabilitation training because of its immersive, interactive, and imaginative features. A comprehensive bibliometric review is required to help researchers focus on future directions based on the new de?nitions of VR technologies in rehabilitation, which reveal new situations and requirements. Objective: Herein, we aimed to summarize effective research methods for and potential innovative approaches to VR rehabilitation by evaluating publications from various countries to encourage research on efficient strategies to improve VR rehabilitation. Methods: The SCIE (Science Citation Index Expanded) database was searched on January 20, 2022, for publications related to the application of VR technology in rehabilitation research. We found 1617 papers, and we created a clustered network, using the 46,116 references cited in the papers. CiteSpace V (Drexel University) and VOSviewer (Leiden University) were used to identify countries, institutions, journals, keywords, cocited references, and research hot spots. Results: A total of 63 countries and 1921 institutes have contributed publications. The United States of America has taken the leading position in this field; it has the highest number of publications; the highest h-index; and the largest collaborative network, which includes other countries. The reference clusters of SCIE papers were divided into the following nine categories: kinematics, neurorehabilitation, brain injury, exergames, aging, motor rehabilitation, mobility, cerebral palsy, and exercise intensity. The research frontiers were represented by the following keywords: video games (2017-2021), and young adults (2018-2021). Conclusions: Our study comprehensively assesses the current research state of VR rehabilitation and analyzes the current research hot spots and future trends in the field, with the aims of providing resources for more intensive investigation and encouraging more researchers to further develop VR rehabilitation. ", doi="10.2196/41091", url="https://games.jmir.org/2023/1/e41091", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36877556" } TY - JOUR AU - Lee, Kyong-No AU - Kim, Ji Hyeon AU - Choe, Kiroong AU - Cho, Aeri AU - Kim, Bohyoung AU - Seo, Jinwook AU - Myung, Woojae AU - Park, Yoon Jee AU - Oh, Joon Kyung PY - 2023/2/24 TI - Effects of Fetal Images Produced in Virtual Reality on Maternal-Fetal Attachment: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e43634 VL - 25 KW - maternal-fetal attachment KW - virtual reality KW - ultrasound KW - pregnancy KW - fetus KW - postpartum depression KW - pediatric KW - mobile app KW - mental well-being KW - mobile health app KW - maternal health KW - women's health N2 - Background: Maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) has been reported to be associated with the postpartum mother-infant relationship. Seeing the fetus through ultrasound might influence MFA, and the effect could be increased by more realistic images, such as those generated in virtual reality (VR). Objective: The aim was to determine the effect of fetal images generated in VR on MFA and depressive symptoms through a prenatal-coaching mobile app. Methods: This 2-arm parallel randomized controlled trial involved a total of 80 pregnant women. Eligible women were randomly assigned to either a mobile app?only group (n=40) or an app plus VR group (n=40). The VR group experienced their own baby?s images generated in VR based on images obtained from fetal ultrasonography. The prenatal-coaching mobile app recommended health behavior for the pregnant women according to gestational age, provided feedback on entered data for maternal weight, blood pressure, and glucose levels, and included a private diary service for fetal ultrasound images. Both groups received the same app, but the VR group also viewed fetal images produced in VR; these images were stored in the app. All participants filled out questionnaires to assess MFA, depressive symptoms, and other basic medical information. The questionnaires were filled out again after the interventions. Results: Basic demographic data were comparable between the 2 groups. Most of the assessments showed comparable results for the 2 groups, but the mean score to assess interaction with the fetus was significantly higher for the VR group than the control group (0.4 vs 0.1, P=.004). The proportion of participants with an increased score for this category after the intervention was significantly higher in the VR group than the control group (43% vs 13%, P=.005). The feedback questionnaire revealed that scores for the degree of perception of fetal appearance all increased after the intervention in the VR group. Conclusions: The use of a mobile app with fetal images in VR significantly increased maternal interaction with the fetus. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04942197; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04942197 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e43634 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/43634 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36826976 ID - info:doi/10.2196/43634 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Le Du, Katell AU - Septans, Anne-Lise AU - Maloisel, Frédéric AU - Vanquaethem, Hélène AU - Schmitt, Anna AU - Le Goff, Marielle AU - Clavert, Aline AU - Zinger, Marie AU - Bourgeois, Hugues AU - Dupuis, Olivier AU - Denis, Fabrice AU - Bouchard, Stéphane PY - 2023/2/15 TI - A New Option for Pain Prevention Using a Therapeutic Virtual Reality Solution for Bone Marrow Biopsy (REVEH Trial): Open-Label, Randomized, Multicenter, Phase 3 Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e38619 VL - 25 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - bone marrow KW - biopsy KW - pain KW - digital therapeutics KW - digital health KW - eHealth KW - RCT KW - randomized controlled trial KW - clinical trial KW - distraction KW - imagery KW - imagination KW - imaginary KW - immersive environment KW - interactive environment KW - head-mounted display KW - medical procedure KW - satisfaction KW - safety KW - efficacy KW - effectiveness N2 - Background: Evidence regarding the analgesic effect of distraction through immersion in virtual reality (VR) for care-induced pain has been documented in several phase 2 trials, but comparison with standard treatments in large, randomized studies is needed. Objective: In this open-label, multicenter, randomized, phase 3 trial, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of a novel VR therapy solution for distraction in the context of bone marrow biopsy. Methods: Bliss is a VR software with 4 imaginary interactive environments in 3 dimensions with binaural sound (head-mounted display). Efficacy regarding pain intensity was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS; score from 0 to 10) immediately after the biopsy. Secondary end points were anxiety and tolerance. Modified intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Results: Overall, 126 patients with previously documented untreated or suspected malignant hemopathy between September 6, 2018, and May 18, 2020, were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive pain prevention with a mixture of nitrous oxide/oxygen (MEOPA; n=63) or VR (n=63) before and during the bone marrow biopsy. We excluded 8 patients from the final analysis (3 in the MEOPA group and 5 in the VR group). All patients received local anesthesia (lidocaine) before biopsy. Follow-up was limited to 1 month after the biopsy. Participants? median age was 65.5 (range 18-87) years, and 54.2% (64/118) of patients were male. The average pain intensity was 3.5 (SD 2.6, 95% CI ?1.6 to 8.6) for the MEOPA group and 3.0 (SD 2.4, 95% CI ?1.7 to 7.7) for the VR group, without any significant differences in age, sex, center, and hemopathy (P=.26). Concerning anxiety, 67.5% (79/117; fear of pain questionnaire) of the patients were afraid before the biopsy, and anxiety scores were moderate to very high in 26.3% (30/114; revised Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire) of the patients before the biopsy and 9.0% (10/114) after the biopsy for all patients, without a significant difference between the 2 groups (P=.83). Immersion in VR was well tolerated by the majority (54/57, 95%) of patients in the VR group. Conclusions: The intensity of pain did not significantly differ between both arms. VR was well tolerated, and the satisfaction of patients, nurses, and physicians was very high. VR could be an alternative treatment in case of contraindication or intolerance to MEOPA. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03483194; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03483194 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e38619 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/38619 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36790852 ID - info:doi/10.2196/38619 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Gupta, Sanchit AU - Wilcocks, Kyle AU - Matava, Clyde AU - Wiegelmann, Julian AU - Kaustov, Lilia AU - Alam, Fahad PY - 2023/2/14 TI - Creating a Successful Virtual Reality?Based Medical Simulation Environment: Tutorial JO - JMIR Med Educ SP - e41090 VL - 9 KW - virtual reality KW - innovation KW - digital health KW - simulation KW - medical education KW - medical training KW - tutorial KW - how-to KW - curriculum UR - https://mededu.jmir.org/2023/1/e41090 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/41090 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36787169 ID - info:doi/10.2196/41090 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Koohsari, Javad Mohammad AU - McCormack, R. Gavin AU - Nakaya, Tomoki AU - Yasunaga, Akitomo AU - Fuller, Daniel AU - Nagai, Yukari AU - Oka, Koichiro PY - 2023/2/13 TI - The Metaverse, the Built Environment, and Public Health: Opportunities and Uncertainties JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e43549 VL - 25 KW - virtual reality KW - technology KW - neighborhood KW - urban design KW - health KW - epidemiology KW - artificial intelligence KW - sport sciences KW - augmented reality KW - health care UR - https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e43549 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/43549 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36780208 ID - info:doi/10.2196/43549 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Paquin, Vincent AU - Ferrari, Manuela AU - Sekhon, Harmehr AU - Rej, Soham PY - 2023/2/7 TI - Time to Think ?Meta?: A Critical Viewpoint on the Risks and Benefits of Virtual Worlds for Mental Health JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e43388 VL - 11 KW - metaverse KW - digital media KW - virtual reality KW - mental health KW - addiction KW - social functioning KW - virtual KW - technology KW - augmented reality KW - gaming KW - social media KW - cognitive KW - physical activity KW - behavior KW - psychological KW - development KW - patient KW - policy UR - https://games.jmir.org/2023/1/e43388 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/43388 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36661284 ID - info:doi/10.2196/43388 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lie, Stangeland Silje AU - Helle, Nikolina AU - Sletteland, Vahl Nina AU - Vikman, Dubland Miriam AU - Bonsaksen, Tore PY - 2023/1/24 TI - Implementation of Virtual Reality in Health Professions Education: Scoping Review JO - JMIR Med Educ SP - e41589 VL - 9 KW - implementation KW - virtual reality KW - higher education KW - medical education KW - health professions education KW - continuing education KW - scoping review KW - health professional KW - technology N2 - Background: Virtual reality has been gaining ground in health professions education and may offer students a platform to experience and master situations without endangering patients or themselves. When implemented effectively, virtual reality technologies may enable highly engaging learning activities and interactive simulations. However, implementation processes present challenges, and the key to successful implementation is identifying barriers and facilitators as well as finding strategies to address them. Objective: This scoping review aimed to identify the literature on virtual reality implementation in health professions education, identify barriers to and facilitators of implementation, and highlight gaps in the literature in this area. Methods: The scoping review was conducted based on the Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence Synthesis methodologies. Electronic searches were conducted in the Academic Search Elite, Education Source, and CINAHL databases on January 5, 2022, in Google Scholar on February 2 and November 18, 2022, and in PubMed database on November 18, 2022. We conducted hand searches of key items, reference tracking, and citation tracking and searches on government webpages on February 2, 2022. At least 2 reviewers screened the identified literature. Eligible studies were considered based on predefined inclusion criteria. The results of the identified items were analyzed and synthesized using qualitative content analysis. Results: We included 7 papers and identified 7 categories related to facilitators of and barriers to implementation?collaborative participation, availability, expenses, guidelines, technology, careful design and evaluation, and training?and developed a model that links the categories to the 4 constructs from Carl May?s general theory of implementation. All the included reports provided recommendations for implementation, including recommendations for careful design and evaluation, training of faculty and students, and faculty presence during use. Conclusions: Virtual reality implementation in health professions education appears to be a new and underexplored research field. This scoping review has several limitations, including definitions and search words, language, and that we did not assess the included papers? quality. Important implications from our findings are that ensuring faculty?s and students? competence in using virtual reality technology is necessary for the implementation processes. Collaborative participation by including end users in the development process is another factor that may ensure successful implementation in higher education contexts. To ensure stakeholders? motivation and potential to use virtual reality, faculty and students could be invited to participate in the development process to ensure that the educational content is valued. Moreover, technological challenges and usability issues should be resolved before implementation to ensure that pedagogical content is the focus. This accentuates the importance of piloting, sufficient time resources, basic testing, and sharing of experiences before implementation. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/37222 UR - https://mededu.jmir.org/2023/1/e41589 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/41589 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36692934 ID - info:doi/10.2196/41589 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Gray, Gabrielle Hannah AU - Tchao, Danielle AU - Lewis-Fung, Samantha AU - Pardini, Susanna AU - Harris, R. Laurence AU - Appel, Lora PY - 2023/1/24 TI - Virtual Reality Therapy for People With Epilepsy and Related Anxiety: Protocol for a 3-Phase Pilot Clinical Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e41523 VL - 12 KW - epilepsy KW - anxiety KW - virtual reality KW - exposure therapy KW - eHealth KW - digital health KW - virtual reality exposure therapy KW - cognitive behavioral therapy KW - CBT KW - nonpharmacological intervention KW - biomedical technology N2 - Background: Anxiety is one of the most common psychiatric comorbidities in people with epilepsy and often involves fears specifically related to the condition, such as anxiety related to the fear of having another seizure. These epilepsy- or seizure-related fears have been reported as being more disabling than the seizures themselves and significantly impact quality of life. Although research has suggested that exposure therapy (ET) is helpful in decreasing anxiety in people with epilepsy, no research to our knowledge has been conducted on ET in people with epilepsy using virtual reality (VR). The use of novel technologies such as an immersive VR head-mounted display for ET in this population offers several benefits. Indeed, using VR can increase accessibility for people with epilepsy with transportation barriers (eg, those who live outside urban centers or who have a suspended driver?s license owing to their condition), among other advantages. In the present research protocol, we describe the design of an innovative VR-ET program administered in the home that focuses on decreasing anxiety in people with epilepsy, specifically anxiety related to their epilepsy or seizures. Objective: Our primary objective is to examine the feasibility of the study protocol and proposed treatment as well as identify suggestions for improvement when designing subsequent larger clinical trials. Our secondary objective is to evaluate whether VR-ET is effective in decreasing anxiety in a pilot study. We hypothesize that levels of anxiety in people with epilepsy will decrease from using VR-ET. Methods: This mixed methods study comprises 3 phases. Phase 1 involves engaging with those with lived experience through a web-based questionnaire to validate assumptions about anxiety in people with epilepsy. Phase 2 involves filming videos using a 360° camera for the VR-ET intervention (likely consisting of 3 sets of scenes, each with 3 intensity levels) based on the epilepsy- and seizure-related fears most commonly reported in the phase 1 questionnaire. Finally, phase 3 involves evaluating the at-home VR-ET intervention and study methods using a series of validated scales, as well as semistructured interviews. Results: This pilot study was funded in November 2021. Data collection for phase 1 was completed as of August 7, 2022, and had a final sample of 18 participants. Conclusions: Our findings will add to the limited body of knowledge on anxiety in people with epilepsy and the use of VR in this population. We anticipate that the insights gained from this study will lay the foundation for a novel and accessible VR intervention for this underrecognized and undertreated comorbidity in people with epilepsy. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05296057; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05296057 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/41523 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e41523 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/41523 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36692939 ID - info:doi/10.2196/41523 ER - TY - JOUR AU - van Spaendonck, Zita AU - Leeuwenburgh, Pieter Koen AU - Dremmen, Marjolein AU - van Schuppen, Joost AU - Starreveld, Daniëlle AU - Dierckx, Bram AU - Legerstee, S. Jeroen PY - 2023/1/24 TI - Comparing Smartphone Virtual Reality Exposure Preparation to Care as Usual in Children Aged 6 to 14 Years Undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Protocol for a Multicenter, Observer-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e41080 VL - 12 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - children KW - anxiety KW - magnetic resonance imaging KW - MRI KW - MRI scans KW - imaging KW - randomized controlled trial KW - MRI preparation KW - smartphone virtual reality KW - smartphone intervention KW - procedural anxiety KW - psychosocial intervention N2 - Background: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure can cause preprocedural and periprocedural anxiety in children. Psychosocial interventions are used to prepare children for the procedure to alleviate anxiety, but these interventions are time-consuming and costly, limiting their clinical use. Virtual reality (VR) is a promising way to overcome these limitations in the preparation of children before an MRI scan. Objective: The objective of this study is (1) to develop a VR smartphone intervention to prepare children at home for an MRI procedure; and (2) to examine the effect of the VR intervention in a randomized controlled trial, in which the VR intervention will be compared to care as usual (CAU). CAU involves an information letter about an MRI examination. The primary outcome is the child?s procedural anxiety during the MRI procedure. Secondary outcomes include preprocedural anxiety and parental anxiety. We hypothesize that the VR preparation will result in a higher reduction of the periprocedural anxiety of both parents and children as compared to CAU. Methods: The VR intervention provides a highly realistic and child-friendly representation of an MRI environment. In this randomized controlled trial, 128 children (aged 6 to 14 years) undergoing an MRI scan will be randomly allocated to the VR intervention or CAU. Children in the VR intervention will receive a log-in code for the VR app and are sent cardboard VR glasses. Results: The VR smartphone preparation app was developed in 2020. The recruitment of participants is expected to be completed in December 2022. Data will be analyzed, and scientific papers will be submitted for publication in 2023. Conclusions: The VR smartphone app is expected to significantly reduce pre- and periprocedural anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing an MRI scan. The VR app offers a realistic and child-friendly experience that can contribute to modern care. A smartphone version of the VR app has the advantage that children, and potentially their parents, can get habituated to the VR environment and noises in their own home environment and can do this VR MRI preparation as often and as long as needed. Trial Registration: ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN20976625; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN20976625 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/41080 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e41080 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/41080 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36692931 ID - info:doi/10.2196/41080 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Shu, Sara AU - Woo, P. Benjamin K. PY - 2023/1/20 TI - Pioneering the Metaverse: The Role of the Metaverse in an Aging Population JO - JMIR Aging SP - e40582 VL - 6 KW - metaverse KW - older adult KW - aging in place KW - dementia KW - gerontology KW - geriatric KW - digital health KW - digital technology KW - computer generated KW - artificial intelligence KW - virtual reality KW - mixed reality KW - augmented reality KW - aging KW - mental health UR - https://aging.jmir.org/2023/1/e40582 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/40582 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36662547 ID - info:doi/10.2196/40582 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ulbrich, Max AU - Van den Bosch, Vincent AU - Bönsch, Andrea AU - Gruber, Johannes Lennart AU - Ooms, Mark AU - Melchior, Claire AU - Motmaen, Ila AU - Wilpert, Caroline AU - Rashad, Ashkan AU - Kuhlen, Wolfgang Torsten AU - Hölzle, Frank AU - Puladi, Behrus PY - 2023/1/19 TI - Advantages of a Training Course for Surgical Planning in Virtual Reality for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Crossover Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e40541 VL - 11 KW - virtual surgical planning KW - virtual reality KW - Elucis KW - 3D Slicer KW - oral and maxillofacial surgery N2 - Background: As an integral part of computer-assisted surgery, virtual surgical planning (VSP) leads to significantly better surgery results, such as for oral and maxillofacial reconstruction with microvascular grafts of the fibula or iliac crest. It is performed on a 2D computer desktop screen (DS) based on preoperative medical imaging. However, in this environment, VSP is associated with shortcomings, such as a time-consuming planning process and the requirement of a learning process. Therefore, a virtual reality (VR)?based VSP application has great potential to reduce or even overcome these shortcomings due to the benefits of visuospatial vision, bimanual interaction, and full immersion. However, the efficacy of such a VR environment has not yet been investigated. Objective: This study aimed to demonstrate the possible advantages of a VR environment through a substep of VSP, specifically the segmentation of the fibula (calf bone) and os coxae (hip bone), by conducting a training course in both DS and VR environments and comparing the results. Methods: During the training course, 6 novices were taught how to use a software application in a DS environment (3D Slicer) and in a VR environment (Elucis) for the segmentation of the fibula and os coxae, and they were asked to carry out the maneuvers as accurately and quickly as possible. Overall, 13 fibula and 13 os coxae were segmented for each participant in both methods (VR and DS), resulting in 156 different models (78 fibula and 78 os coxae) per method (VR and DS) and 312 models in total. The individual learning processes in both environments were compared using objective criteria (time and segmentation performance) and self-reported questionnaires. The models resulting from the segmentation were compared mathematically (Hausdorff distance and Dice coefficient) and evaluated by 2 experienced radiologists in a blinded manner. Results: A much faster learning curve was observed for the VR environment than the DS environment (?=.86 vs ?=.25). This nearly doubled the segmentation speed (cm3/min) by the end of training, leading to a shorter time (P<.001) to reach a qualitative result. However, there was no qualitative difference between the models for VR and DS (P=.99). The VR environment was perceived by participants as more intuitive and less exhausting, and was favored over the DS environment. Conclusions: The more rapid learning process and the ability to work faster in the VR environment could save time and reduce the VSP workload, providing certain advantages over the DS environment. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2023/1/e40541 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/40541 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36656632 ID - info:doi/10.2196/40541 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Bond, Jessica AU - Kenny, Alexandra AU - Pinfold, Vanessa AU - Couperthwaite, Lisa AU - AU - Kabir, Thomas AU - Larkin, Michael AU - Beckley, Ariane AU - Rosebrock, Laina AU - Lambe, Sinéad AU - Freeman, Daniel AU - Waite, Felicity AU - Robotham, Dan PY - 2023/1/16 TI - A Safe Place to Learn: Peer Research Qualitative Investigation of gameChange Virtual Reality Therapy JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e38065 VL - 11 KW - peer research KW - lived experience KW - qualitative methods KW - interpretative phenomenological analysis KW - IPA KW - anxiety KW - psychosis KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - cognitive therapy KW - automated KW - implementation N2 - Background: Automated virtual reality (VR) therapy has the potential to substantially increase access to evidence-based psychological treatments. The results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial showed that gameChange VR cognitive therapy reduces the agoraphobic avoidance of people diagnosed with psychosis, especially for those with severe avoidance. Objective: We set out to use a peer research approach to explore participants? experiences with gameChange VR therapy. This in-depth experiential exploration of user experience may inform the implementation in clinical services and future VR therapy development. Methods: Peer-led semistructured remote interviews were conducted with 20 people with a diagnosis of psychosis who had received gameChange as part of the clinical trial (ISRCTN17308399). Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis and template analyses. A multiperspectival approach was taken to explore subgroups. Credibility checks were conducted with the study Lived Experience Advisory Panel. Results: Participants reported the substantial impact of anxious avoidance on their lives before the VR intervention, leaving some of them housebound and isolated. Those who were struggling the most with agoraphobic avoidance expressed the most appreciation for, and gains from, the gameChange therapy. The VR scenarios provided ?a place to practise.? Immersion within the VR scenarios triggered anxiety, yet participants were able to observe this and respond in different ways than usual. The ?security of knowing the VR scenarios are not real? created a safe place to learn about fears. The ?balance of safety and anxiety? could be calibrated to the individual. The new learning made in VR was ?taken into the real world? through practice and distilling key messages with support from the delivery staff member. Conclusions: Automated VR can provide a therapeutic simulation that allows people diagnosed with psychosis to learn and embed new ways of responding to the situations that challenge them. An important process in anxiety reduction is enabling the presentation of stimuli that induce the original anxious fears yet allow for learning of safety. In gameChange, the interaction of anxiety and safety could be calibrated to provide a safe place to learn about fears and build confidence. This navigation of therapeutic learning can be successfully managed by patients themselves in an automated therapy, with staff support, that provides users with personalized control. The clinical improvements for people with severe anxious avoidance, the positive experience of VR, and the maintenance of a sense of control are likely to facilitate implementation. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2023/1/e38065 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/38065 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36645707 ID - info:doi/10.2196/38065 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Jin, Shan AU - Tan, Zijian AU - Liu, Taoran AU - Chan, Ngai Sze AU - Sheng, Jie AU - Wong, Tak-hap AU - Huang, Jian AU - Zhang, P. Casper J. AU - Ming, Wai-Kit PY - 2023/1/16 TI - Preference of Virtual Reality Games in Psychological Pressure and Depression Treatment: Discrete Choice Experiment JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e34586 VL - 11 KW - virtual reality KW - discrete choice experiment KW - college student KW - depression therapy N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) can be used to build many different scenes aimed at reducing study-related stress. However, only few academic experiments on university students for preference testing have been performed. Objective: This study aims to assess the preference of VR games for stress and depression treatment using a discrete choice experiment (DCE). Methods: A total of 5 different attributes were selected based on the depression therapy parameters and attributes related to VR: (1) treatment modality; (2) therapy duration; (3) perceived remission rate; (4) probability of adverse events; and the (5) monthly cost of adding treatment to a discrete choice experiment. By comparing different attributes and levels, we could draw some conclusions about the depression therapy testing preference for university students; 1 university student was responsible for VR scene development and 1 for participant recruitment. Results: The utility value of different attributes for ?0% Probability of adverse events? was higher than others (99.22), and the utility value of VR treatment as the most popular treatment method compared with counseling and medicine treatment was 80.95. Three parameter aspects (different treatments for depression) were statistically significant (P<.001), including ?0%? and ?50%? of ?Probability of adverse events? and ?¥500? (a currency exchange rate of ¥1 [Chinese yuan]=US $0.15 is applicable) of ?The monthly cost of treatment.? Most individuals preferred 12 months as the therapy duration, and the odds ratio of ?12 months? was 1.095 (95% CI 0.945-1.270) when compared with the reference level (6 months). Meanwhile, the cheapest price (¥500) of depression therapy was the optimum choice for most students. Conclusions: People placed great preference on VR technology psychological intervention methods, which indicates that VR may have a potential market in the treatment of psychological problems. However, adverse events and treatment costs need to be considered. This study can be used to guide policies that are relevant to the development of the application of VR technology in the field of psychological pressure and depression treatment. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2023/1/e34586 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/34586 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36645698 ID - info:doi/10.2196/34586 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Vervoorn, T. Mats AU - Wulfse, Maaike AU - Van Doormaal, C. Tristan P. AU - Ruurda, P. Jelle AU - Van der Kaaij, P. Niels AU - De Heer, M. Linda PY - 2023/1/6 TI - Mixed Reality in Modern Surgical and Interventional Practice: Narrative Review of the Literature JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e41297 VL - 11 KW - mixed reality KW - extended reality KW - surgery KW - intervention KW - education N2 - Background: Mixed reality (MR) and its potential applications have gained increasing interest within the medical community over the recent years. The ability to integrate virtual objects into a real-world environment within a single video-see-through display is a topic that sparks imagination. Given these characteristics, MR could facilitate preoperative and preinterventional planning, provide intraoperative and intrainterventional guidance, and aid in education and training, thereby improving the skills and merits of surgeons and residents alike. Objective: In this narrative review, we provide a broad overview of the different applications of MR within the entire spectrum of surgical and interventional practice and elucidate on potential future directions. Methods: A targeted literature search within the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed regarding the application of MR within surgical and interventional practice. Studies were included if they met the criteria for technological readiness level 5, and as such, had to be validated in a relevant environment. Results: A total of 57 studies were included and divided into studies regarding preoperative and interventional planning, intraoperative and interventional guidance, as well as training and education. Conclusions: The overall experience with MR is positive. The main benefits of MR seem to be related to improved efficiency. Limitations primarily seem to be related to constraints associated with head-mounted display. Future directions should be aimed at improving head-mounted display technology as well as incorporation of MR within surgical microscopes, robots, and design of trials to prove superiority. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2023/1/e41297 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/41297 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36607711 ID - info:doi/10.2196/41297 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Kim, Jin Hee AU - Lee, Woog Jea AU - Choi, Gangta AU - Huh, Junghoon AU - Han, Hyun Doug PY - 2023/1/5 TI - Differences in Brain Activity and Body Movements Between Virtual Reality and Offline Exercise: Randomized Crossover Trial JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e40421 VL - 11 KW - virtual reality exercise KW - near-infrared spectroscopy KW - spectroscopy KW - hemodynamic KW - blood flow KW - hemoglobin KW - brain KW - prefrontal cortex KW - orbitofrontal cortex KW - immersion KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - exercise KW - range of motion KW - physical activity KW - fitness KW - motion KW - movement KW - randomized KW - calorie N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) has been suggested to be effective at enhancing physical exercises because of its immersive characteristics. However, few studies have quantitatively assessed the range of motion and brain activity during VR exercises. Objective: We hypothesized that 3D immersive VR could stimulate body movement and brain activity more effectively than standard exercises and that the increased range of motions during 3D immersive VR exercises would be associated with orbitofrontal activation. Methods: A randomized crossover trial was conducted to compare exercises with and without VR. A total of 24 healthy males performed the same motions when exercising with and without 3D immersive VR, and the recorded videos were used for motion analysis. Hemodynamic changes in the prefrontal cortex were assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Results: There were significant differences in the total angle (z=?2.31; P=.02), length (z=?2.78; P=.005), calorie consumption (z=?3.04; P=.002), and change in accumulated oxygenated hemoglobin within the right orbitofrontal cortex (F1,94=9.36; P=.003) between the VR and offline trials. Hemodynamic changes in the right orbitofrontal cortex were positively correlated with the total angle (r=0.45; P=.001) and length (r=0.38; P=.007) in the VR exercise; however, there was no significant correlation in the offline trial. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that 3D immersive VR exercise effectively increases the range of motion in healthy individuals in relation to orbitofrontal activation. Trial Registration: Clinical Research Information Service KCT0008021; https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/23671 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2023/1/e40421 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/40421 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36602842 ID - info:doi/10.2196/40421 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Hsieh, Pei-Lun AU - Wang, Yu-Rung AU - Huang, Tien-Chi PY - 2023/1/4 TI - Exploring Key Factors Influencing Nursing Students? Cognitive Load and Willingness to Serve Older Adults: Cross-sectional Descriptive Correlational Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e43203 VL - 11 KW - immersive virtual reality learning KW - VR learning KW - mental effort KW - mental load KW - service willingness KW - older adult KW - virtual reality KW - nursing student KW - professional education KW - digital learning KW - older adult population N2 - Background: Virtual learning environments (VLEs) use a virtual environment to support learning activities. VLEs are commonly used to overcome the temporal and spatial restrictions of learning activities held in conventional face-to-face classrooms. In VLEs, students can participate in learning activities using the internet, and teachers can provide assistive learning tools during the process. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among nursing students? mental load, cognitive load, and affective learning outcomes in terms of their willingness to serve older adults in an interaction-based educational virtual reality (VR) learning environment. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional method. A total of 130 students participated in interaction-based VR learning and completed related questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics and stepwise regression for data analysis were used. Results: The research results revealed that in the dimension of willingness to use VR learning materials, perceived usefulness received the highest score (mean 4.42, SD 0.45). In the dimension of nursing ability, students scored the highest in information management and application ability to care for case patients (mean 4.35, SD 0.54). Correlation analysis revealed that cognitive load during learning and willingness to serve older adults were negatively correlated, whereas willingness to use VR learning materials was positively correlated with nursing ability and willingness to serve older adults. Analyzing the regression coefficients of predictor variables revealed that willingness to use VR learning materials (?=.23; t2=2.89, P=.005) and cognitive load during learning (?=?.35; t2=?.4.30, P<.001) were predictive factors of nursing students? willingness to serve older adults. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that students? willingness to use VR learning materials and their cognitive load during learning affected their willingness to care for older adults. Therefore, the components of mental or cognitive load generate inconsistent predictive effects on affective variables and willingness to serve older adults. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2023/1/e43203 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/43203 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36333104 ID - info:doi/10.2196/43203 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Andreasen, Mari Eva AU - Høigaard, Rune AU - Berg, Helen AU - Steinsbekk, Aslak AU - Haraldstad, Kristin PY - 2022/12/29 TI - Usability Evaluation of the Preoperative ISBAR (Identification, Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation) Desktop Virtual Reality Application: Qualitative Observational Study JO - JMIR Hum Factors SP - e40400 VL - 9 IS - 4 KW - desktop virtual reality KW - handover KW - ISBAR KW - preoperative KW - undergraduate nursing students KW - usability evaluation KW - usability KW - nursing KW - health care education KW - student KW - medical education KW - medical training KW - VR KW - virtual reality KW - surgery KW - surgical KW - System Usability Scale KW - communication KW - self-instruction KW - self-guided KW - nurse KW - training KW - undergraduate KW - health care professional KW - health care provider N2 - Background: Systematic communication, such as the ISBAR (identification, situation, background, assessment, recommendation) approach, comprises a generic, transferable nontechnical skill. It can be used during the handover of patients set to undergo surgery and can be practiced in various ways, including virtual reality (VR). VR increasingly has been implemented and valued in nursing education as a positive contribution to teach students about pre- and postoperative nursing. A new nonimmersive 3D learning activity called the Preoperative ISBAR Desktop VR Application has been developed for undergraduate nursing students to learn preoperative handover using the ISBAR approach. However, the usability of this learning activity has not been studied. Objective: This study aimed to investigate how second-year undergraduate nursing students evaluated the usability of the Preoperative ISBAR Desktop VR Application. Methods: This was a qualitative study with observation and interviews. The inclusion criteria were undergraduate second-year nursing students of varying ages, gender, and anticipated technological competence. The System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire was used to get a score on overall usability. Results: A total of 9 second-year nursing students aged 22-29 years participated in the study. The average score on the SUS was 83 (range 0-100), which equals a ?B? on the graded scale and is excellent for an adjective-grade rating. The students expressed increased motivation to learn while working in self-instructed desktop VR. Still, a few technical difficulties occurred, and some students reported that they experienced some problems comprehending the instructions provided in the application. Long written instructions and a lack of self-pacing built into the application were considered limitations. Conclusions: The nursing students found the application to be usable overall, giving it an excellent usability score and noting that the application provided opportunities for active participation, which was motivational and facilitated their perceived learning outcomes. The next version of the application, to be used in a randomized controlled trial, will be upgraded to address technological and comprehension issues. UR - https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2022/4/e40400 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/40400 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36580357 ID - info:doi/10.2196/40400 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Langener, Simon AU - Klaassen, Randy AU - VanDerNagel, Joanne AU - Heylen, Dirk PY - 2022/12/7 TI - Immersive Virtual Reality Avatars for Embodiment Illusions in People With Mild to Borderline Intellectual Disability: User-Centered Development and Feasibility Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e39966 VL - 10 IS - 4 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - embodiment KW - avatar KW - embodied learning KW - body-centered KW - intellectual disability KW - addiction KW - user-centered design N2 - Background: Immersive virtual reality (IVR) has been investigated as a tool for treating psychiatric conditions. In particular, the practical nature of IVR, by offering a doing instead of talking approach, could support people who do not benefit from existing treatments. Hence, people with mild to borderline intellectual disability (MBID; IQ=50-85) might profit particularly from IVR therapies, for instance, to circumvent issues in understanding relevant concepts and interrelations. In this context, immersing the user into a virtual body (ie, avatar) appears promising for enhancing learning (eg, by changing perspectives) and usability (eg, natural interactions). However, design requirements, immersion procedures, and proof of concept of such embodiment illusion (ie, substituting the real body with a virtual one) have not been explored in this group. Objective: Our study aimed to establish design guidelines for IVR embodiment illusions in people with MBID. We explored 3 factors to induce the illusion, by testing the avatar?s appearance, locomotion using IVR controllers, and virtual object manipulation. Furthermore, we report on the feasibility to induce the embodiment illusion and provide procedural guidance. Methods: We conducted a user-centered study with 29 end users in care facilities, to investigate the avatar?s appearance, controller-based locomotion (ie, teleport, joystick, or hybrid), and object manipulation. Overall, 3 iterations were conducted using semistructured interviews to explore design factors to induce embodiment illusions in our group. To further understand the influence of interactions on the illusion, we measured the sense of embodiment (SoE) during 5 interaction tasks. Results: IVR embodiment illusions can be induced in adults with MBID. To induce the illusion, having a high degree of control over the body outweighed avatar customization, despite the participants? desire to replicate their own body image. Similarly, the highest SoE was measured during object manipulation tasks, which required a combination of (virtual) locomotion and object manipulation behavior. Notably, interactions that are implausible (eg, teleport and occlusions when grabbing) showed a negative influence on SoE. In contrast, implementing artificial interaction aids into the IVR avatar?s hands (ie, for user interfaces) did not diminish the illusion, presuming that the control was unimpaired. Nonetheless, embodiment illusions showed a tedious and complex need for (control) habituation (eg, motion sickness), possibly hindering uptake in practice. Conclusions: Balancing the embodiment immersion by focusing on interaction habituation (eg, controller-based locomotion) and lowering customization effort seems crucial to achieve both high SoE and usability for people with MBID. Hence, future studies should investigate the requirements for natural IVR avatar interactions by using multisensory integrations for the virtual body (eg, animations, physics-based collision, and touch) and other interaction techniques (eg, hand tracking and redirected walking). In addition, procedures and use for learning should be explored for tailored mental health therapies in people with MBID. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/4/e39966 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/39966 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36476721 ID - info:doi/10.2196/39966 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Du, Wenqiong AU - Zhong, Xin AU - Jia, Yijun AU - Jiang, Renqing AU - Yang, Haoyang AU - Ye, Zhao AU - Zong, Zhaowen PY - 2022/12/6 TI - A Novel Scenario-Based, Mixed-Reality Platform for Training Nontechnical Skills of Battlefield First Aid: Prospective Interventional Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e40727 VL - 10 IS - 4 KW - mixed reality KW - decision-making KW - team work KW - battlefield first aid KW - nontechnical skills KW - training KW - next-generation modeling KW - virtual reality KW - medical education N2 - Background: Although battlefield first aid (BFA) training shares many common features with civilian training, such as the need to address technical skills and nontechnical skills (NTSs), it is more highly scenario-dependent. Studies into extended reality show clear benefits in medical training; however, the training effects of extended reality on NTSs, including teamwork and decision-making in BFA, have not been fully proven. Objective: The current study aimed to create and test a scenario-based, mixed-reality platform suitable for training NTSs in BFA. Methods: First, using next-generation modeling technology and an animation synchronization system, a 10-person offensive battle drill was established. Decision-making training software addressing basic principles of tactical combat casualty care was constructed and integrated into the scenarios with Unreal Engine 4 (Epic Games). Large-space teamwork and virtual interaction systems that made sense in the proposed platform were developed. Unreal Engine 4 and software engineering technology were used to combine modules to establish a mixed-reality BFA training platform. A total of 20 Grade 4 medical students were recruited to accept BFA training with the platform. Pretraining and posttraining tests were carried out in 2 forms to evaluate the training effectiveness: one was knowledge acquisition regarding the NTS and the other was a real-world, scenario-based test. In addition, the students were asked to rate their agreement with a series of survey items on a 5-point Likert scale. Results: A battlefield geographic environment, tactical scenarios, scenario-based decision software, large-space teamwork, and virtual interaction system modules were successfully developed and combined to establish the mixed-reality training platform for BFA. The posttraining score of the students? knowledge acquisition was significantly higher than that of pretraining (t=?12.114; P?.001). Furthermore, the NTS score and the total score that the students obtained in the real-world test were significantly higher than those before training (t=?17.756 and t=?21.354, respectively; P?.001). However, there was no significant difference between the scores of technical skills that the students obtained before and after training. A posttraining survey revealed that the students found the platform helpful in improving NTSs for BFA, and they were confident in applying BFA skills after training. However, most trainees thought that the platform was not helpful for improving the technical skills of BFA, and 45% (9/20) of the trainees were not satisfied with the simulation effect. Conclusions: A scenario-based, mixed-reality platform was constructed in this study. In this platform, interaction of the movement of multiple players in a large space and the interaction of decision-making by the trainees between the real world and the virtual world were accomplished. The platform could improve the NTSs of BFA. Future works, including improvement of the simulation effects and development of a training platform that could effectively improve both the technical skills and NTSs of BFA, will be carried out. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/4/e40727 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/40727 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36472903 ID - info:doi/10.2196/40727 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Healy, David AU - Flynn, Aisling AU - Conlan, Owen AU - McSharry, Jenny AU - Walsh, Jane PY - 2022/12/6 TI - Older Adults? Experiences and Perceptions of Immersive Virtual Reality: Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e35802 VL - 10 IS - 4 KW - older adults KW - virtual reality KW - immersive virtual reality KW - aging KW - systematic review KW - qualitative evidence synthesis KW - thematic synthesis N2 - Background: Immersive virtual reality (IVR) can be defined as a fully computer-generated environment shown on a head-mounted display. Existing research suggests that key features of IVR can assist older adults in their everyday lives, providing opportunities for health promotion and tackling social isolation and loneliness. There has been a surge in qualitative studies exploring older adults? experiences and perceptions of IVR. However, there has been no systematic synthesis of these studies to inform the design of new, more accessible IVR technologies. Objective: This study aimed to systematically review and synthesize qualitative studies exploring older adults? experiences and perceptions of IVR. Methods: A systematic review and thematic synthesis were conducted following the ENTREQ (Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research) guidelines. In total, 2 reviewers completed title and abstract screening, full-text screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal. Thematic synthesis is derived from the qualitative method, thematic analysis. It involves 3 key steps: initial coding and grouping of these codes, the formation of descriptive themes from these codes, and going beyond these data to form analytical themes. Confidence in the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research approach. Results: Overall, 13 studies were included in the final synthesis, including 224 participants across 9 countries and 5 continents. Confidence in the evidence ranged from high to moderate. Three descriptive themes were generated: practical aspects of IVR use, experiencing unique features of IVR, and perceptions of IVR. The findings from the descriptive themes suggested that there are several improvements that need to be made to existing IVR devices to facilitate older adults? use of this technology. However, older adults? responses to IVR were generally positive. Three analytical themes were generated: tolerating the bad to experience the good, buying in to IVR (don?t judge a book by its cover), and ?it proves to me I can do it.? The analytical themes illustrated that older adults were willing to tolerate discomforts that accompany existing IVR technologies to experience features such as immersive social networking. There was a discrepancy between older adults? perceptions of IVR before use?which were generally negative?and after use?which were generally positive?and IVR provided a platform for older adults to access certain activities and environments more easily than in the real world because of limitations caused by aging. Conclusions: This review offers insights into older adults? experiences and perceptions of IVR and suggests how a few improvements to its existing hardware and software as well as how it is first presented could offer new opportunities for older adults to take part in meaningful activities tailored to their needs and preferences. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020200774; https://tinyurl.com/8f48w2vt International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1177/16094069211009682 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/4/e35802 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/35802 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36472894 ID - info:doi/10.2196/35802 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Mayer, Gwendolyn AU - Gronewold, Nadine AU - Polte, Kirsten AU - Hummel, Svenja AU - Barniske, Joshua AU - Korbel, J. Jakob AU - Zarnekow, Rüdiger AU - Schultz, Jobst-Hendrik PY - 2022/12/5 TI - Experiences of Patients and Therapists Testing a Virtual Reality Exposure App for Symptoms of Claustrophobia: Mixed Methods Study JO - JMIR Ment Health SP - e40056 VL - 9 IS - 12 KW - virtual reality KW - exposure therapy KW - anxiety disorders KW - claustrophobia KW - think-aloud KW - mixed methods KW - virtual reality exposure therapy KW - VR KW - anxiety KW - therapy KW - mental health KW - user experience KW - perspective N2 - Background: The effectiveness of virtual reality exposure (VRE) in the treatment of anxiety disorders is well established. Several psychological mechanisms of VRE have been identified, whereby both emotional processing and the sense of presence play a key role. However, there are only few studies that contribute to our knowledge of examples of implementation in the case of VRE for claustrophobia based on patients' experiences and the perspective of therapists. Objective: This study asks for key elements of a VRE app that are necessary for effective exposure for people with claustrophobic symptoms. Methods: A mixed methods design was applied in which patients (n=15) and therapeutic experts (n=15) tested a VRE intervention of an elevator ride at 5 intensity levels. Intensity was varied by elevator size, duration of the elevator ride, and presence of virtual humans. Quantitative measures examined self-reported presence with the Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ) ranging from 0 to 6 and 15 Likert-scaled evaluation items that had been developed for the purpose of this study, ranging from 1 to 5. In both measures, higher scores indicate higher levels of presence or agreement. Think-aloud protocols of the patients and semistructured interviews posttreatment of all participants were conducted to gain in-depth perspectives on emotional processes. Results: The intervention induced a feeling of presence in patients and experts, posttreatment scores showed a high IPQ presence score (mean 3.84, SD 0.88), with its subscores IPQ spatial presence (mean 4.53, SD 1.06), IPQ involvement (mean 3.83, SD 1.22), and IPQ experienced realism (mean 2.75, SD 1.02). Patients preferred a setting in the presence of a therapist (mean 4.13, SD 0.83) more than the experts did (mean 3.33, SD 1.54). Think-aloud protocols of the patients revealed that presence and anxiety both were achieved. Qualitative interviews of patients and experts uncovered 8 topics: feelings and emotions, personal story, telepresence, potential therapeutic effects, barriers, conditions and requirements, future prospects, and realization. The intensity levels were felt to appropriately increase in challenge, with ambivalent results regarding the final level. Virtual humans contributed to feelings of fear. Conclusions: Key elements of a VRE app for claustrophobic symptoms should include variation of intensity by adding challenging cues in order to evoke presence and anxiety. Virtual humans are a suitable possibility to make the intervention realistic and to provide a sense of closeness; however, some of the fears might then be related to symptoms of social phobia or agoraphobia. Patients may need the physical presence of a therapist, though not all of them share this view. A higher degree of sophistication in the intensity levels is needed to deliver targeted help for specific symptoms of anxiety. UR - https://mental.jmir.org/2022/12/e40056 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/40056 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36469413 ID - info:doi/10.2196/40056 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Roberts, C. Scott AU - Havill, L. Nancy AU - Flores, M. Rosa AU - Hendrix II, Anthony Curtis AU - Williams, J. Maximillian AU - Feinn, S. Richard AU - Choi, J. Steven AU - Martinello, A. Richard AU - Marks, M. Asher AU - Murray, S. Thomas PY - 2022/12/1 TI - Disinfection of Virtual Reality Devices in Health Care Settings: In Vitro Assessment and Survey Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e42332 VL - 24 IS - 12 KW - disinfection KW - healthcare-acquired infection KW - healthcare worker KW - virtual reality KW - disinfect KW - occupational health KW - occupational safety KW - infection control KW - infection spread N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) devices are increasingly used in health care settings. The use among patients has the potential to unintentionally transmit pathogens between patients and hospital staff. No standard operating procedure for disinfection exists to ensure safe use between patients. Objective: This study aims to determine the efficacy of disinfectants on VR devices in order to ensure safe use in health care settings. Methods: Three types of bacteria were inoculated onto porous and nonporous surfaces of 2 VR devices: the Meta Oculus Quest and Meta Oculus Quest 2. Disinfection was performed using either isopropyl alcohol or alcohol-free quaternary ammonium wipes. A quantitative culture was used to assess the adequacy of disinfection. A survey was separately sent out to VR device technicians at other pediatric health care institutes to compare the methods of disinfection and how they were established. Results: Both products achieved adequate disinfection of the treated surfaces; however, a greater log-kill was achieved on nonporous surfaces than on the porous surfaces. Alcohol performed better than quaternary ammonium on porous surfaces. The survey respondents reported a wide variability in disinfection processes with only 1 person reporting an established standard operating procedure. Conclusions: Disinfection can be achieved through the use of either isopropyl alcohol or quaternary ammonium products. Porous surfaces showed lesser log-kill rates than the nonporous surfaces, indicating that the use of an added barrier may be of benefit and should be a point of future research. Given the variability in the disinfection process across health care systems, a standard operating procedure is proposed. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2022/12/e42332 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/42332 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36269222 ID - info:doi/10.2196/42332 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ci??y?ska, Julia AU - Janowski, Micha? AU - Maciaszek, Janusz PY - 2022/11/29 TI - Effects of a Modern Virtual Reality 3D Head-Mounted Display Exergame on Simulator Sickness and Immersion Under Specific Conditions in Young Women and Men: Experimental Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e41234 VL - 10 IS - 4 KW - virtual reality KW - HMD KW - simulator sickness KW - immersion KW - physical activity KW - exergame KW - Zephyr KW - gender differences KW - WHO recommendation KW - young adult KW - digital health KW - energy expenditure KW - exercise game N2 - Background: Many young adults do not reach the World Health Organization?s minimum recommendations for the amount of weekly physical activity. The virtual reality 3D head-mounted display (VR 3D HMD) exergame is a technology that is more immersive than a typical exercise session. Our study considers gender differences in the experience of using VR games for increasing physical activity. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the differences in the effects of VR 3D HMD gaming in terms of immersion, simulator sickness, heart rate, breathing rate, and energy expenditure during two 30-minute sessions of playing an exergame of increasing intensity on males and females. Methods: To examine the effects of the VR 3D HMD exergame, we experimented with 45 participants (23 males and 22 females) exercising with VR 3D HMD Oculus Quest 1, hand controllers, and Zephyr BioHarness 3.0. Players exercised according to the Audio Trip exergame. We evaluated the immersion levels and monitored the average heart rate, maximum heart rate, average breathing rate, maximum breathing rate, and energy expenditure in addition to simulator sickness during two 30-minute exergame sessions of increasing intensity. Results: Audio Trip was well-tolerated, as there were no dropouts due to simulator sickness. Significant differences between genders were observed in the simulator sickness questionnaire for nausea (F2,86=0.80; P=.046), oculomotor disorders (F2,86=2.37; P=.010), disorientation (F2,86=0.92; P=.040), and total of all these symptoms (F2,86=3.33; P=.04). The measurements after the first 30-minute VR 3D HMD exergame session for all the participants showed no significant change compared to the measurements before the first 30-minute exergame session according to the total score. There were no gender differences in the immersion (F1,43=0.02; P=.90), but the measurements after the second 30-minute exergame session showed an increase in the average points for immersion in women and men. The increase in the level of immersion in the female group was higher than that in the male group. A significant difference between genders was observed in the average breathing rate (F2,86=1.44; P=.04), maximum breathing rate (F2,86=1.15; P=.047), and energy expenditure (F2,86=10.51; P=.001) measurements. No gender differences were observed in the average heart rate and maximum heart rate measurements in the two 30-minute sessions. Conclusions: Our 30-minute VR 3D HMD exergame session does not cause simulator sickness and is a very immersive type of exercise for men and women users. This exergame allows reaching the minimum recommendations for the amount of weekly physical activity for adults. The second exergame session resulted in simulator sickness in both groups, more noticeably in women, as reflected in the responses in the simulator sickness questionnaire. The gender differences observed in the breathing rates and energy expenditure measurements can be helpful when programming VR exergame intensity in future research. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/4/e41234 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/41234 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36445744 ID - info:doi/10.2196/41234 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Kondylakis, Haridimos AU - Chicchi Giglioli, Alice Irene AU - Katehakis, G. Dimitrios AU - Aldemir, Hatice AU - Zikas, Paul AU - Papagiannakis, George AU - Hors-Fraile, Santiago AU - González-Sanz, L. Pedro AU - Apostolakis, C. Konstantinos AU - Stephanidis, Constantine AU - Núñez-Benjumea, J. Francisco AU - Baños-Rivera, M. Rosa AU - Fernandez-Luque, Luis AU - Kouroubali, Angelina PY - 2022/11/29 TI - A Digital Health Intervention for Stress and Anxiety Relief in Perioperative Care: Protocol for a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e38536 VL - 11 IS - 11 KW - CARINAE KW - digital health KW - perioperative process KW - patient empowerment KW - stress and anxiety management KW - mobile health KW - mHealth KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - health recommender system KW - HRS N2 - Background: Stress and anxiety are psychophysiological responses commonly experienced by patients during the perioperative process that can increase presurgical and postsurgical complications to a comprehensive and positive recovery. Preventing and intervening in stress and anxiety can help patients achieve positive health and well-being outcomes. Similarly, the provision of education about surgery can be a crucial component and is inversely correlated with preoperative anxiety levels. However, few patients receive stress and anxiety relief support before surgery, and resource constraints make face-to-face education sessions untenable. Digital health interventions can be helpful in empowering patients and enhancing a more positive experience. Digital health interventions have been shown to help patients feel informed about the possible benefits and risks of available treatment options. However, they currently focus only on providing informative content, neglecting the importance of personalization and patient empowerment. Objective: This study aimed to explore the feasibility of a digital health intervention called the Adhera CARINAE Digital Health Program, designed to provide evidence-based, personalized stress- and anxiety-management methods enabled by a comprehensive digital ecosystem that incorporates wearable, mobile, and virtual reality technologies. The intervention program includes the use of advanced data-driven techniques for tailored patient education and lifestyle support. Methods: The trial will include 5 hospitals across 3 European countries and will use a randomized controlled design including 30 intervention participants and 30 control group participants. The involved surgeries are cardiopulmonary and coronary artery bypass surgeries, cardiac valve replacement, prostate or bladder cancer surgeries, hip and knee replacement, maxillofacial surgery, or scoliosis. The control group will receive standard care, and the intervention group will additionally be exposed to the digital health intervention program. Results: The recruitment process started in January 2022 and has been completed. The primary impact analysis is currently ongoing. The expected results will be published in early 2023. Conclusions: This manuscript details a comprehensive protocol for a study that will provide valuable information about the intervention program, such as the measurement of comparative intervention effects on stress; anxiety and pain management; and usability by patients, caregivers, and health care professionals. This will contribute to the evidence planning process for the future adoption of diverse digital health solutions in the field of surgery. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05184725; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05184725 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/38536 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/11/e38536 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/38536 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36445734 ID - info:doi/10.2196/38536 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Jeong, EunYoung AU - Lim, JunSeo PY - 2022/11/24 TI - An Analysis of Priorities in Developing Virtual Reality Programs for Core Nursing Skills: Cross-sectional Descriptive Study Using the Borich Needs Assessment Model and Locus for Focus Model JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e38988 VL - 10 IS - 4 KW - core nursing skills KW - virtual reality KW - Borich priority formula KW - Locus for Focus Model KW - need assessment KW - nursing education N2 - Background: There are limitations to conducting face-to-face classes following the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Web-based education is no longer a temporary form of teaching and learning during unusual events, such as pandemics, but has proven to be necessary to uphold in parallel with offline education in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to scientifically organize the priorities of a learner needs analysis by systematically and rationally investigating and analyzing the needs of learners for the development of virtual reality (VR) programs for core nursing skills (CNS). Objective: This study aimed to identify the priorities of learners? needs for the development of VR programs for CNS using the Locus for Focus Model and Borich need assessment model. Methods: The participants included nursing students in South Korea who were in their second year or higher and had taken courses in fundamental nursing or CNS-related classes. The survey took place from May 20 to June 25, 2021. A total of 337 completed questionnaires were collected. Of these, 222 were used to conduct the final analysis. The self-report questionnaire consisted of 3 parts: perception of VR programs, demand for developing VR programs, and general characteristics. The general characteristics of the participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics. To determine the priority of the demand for developing VR programs for CNS, the Locus for Focus Model and the Borich priority formula were used. Results: In all, 7 skills were identified as being of the top priority for development, including intramuscular injection, intradermal injection, tube feeding, enema, postoperative care, supplying oxygen via nasal cannula, and endotracheal suction. Conclusions: The analysis showed that nursing students generally needed and prioritized the development of VR programs for the nursing skills involving invasive procedures. The results of this study are intended to help in various practical education classes using VR programs in nursing departments, which are currently facing difficulties in teaching CNS on the web owing to COVID-19. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/4/e38988 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/38988 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36422882 ID - info:doi/10.2196/38988 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Xu, Nuo AU - Chen, Sijing AU - Liu, Yan AU - Jing, Yuewen AU - Gu, Ping PY - 2022/11/23 TI - The Effects of Virtual Reality in Maternal Delivery: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e36695 VL - 10 IS - 4 KW - virtual reality technology KW - delivery KW - labor pain KW - anxiety KW - meta-analysis KW - systematic review KW - pain KW - pregnancy KW - virtual reality KW - maternity KW - labor KW - technology KW - pregnant women KW - review KW - childbirth KW - mental health N2 - Background: Extreme labor pain has negative effects; pharmacologic analgesic modalities are effective but are accompanied by adverse effects. Virtual reality (VR) works as a distracting nonpharmacologic intervention for pain and anxiety relief; however, the effects of VR use in laboring women is unknown. Objective: Our study aimed to determine the safety and effectiveness of VR technology during labor and delivery and investigate whether it impacts labor and patient satisfaction. Methods: In all, 7 databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wan-Fang Database) were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials of VR use in pregnancy and childbirth from the time of database construction until November 24, 2021. Two researchers extracted data and evaluated study quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0. Outcome measures were labor pain, anxiety, duration, satisfaction, and adverse events. Meta-analyses were performed where possible. Results: A total of 12 studies with 1095 participants were included, of which 1 and 11 studies were rated as ?Low risk? and ?Some concerns? for risk of bias, respectively. Of the 12 studies, 11 reported labor pain, 7 reported labor anxiety, and 4 reported labor duration. Meta-analysis revealed that VR use could relieve pain during labor (mean difference ?1.81, 95% CI ?2.04 to ?1.57; P<.001) and the active period (standardized mean difference [SMD] ?0.41, 95% CI ?0.68 to ?0.14; P=.003); reduce anxiety (SMD ?1.39, 95% CI ?1.99 to ?0.78; P<.001); and improve satisfaction with delivery (relative risk 1.32, 95% CI 1.10-1.59; P=.003). The effects of VR on the duration of the first (SMD ?1.12, 95% CI ?2.38 to 0.13; P=.08) and second (SMD ?0.22, 95% CI ?0.67 to 0.24; P=.35) stages of labor were not statistically significant. Conclusions: VR is safe and effective in relieving maternal labor pain and anxiety; however, due to the heterogeneity among studies conducted to date, more rigorous, large-scale, and standardized randomized controlled trials are required to provide a higher-quality evidence base for the use of VR technology in maternal labor, with the aim of improving experience and outcomes. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42021295410; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=295410 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/4/e36695 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/36695 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36416881 ID - info:doi/10.2196/36695 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Liu, Cong AU - Wang, Xing AU - Chen, Rao AU - Zhang, Jie PY - 2022/11/9 TI - The Effects of Virtual Reality Training on Balance, Gross Motor Function, and Daily Living Ability in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e38972 VL - 10 IS - 4 KW - virtual reality KW - cerebral palsy KW - balance KW - gross motor activities KW - activities of daily living KW - meta KW - motor KW - children KW - pediatrics N2 - Background: The increasing number of children with cerebral palsy (CP) has a serious impact on individuals, families, and society. As a new technology, virtual reality (VR) has been used in the rehabilitation of children with CP. Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effect of VR training on balance, gross motor function, and daily living ability in children with CP. Methods: PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched by computer, with the search period being from the establishment of each database to December 25, 2021, to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of VR training on balance, gross motor function, and daily living ability in children with CP. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used to conduct quality assessment on the included literature, and RevMan software (version 5.3) was used to analyze data. Results: A total of 16 articles were included, involving 513 children with CP. VR training can improve the balance function (Pediatric Balance Scale: mean difference 2.06, 95% CI 1.15-2.97; P<.001; Berg Balance Scale: mean difference 3.66, 95% CI 0.29-7.02; P=.03) and gross motor function (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.60, 95% CI 0.34-0.87; P<.001) of children with CP. However, there is still certain disagreement on the impact on daily living ability (SMD 0.37, 95% CI ?0.04 to 0.78; P=.08); after removing the source literature with heterogeneity, VR training can improve the daily living ability of children with CP (SMD 0.55, 95% CI 0.30-0.81; P<.001). Conclusions: VR training can significantly improve the balance function and gross motor function of children with CP, but the effect on the daily living ability of children with CP remains controversial. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/4/e38972 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/38972 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36350683 ID - info:doi/10.2196/38972 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Jung, Myeongul AU - Sim, Sangyong AU - Kim, Jejoong AU - Kim, Kwanguk PY - 2022/11/8 TI - Impact of Personalized Avatars and Motion Synchrony on Embodiment and Users? Subjective Experience: Empirical Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e40119 VL - 10 IS - 4 KW - embodiment KW - virtual reality KW - virtual avatar KW - personalization KW - personalized KW - body motion KW - presence KW - simulator sickness KW - simulator KW - simulation KW - avatar KW - motion KW - body ownership KW - self location KW - agency KW - experience KW - virtual world KW - immersive N2 - Background: Embodiment through a virtual avatar is a key element for people to feel that they are in the virtual world. Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the interaction between 2 methods of eliciting embodiment through a virtual avatar: motion synchronization and appearance similarity between a human and avatar, to understand embodiment (agency, body ownership, and self-location) and subjective experience (presence, simulator sickness, and emotion) in virtual reality. Methods: Using a full-body motion capture system, 24 participants experienced their virtual avatars with a 3D-scanned face and size-matched body from a first-person perspective. This study used a 2 (motion; sync and async) × 2 (appearance; personalized and generic) within-subject design. Results: The results indicated that agency and body ownership increased when motion and appearance were matched, whereas self-location, presence, and emotion were affected by motion only. Interestingly, if the avatar?s appearance was similar to the participants (personalized avatar), they formed an agency toward the avatar?s motion that was not performed by themselves. Conclusions: Our findings would be applicable in the field of behavioral therapy, rehabilitation, and entertainment applications, by eliciting higher agency with a personalized avatar. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/4/e40119 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/40119 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36346658 ID - info:doi/10.2196/40119 ER - TY - JOUR AU - He, Danni AU - Cao, Shihua AU - Le, Yuchao AU - Wang, Mengxin AU - Chen, Yanfei AU - Qian, Beiying PY - 2022/10/19 TI - Virtual Reality Technology in Cognitive Rehabilitation Application: Bibliometric Analysis JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e38315 VL - 10 IS - 4 KW - virtual reality KW - cognitive rehabilitation KW - bibliometric analysis KW - CiteSpace KW - gCLUTO KW - rehabilitation KW - cognitive disorder KW - visual content analysis N2 - Background: In recent years, with the development of computer science and medical science, virtual reality (VR) technology has become a promising tool for improving cognitive function. Research on VR-based cognitive training has garnered increasing attention. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the application status, research hot spots, and emerging trends of VR in cognitive rehabilitation over the past 20 years. Methods: Articles on VR-based cognitive rehabilitation from 2001 to 2021 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace software was used for the visual analysis of authors and countries or regions, and Scimago Graphica software was used for the geographic visualization of published countries or regions. Keywords were clustered using the gCLUTO software. Results: A total of 1259 papers were included. In recent years, research on the application of VR in cognitive rehabilitation has been widely conducted, and the annual publication of relevant literature has shown a positive trend. The main research areas include neuroscience and neurology, psychology, computer science, and rehabilitation. The United States ranked first with 328 papers, and Italy ranked second with 140 papers. Giuseppe Riva, an Italian academic, was the most prolific author with 29 publications. The most frequently cited reference was ?Using Reality to Characterize Episodic Memory Profiles in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer?s Disease: Influence of Active and Passive Encoding.? The most common keywords used by researchers include ?virtual reality,? ?cognition,? ?rehabilitation,? ?performance,? and ?older adult.? The largest source of research funding is from the public sector in the United States. Conclusions: The bibliometric analysis provided an overview of the application of VR in cognitive rehabilitation. VR-based cognitive rehabilitation can be integrated into multiple disciplines. We conclude that, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the development of VR-based telerehabilitation is crucial, and there are still many problems that need to be addressed, such as the lack of consensus on treatment methods and the existence of safety hazards. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/4/e38315 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/38315 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36260388 ID - info:doi/10.2196/38315 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Kim, Sang Yoon AU - Won, JuHye AU - Jang, Seong-Wook AU - Ko, Junho PY - 2022/10/17 TI - Effects of Cybersickness Caused by Head-Mounted Display?Based Virtual Reality on Physiological Responses: Cross-sectional Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e37938 VL - 10 IS - 4 KW - cybersickness KW - physiological responses KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - head-mounted displays KW - heart rate KW - cortisol N2 - Background: Although more people are experiencing cybersickness due to the popularization of virtual reality (VR), no official standard for the cause and reduction of cybersickness exists to date. One of the main reasons is that an objective method to assess cybersickness has not been established. To resolve this, research on evaluating cybersickness with physiological responses that can be measured in real time is required. Since research on deriving physiological responses that can assess cybersickness is at an early stage, further studies examining various physiological responses are needed. Objective: This study analyzed the effects of cybersickness caused by head-mounted display?based VR on physiological responses. Methods: We developed content that provided users with a first-person view of an aircraft that moved (with translation and combined rotation) over a city via a predetermined trajectory. In the experiment, cybersickness and the physiological responses of participants were measured. Cybersickness was assessed by the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ). The measured physiological responses were heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and cortisol level. Results: Our measurement confirmed that all SSQ scores increased significantly (all Ps<.05) when participants experienced cybersickness. Heart rate and cortisol level increased significantly (P=.01 and P=.001, respectively). Body temperature also increased, but there was no statistically significant difference (P=.02). Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly (P=.001). Conclusions: Based on the results of our analysis, the following conclusions were drawn: (1) cybersickness causes significant disorientation, and research on this topic should focus on factors that affect disorientation; and (2) the physiological responses that are suitable for measuring cybersickness are heart rate and cortisol level. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/4/e37938 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/37938 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36251360 ID - info:doi/10.2196/37938 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lai, Byron AU - Davis, Drew AU - Young, Raven AU - Swanson-Kimani, Erin AU - Wozow, Cynthia AU - Chaviano, Kelli AU - Rimmer, H. James PY - 2022/10/13 TI - Group Telegaming Through Immersive Virtual Reality to Improve Mental Health Among Adolescents With Physical Disabilities: Pre- and Posttrial Protocol JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e42651 VL - 11 IS - 10 KW - disability KW - physical activity KW - active video gaming KW - mindfulness N2 - Background: Adolescents with physical disabilities have higher rates of mental health conditions and issues than adolescents without disabilities, and this disparity was exacerbated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. They also have limited access to on-site programs and nearby peers. Objective: This pilot aims to investigate the potential effects of a low-dose multiplayer virtual reality telegaming program on depression, socialization, and loneliness among a cohort of children with physical disabilities. A secondary aim is to describe feasibility metrics, namely, recruitment and adherence rates and perceived program enjoyment and satisfaction. The tertiary aim is to describe behavioral mechanisms that affect participant adherence and social participation in the classes. Methods: This study is a single-group pre- and posttest?designed trial. A single cohort of 12 children with physical disabilities will pilot a 1-month program that includes 2 supervised 1-hour sessions per week of group-based exergaming. Participants will complete questionnaires before and after the program. The primary aim measures will include the Children?s Depression Inventory 2 Short Form, a measure of feelings of depression, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale, a measure of both loneliness and social isolation. Secondary aim measures will include three posttest Likert scale questionnaires: perceived program enjoyment, program satisfaction, and satisfaction with multiplayer experiences. At postintervention or dropout, participants will undergo semistructured interviews to identify behavioral mechanisms that underlie participation. Data will be reported descriptively and be supported by t tests as appropriate. Results: Recruitment procedures started in July 2022. All data are expected to be collected by January 2023. Full trial results are expected to be published by March 2023. Secondary analyses of data will be subsequently published. Conclusions: This trial tests a peer-to-peer virtual reality telegaming program that includes a completely remote enrollment, assessment, and intervention protocol. This program is accessible and short in duration and frequency, allowing it to be integrated into other interventions. Knowledge obtained from this study will inform the development of a larger trial for improving the mental health and well-being of adolescents with physical disabilities. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05259462; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05259462 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/42651 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/10/e42651 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/42651 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36194864 ID - info:doi/10.2196/42651 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Won, JuHye AU - Kim, Sang Yoon PY - 2022/9/27 TI - A New Approach for Reducing Virtual Reality Sickness in Real Time: Design and Validation Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e36397 VL - 10 IS - 3 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - VR sickness KW - VR sickness reduction method KW - simulator sickness questionnaire KW - SSQ, visual guide KW - field of view KW - serious game KW - VR sickness reduction KW - VR content KW - technology KW - digital health N2 - Background: Recently, technology that provides virtual reality (VR) content based on streaming services has been rapidly developed. However, there have been few studies to reduce VR sickness that occurs while the user watches VR content while wearing a head-mounted display (HMD) in real time. Objective: Based on this background, we propose a new approach to measure and reduce VR sickness that occurs while the user watches VR content while wearing an HMD in real time. Methods: The proposed approach is to apply VR sickness reduction methods in accordance with the user?s real-time VR sickness level. Three methods that are known to be effective in reducing VR sickness and a single type of VR content were used to examine the effectiveness of the proposed approach, which was confirmed by the experimental results. Results: Our results show that VR sickness significantly decreased when a new approach was applied to VR content (in all cases, P<.05). Conclusions: From our results, it was confirmed that VR sickness could be measured without wearing additional equipment, and its reduction method could be applied in real time in accordance with the user?s condition by the proposed approach in this paper. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/3/e36397 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/36397 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36166294 ID - info:doi/10.2196/36397 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Chun, Young Joo AU - Kim, Hyun-Jin AU - Hur, Ji-Won AU - Jung, Dooyoung AU - Lee, Heon-Jeong AU - Pack, Pil Seung AU - Lee, Sungkil AU - Kim, Gerard AU - Cho, Chung-Yean AU - Lee, Seung-Moo AU - Lee, Hyeri AU - Choi, Seungmoon AU - Cheong, Taesu AU - Cho, Chul-Hyun PY - 2022/9/16 TI - Prediction of Specific Anxiety Symptoms and Virtual Reality Sickness Using In Situ Autonomic Physiological Signals During Virtual Reality Treatment in Patients With Social Anxiety Disorder: Mixed Methods Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e38284 VL - 10 IS - 3 KW - social anxiety KW - virtual reality KW - autonomic physiological signals KW - machine learning KW - virtual reality sickness N2 - Background: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is the fear of social situations where a person anticipates being evaluated negatively. Changes in autonomic response patterns are related to the expression of anxiety symptoms. Virtual reality (VR) sickness can inhibit VR experiences. Objective: This study aimed to predict the severity of specific anxiety symptoms and VR sickness in patients with SAD, using machine learning based on in situ autonomic physiological signals (heart rate and galvanic skin response) during VR treatment sessions. Methods: This study included 32 participants with SAD taking part in 6 VR sessions. During each VR session, the heart rate and galvanic skin response of all participants were measured in real time. We assessed specific anxiety symptoms using the Internalized Shame Scale (ISS) and the Post-Event Rumination Scale (PERS), and VR sickness using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) during 4 VR sessions (#1, #2, #4, and #6). Logistic regression, random forest, and naïve Bayes classification classified and predicted the severity groups in the ISS, PERS, and SSQ subdomains based on in situ autonomic physiological signal data. Results: The severity of SAD was predicted with 3 machine learning models. According to the F1 score, the highest prediction performance among each domain for severity was determined. The F1 score of the ISS mistake anxiety subdomain was 0.8421 using the logistic regression model, that of the PERS positive subdomain was 0.7619 using the naïve Bayes classifier, and that of total VR sickness was 0.7059 using the random forest model. Conclusions: This study could predict specific anxiety symptoms and VR sickness during VR intervention by autonomic physiological signals alone in real time. Machine learning models can predict the severe and nonsevere psychological states of individuals based on in situ physiological signal data during VR interventions for real-time interactive services. These models can support the diagnosis of specific anxiety symptoms and VR sickness with minimal participant bias. Trial Registration: Clinical Research Information Service KCT0003854; https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/13508 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/3/e38284 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/38284 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36112407 ID - info:doi/10.2196/38284 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Allegue, Rakia Dorra AU - Sweet, Norman Shane AU - Higgins, Johanne AU - Archambault, S. Philippe AU - Michaud, Francois AU - Miller, C. William AU - Tousignant, Michel AU - Kairy, Dahlia PY - 2022/9/15 TI - Lessons Learned From Clinicians and Stroke Survivors About Using Telerehabilitation Combined With Exergames: Multiple Case Study JO - JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol SP - e31305 VL - 9 IS - 3 KW - stroke KW - rehabilitation KW - virtual reality KW - video games KW - telerehabilitation KW - upper extremity KW - motivation N2 - Background: In Canada, stroke survivors have difficulty accessing community-based rehabilitation services because of a lack of resources. VirTele, a personalized remote rehabilitation program combining virtual reality exergames and telerehabilitation, was developed to provide stroke survivors an opportunity to pursue rehabilitation of their chronic upper extremity (UE) deficits at home while receiving ongoing follow-up from a clinician. Objective: We aimed to identify the behavioral and motivational techniques used by clinicians during the VirTele intervention, explore the indicators of empowerment among stroke survivors, and investigate the determinants of VirTele use among stroke survivors and clinicians. Methods: This multiple case study involved 3 stroke survivors with chronic UE deficits and their respective clinicians (physiotherapists) who participated in the VirTele intervention, a 2-month remote rehabilitation intervention that uses nonimmersive virtual reality exergames and telerehabilitation aimed at improving UE deficits in stroke survivors. Study participants had autonomous access to Jintronix exergames and were asked to use them for 30 minutes, 5 times a week. The VirTele intervention included 1-hour videoconference sessions with a clinician 1 to 3 times a week, during which the clinician engaged in motivational interviewing, supervised the stroke survivors? use of the exergames, and monitored their use of the affected UE through activities of daily living. Semidirected interviews were conducted with the clinicians and stroke survivors 4 to 5 weeks after the end of the VirTele intervention. All interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. An abductive thematic analysis was conducted to generate new ideas through a dynamic interaction between data and theory. Results: Three stroke survivors (n=2, 67%, women and n=1, 33%, man), with a mean age of 58.8 (SD 19.4) years, and 2 physiotherapists participated in the study. Five major determinants of VirTele use emerged from the qualitative analyses, namely technology performance (usefulness and perception of exergames), effort (ease of use), family support (encouragement), facilitators (considerations of the stroke survivors? safety as well as trust and understanding of instructions), and challenges (miscommunication and exergame limits). During the VirTele intervention, both clinicians used motivational and behavioral techniques to support autonomy, competence, and connectivity. All these attributes were reflected as empowerment indicators in the stroke survivors. Lessons learned from using telerehabilitation combined with exergames are provided, which will be relevant to other researchers and contexts. Conclusions: This multiple case study provides a first glimpse into the impact that motivational interviewing can have on adherence to exergames and changes in behavior in the use of the affected UE in stroke survivors. Lessons learned regarding the supportive role caregivers play and the new responsibilities clinicians have when using the VirTele intervention may inform the use of exergames via telerehabilitation. These lessons will also serve as a model to guide the implementation of similar interventions. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/14629 UR - https://rehab.jmir.org/2022/3/e31305 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/31305 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36107484 ID - info:doi/10.2196/31305 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Kalron, Alon AU - Frid, Lior AU - Fonkatz, Iliya AU - Menascu, Shay AU - Dolev, Mark AU - Magalashvili, David AU - Achiron, Anat PY - 2022/9/12 TI - The Design, Development, and Testing of a Virtual Reality Device for Upper Limb Training in People With Multiple Sclerosis: Single-Center Feasibility Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e36288 VL - 10 IS - 3 KW - virtual reality KW - rehabilitation KW - feasibility KW - upper limb KW - multiple sclerosis N2 - Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common nontraumatic, neurological, disabling disease that often presents with upper limb dysfunction. Exercise training has resulted in improvement for patients; however, there can be a lack of compliance due to access because of location and lack of MS experts. Virtual reality (VR) is a promising technology that can offer exercise therapy/rehabilitation at a distance. This type of remote training can be motivational and effective for patients with MS and can improve range of motion and muscle strength for those with upper limb dysfunction. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the XRHealth software and the Oculus Rift Station for patients with MS with upper limb motor dysfunction. Methods: A single-center, prospective, feasibility study was conducted with patients with MS who had upper limb motor dysfunction. Patients participated in a single 45-minute digital environment session with VR and completed a questionnaire about the quality of the training and fatigability. The clinician also completed a questionnaire to evaluate the suitability and safety of the training. Results: Overall, 30 patients were enrolled between the ages of 20 and 81 years. Patients reported that the training sessions within the digital environment were helpful, challenging, fun, and simple to understand, and that they would be willing to repeat the sessions again. The physical therapist that oversaw the patients reported that the training was suitable for 87% (n=26) of the patients. Anticipated adverse events were fatigue, temporary dizziness, and temporary nausea. The operator complications included that the cable of the head-mounted display interrupted the training (n=2, 7%) and fatigue that caused cessation of the VR training session (n=2, 7%). No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions: These preliminary results demonstrated that the use of the XRHealth software and Oculus Rift Station platform is feasible, safe, and engaging for patients, and has the potential to improve the functionality of the upper limbs in patients with MS. This study provides support for future studies of implementing a series of training sessions with virtual reality in a home-based environment. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/3/e36288 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/36288 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36094809 ID - info:doi/10.2196/36288 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Pang, Mengwei AU - Zhao, Xiaohan AU - Lu, Daiyu AU - Dong, Yihan AU - Jiang, Lin AU - Li, Jie AU - Ji, Ping PY - 2022/9/12 TI - Preliminary User Evaluation of a New Dental Technology Virtual Simulation System: Development and Validation Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e36079 VL - 10 IS - 3 KW - virtual simulation KW - dental technology KW - OSCE KW - virtual reality KW - dentistry KW - dental technician KW - framework KW - certified dental technician KW - development KW - validation KW - serious game KW - dental KW - technology N2 - Background: With the advancements in the dental health care industry, the demand for dental technicians has increased. Dental technicians should be thoroughly assessed and trained in practical skills and pass professional certification examinations to ensure that they are competent to work closely with dentists. Unfortunately, such training courses and tests are in short supply worldwide. The use of virtual simulation technology can help solve these problems. Objective: This study presents a new strategic framework design for a certified dental technician practical examination called as the certified Objective Manipulative Skill Examination of Dental Technicians (OMEDT), which is based on the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). We present the development and validation of the OMEDT system, a new virtual simulated training system, to meet the demands of the OMEDT framework. The combination of OMEDT and the OMEDT system can solve the complex problems encountered in the certified dental technician practical examination with excellent efficiency, high quality, and low cost. Methods: The OMEDT framework design was constructed according to the OSCE guide and the Chinese vocational skill standards for dental technicians. To develop the OMEDT system, we organized a new framework based on the virtual learning network platform, the haptic feedback system, and the real-time dental training and evaluation system. The effectiveness evaluation of the OMEDT system was divided into 2 phases: in the first phase, 36 students were recruited to use the test module to finish the task and their performance data were collected and analyzed; and in the second phase, a questionnaire was administered to 30 students who used the system for their studies and graduation exams. Results: The OMEDT and the corresponding skill training virtual simulation OMEDT system were developed, and preliminary user evaluation was performed to assess their effectiveness and usefulness. The OMEDT system was found to improve students? practical skills by training with the evaluation results. In addition, several key research topics were explored, including the effects of positive feedback of the knowledge of results on the improvement of the students? skill level and the common sense transformation of educators in the virtual simulation technology environment. Conclusions: The development of OMEDT and the OMEDT system has been completed and their effectiveness has been verified. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/3/e36079 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/36079 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36094803 ID - info:doi/10.2196/36079 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ezenwa, Nkolika Beatrice AU - Umoren, Rachel AU - Fajolu, Bamikeolu Iretiola AU - Hippe, S. Daniel AU - Bucher, Sherri AU - Purkayastha, Saptarshi AU - Okwako, Felicitas AU - Esamai, Fabian AU - Feltner, B. John AU - Olawuyi, Olubukola AU - Mmboga, Annet AU - Nafula, Concepta Mary AU - Paton, Chris AU - Ezeaka, Chinyere Veronica PY - 2022/9/12 TI - Using Mobile Virtual Reality Simulation to Prepare for In-Person Helping Babies Breathe Training: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial (the eHBB/mHBS Trial) JO - JMIR Med Educ SP - e37297 VL - 8 IS - 3 KW - virtual reality KW - mobile learning KW - Helping Babies Breathe KW - neonatal resuscitation KW - mobile Helping Babies Survive powered by District Health Information Software 2 KW - neonatal mortality KW - digital education KW - health care education KW - health care worker KW - medical education KW - digital intervention N2 - Background: Neonatal mortality accounts for approximately 46% of global under-5 child mortality. The widespread access to mobile devices in low- and middle-income countries has enabled innovations, such as mobile virtual reality (VR), to be leveraged in simulation education for health care workers. Objective: This study explores the feasibility and educational efficacy of using mobile VR for the precourse preparation of health care professionals in neonatal resuscitation training. Methods: Health care professionals in obstetrics and newborn care units at 20 secondary and tertiary health care facilities in Lagos, Nigeria, and Busia, Western Kenya, who had not received training in Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) within the past 1 year were randomized to access the electronic HBB VR simulation and digitized HBB Provider?s Guide (VR group) or the digitized HBB Provider?s Guide only (control group). A sample size of 91 participants per group was calculated based on the main study protocol that was previously published. Participants were directed to use the electronic HBB VR simulation and digitized HBB Provider?s Guide or the digitized HBB Provider?s Guide alone for a minimum of 20 minutes. HBB knowledge and skills assessments were then conducted, which were immediately followed by a standard, in-person HBB training course that was led by study staff and used standard HBB evaluation tools and the Neonatalie Live manikin (Laerdal Medical). Results: A total of 179 nurses and midwives participated (VR group: n=91; control group: n=88). The overall performance scores on the knowledge check (P=.29), bag and mask ventilation skills check (P=.34), and Objective Structured Clinical Examination A checklist (P=.43) were similar between groups, with low overall pass rates (6/178, 3.4% of participants). During the Objective Structured Clinical Examination A test, participants in the VR group performed better on the critical step of positioning the head and clearing the airway (VR group: 77/90, 86%; control group: 57/88, 65%; P=.002). The median percentage of ventilations that were performed via head tilt, as recorded by the Neonatalie Live manikin, was also numerically higher in the VR group (75%, IQR 9%-98%) than in the control group (62%, IQR 13%-97%), though not statistically significantly different (P=.35). Participants in the control group performed better on the identifying a helper and reviewing the emergency plan step (VR group: 7/90, 8%; control group: 16/88, 18%; P=.045) and the washing hands step (VR group: 20/90, 22%; control group: 32/88, 36%; P=.048). Conclusions: The use of digital interventions, such as mobile VR simulations, may be a viable approach to precourse preparation in neonatal resuscitation training for health care professionals in low- and middle-income countries. UR - https://mededu.jmir.org/2022/3/e37297 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/37297 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36094807 ID - info:doi/10.2196/37297 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Hightow-Weidman, B. Lisa AU - Muessig, Kathryn AU - Soberano, Zach AU - Rosso, T. Matthew AU - Currie, Andrew AU - Adams Larsen, Margo AU - Knudtson, Kelly AU - Vecchio, Alyssa PY - 2022/9/8 TI - Tough Talks Virtual Simulation HIV Disclosure Intervention for Young Men Who Have Sex With Men: Development and Usability Testing JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e38354 VL - 6 IS - 9 KW - HIV KW - virtual reality KW - status disclosure KW - prevention KW - young men who have sex with men KW - artificial intelligence KW - medication adherence KW - transmission KW - viral load KW - men KW - sex KW - development KW - usability KW - testing KW - virtual simulation KW - young men KW - United States KW - behavior KW - social determinants N2 - Background: HIV status disclosure is an important decision with barriers specific to young men who have sex with men (YMSM), who have the highest rates of new HIV infections in the United States. Behavioral and social determinants of the difficulty to disclose can include fear of rejection, stigma, loss of financial stability, and lack of communication skills. Once able to disclose, a person may have increased access to social support and improved informed risk reduction conversations and medication adherence. Despite the known challenges and advantages of disclosure, there are few effective tools supporting this behavior. Objective: To address this gap in disclosure interventions, the Tough Talks (TT) app, an mHealth intervention using artificial intelligence (AI)?facilitated role-playing scenarios, was developed for YMSM. This paper reports stages of development of the integrated app and results of the usability testing. Methods: Building on the successful development and testing of a stand-alone interactive dialogue feature in phases 1-3, we conducted additional formative research to further refine and enhance the disclosure scenarios and develop and situate them within the context of a comprehensive intervention app to support disclosure. We assessed the new iteration for acceptability and relevance in a usability study with 8 YMSM with HIV. Participants completed a presurvey, app modules, and a semistructured qualitative interview. Results: TT content and activities were based on social cognitive theory and disclosure process model framework and expanded to a 4-module curriculum. The AI-facilitated scenarios used dialogue from an utterance database developed using language crowdsourced through a comic book contest. In usability testing, YMSM reported high satisfaction with TT, with 98% (31/33) of activities receiving positive ratings. Participants found the AI-facilitated scenarios and activities to be representative and relevant to their lived experiences, although they noted difficulty having nuanced disclosure conversations with the AI. Conclusions: TT was an engaging and practical intervention for self-disclosure among YMSM with HIV. Facilitating informed disclosure decisions has the potential to impact engagement in sexual risk behaviors and HIV care. More information is needed about the ideal environment, technical assistance, and clinical support for an mHealth disclosure intervention. TT is being tested as a scalable intervention in a multisite randomized controlled trial to address outstanding questions on accessibility and effect on viral suppression. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03414372; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03414372 UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2022/9/e38354 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/38354 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36074551 ID - info:doi/10.2196/38354 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Mazur, M. Lukasz AU - Khasawneh, Amro AU - Fenison, Christi AU - Buchanan, Shawna AU - Kratzke, M. Ian AU - Adapa, Karthik AU - An, J. Selena AU - Butler, Logan AU - Zebrowski, Ashlyn AU - Chakravarthula, Praneeth AU - Ra, H. Jin PY - 2022/8/24 TI - A Novel Theory-Based Virtual Reality Training to Improve Patient Safety Culture in the Department of Surgery of a Large Academic Medical Center: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e40445 VL - 11 IS - 8 KW - virtual reality training KW - patient safety culture KW - patient safety events KW - sensemaking KW - high reliability organizations N2 - Background: Preventable surgical errors of varying degrees of physical, emotional, and financial harm account for a significant number of adverse events. These errors are frequently tied to systemic problems within a health care system, including the absence of necessary policies/procedures, obstructive cultural hierarchy, and communication breakdown between staff. We developed an innovative, theory-based virtual reality (VR) training to promote understanding and sensemaking toward the holistic view of the culture of patient safety and high reliability. Objective: We aim to assess the effect of VR training on health care workers? (HCWs?) understanding of contributing factors to patient safety events, sensemaking of patient safety culture, and high reliability organization principles in the laboratory environment. Further, we aim to assess the effect of VR training on patient safety culture, TeamSTEPPS behavior scores, and reporting of patient safety events in the surgery department of an academic medical center in the clinical environment. Methods: This mixed methods study uses a pre-VR versus post-VR training study design involving attending faculty, residents, nurses, technicians of the department of surgery, and frontline HCWs in the operation rooms at an academic medical center. HCWs? understanding of contributing factors to patient safety events will be assessed using a scale based on the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System. We will use the data frame theory framework, supported by a semistructured interview guide to capture the sensemaking process of patient safety culture and principles of high reliability organizations. Changes in the culture of patient safety will be quantified using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality surveys on patient safety culture. TeamSTEPPS behavior scores based on observation will be measured using the Teamwork Evaluation of Non-Technical Skills tool. Patient safety events reported in the voluntary institutional reporting system will be compared before the training versus those after the training. We will compare the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality patient safety culture scores and patient safety events reporting before the training versus those after the training by using descriptive statistics and a within-subject 2-tailed, 2-sample t test with the significance level set at .05. Results: Ethics approval was obtained in May 2021 from the institutional review board of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (22-1150). The enrollment of participants for this study will start in fall 2022 and is expected to be completed by early spring 2023. The data analysis is expected to be completed by July 2023. Conclusions: Our findings will help assess the effectiveness of VR training in improving HCWs? understanding of contributing factors of patient safety events, sensemaking of patient safety culture, and principles and behaviors of high reliability organizations. These findings will contribute to developing VR training to improve patient safety culture in other specialties. UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/8/e40445 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/40445 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36001370 ID - info:doi/10.2196/40445 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Reynard, Sally AU - Dias, Joao AU - Mitic, Marija AU - Schrank, Beate AU - Woodcock, Anne Kate PY - 2022/8/19 TI - Digital Interventions for Emotion Regulation in Children and Early Adolescents: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e31456 VL - 10 IS - 3 KW - emotion regulation KW - digital interventions KW - youth KW - systematic review KW - meta-analysis KW - children KW - early adolescents KW - serious games KW - training KW - biofeedback KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: Difficulties in emotion regulation are common in adolescence and are associated with poor social and mental health outcomes. However, psychological therapies that promote adaptive emotion regulation may be inaccessible and unattractive to youth. Digital interventions may help address this need. Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize evidence on the efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of emotion regulation digital interventions in children and early adolescents aged 8 to 14 years. Methods: Systematic searches of Web of Science, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Education Resources Information Centre, ACM Digital Library, and IEEE Xplore up to July 2020 identified 39 studies, of which 11 (28%) were included in the meta-analyses (n=2476 participants). A bespoke tool was used to assess risk of bias. Results: The studies evaluated digital games (27/39, 69%), biofeedback (4/39, 10%), virtual or augmented reality (4/39, 10%), and program or multimedia (4/39, 10%) digital interventions in samples classified as diagnosed, at risk, healthy, and universal. The most consistent evidence came from digital games, which reduced negative emotional experience with a small significant effect, largely in youth at risk of anxiety (Hedges g=?0.19, 95% CI ?0.34 to ?0.04). In general, digital interventions tended to improve emotion regulation, but this effect was not significant (Hedges g=0.19, 95% CI ?0.16 to 0.54). Conclusions: Most feasibility issues were identified in diagnosed youth, and acceptability was generally high across intervention types and samples. Although there is cause to be optimistic about digital interventions supporting the difficulties that youth experience in emotion regulation, the predominance of early-stage development studies highlights the need for more work in this area. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/3/e31456 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/31456 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35984681 ID - info:doi/10.2196/31456 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lai, Byron AU - Davis, Drew AU - Young, Raven AU - Kimani-Swanson, Erin AU - Wozow, Cynthia AU - Wen, Huacong AU - Kim, Yumi AU - Wilroy, Jereme AU - Rimmer, James PY - 2022/8/17 TI - The Effects of Virtual Reality Tele-exergaming on Cardiometabolic Indicators of Health Among Youth With Cerebral Palsy: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e40708 VL - 11 IS - 8 KW - disability KW - physical therapy KW - adapted physical activity KW - physical activity KW - active video gaming N2 - Background: Youth with cerebral palsy do not have enjoyable, accessible, and scalable exercise options that can empower them to independently maintain their cardiometabolic health. Objective: The primary aim is to examine the preliminary efficacy of a 12-week home-based virtual reality tele-exergaming intervention on several indicators of cardiometabolic health in youth with cerebral palsy compared to the wait list control. A secondary aim is to describe feasibility metrics, namely, recruitment, retention, and adherence rates; perceived enjoyment; intervention safety; and management issues. The tertiary aim is to generate a theory that reveals critical behavioral mechanisms of adherence to tele-exergaming. Methods: In this parallel group design randomized controlled trial, 34 inactive youths with cerebral palsy are randomly allocated to one of two groups: a group that immediately receives 12 weeks of virtual reality exergaming with tele?physical education or a wait list control group that undergoes their habitual activity for 12 weeks. Participants are recruited from a Children?s Hospital and community network. At baseline (week 0), week 6, and week 12, high sensitivity C-reactive protein and blood insulin, hemoglobin A1c, triglycerides, cholesterol, and pressure are measured by the youth and a caregiver at home using a blood spot test kit and blood pressure cuff. They will also self-measure their lung function and body weight using a peak flow meter and bathroom scale, respectively. Collections are supervised by research staff via videoconference. Changes in outcomes are compared between and within groups using exploratory statistical analyses and descriptive statistics. At postintervention or dropout, participants will undergo semistructured interviews to identify behavioral mechanisms that underly participation. Results: Recruitment procedures started in June 2022. All data are expected to be collected by October 2023. Full trial results are expected to be published by February 2024. Secondary analyses of data will be subsequently published. Conclusions: This trial tests an innovative serious exergaming virtual reality program that includes a completely remote enrollment, assessment, and intervention tele-protocol. The knowledge obtained will inform the development of a larger effectiveness trial for improving the health and well-being of youth with cerebral palsy. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05336227; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05336227 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/40708 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/8/e40708 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/40708 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35976192 ID - info:doi/10.2196/40708 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Groenveld, Tjitske AU - Achttien, Retze AU - Smits, Merlijn AU - de Vries, Marjan AU - van Heerde, Ron AU - Staal, Bart AU - van Goor, Harry AU - PY - 2022/8/15 TI - Feasibility of Virtual Reality Exercises at Home for Post?COVID-19 Condition: Cohort Study JO - JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol SP - e36836 VL - 9 IS - 3 KW - virtual reality KW - rehabilitation KW - COVID-19 KW - long COVID KW - feasibility KW - physical function KW - quality of life KW - pandemic KW - multimodal virtual reality KW - outpatient care KW - physiotherapy KW - digital health KW - patient care N2 - Background: Between 30% to 76% of COVID-19 patients have persistent physical and mental symptoms, sometimes up to 9 months after acute COVID-19. Current rehabilitation is mostly focused on the physical symptoms, whereas experts have agreed on the need for a biopsychosocial approach. A novel approach such as virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation at home might benefit patients and therapists, especially considering the expected rush of patients with post?COVID-19 condition needing rehabilitation. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of self-administered VR exercises at home for post?COVID-19 condition. Methods: This was a single-arm feasibility study in an outpatient care setting. Patients who needed physiotherapy because of post?COVID-19 condition were included as determined by the treating physiotherapist. Participants performed VR physical exercises at home for a period of 6 weeks and were allowed to perform VR mental exercise through applications available on the VR platform to reduce stress and anxiety and promote cognitive functioning. The main outcomes were related to feasibility (ie, duration and frequency of VR use), safety (ie, adverse events), patient satisfaction, and reasons to withdraw. Physical performance, daily activities, cognitive functioning, anxiety and depression, and the quality of life were measured before and after. Results: In total, 48 patients were included; 1 (2%) patient did not start VR, and 7 (15%) patients withdrew, mostly due to dizziness. Almost 70% (33/47) of participants reported experiencing any adverse event during VR exercising. However, only 25% (9/36) recalled these events at the end of the intervention period. The majority (27/36, 75%) of the patients described VR as having a positive influence on their recovery, and the global satisfaction score was 67%. The average VR use was 30 minutes per session, 3-4 times a week for 3-6 weeks. The overall use of VR applications was almost equally distributed over the 3 sets of VR exercises (physical, relaxing, and cognitive). However, the use frequency of physical exercises seemed to decrease over time, whereas the use of cognitive and relaxation exercises remained stable. Physical performance and quality of life outcomes were significantly improved after 6 weeks. Conclusions: VR physical exercises at home is feasible and safe with good acceptance in a significant percentage of patient with post?COVID-19 condition. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04505761; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04505761 UR - https://rehab.jmir.org/2022/3/e36836 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/36836 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35858254 ID - info:doi/10.2196/36836 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Kiesewetter, Jan AU - Hege, Inga AU - Sailer, Michael AU - Bauer, Elisabeth AU - Schulz, Claudia AU - Platz, Manfred AU - Adler, Martin PY - 2022/7/28 TI - Implementing Remote Collaboration in a Virtual Patient Platform: Usability Study JO - JMIR Med Educ SP - e24306 VL - 8 IS - 3 KW - collaborative learning KW - clinical reasoning KW - webRTC KW - collaboration KW - collaborative KW - decision making N2 - Background: Learning with virtual patients is highly popular for fostering clinical reasoning in medical education. However, little learning with virtual patients is done collaboratively, despite the potential learning benefits of collaborative versus individual learning. Objective: This paper describes the implementation of student collaboration in a virtual patient platform. Our aim was to allow pairs of students to communicate remotely with each other during virtual patient learning sessions. We hypothesized that we could provide a collaborative tool that did not impair the usability of the system compared to individual learning and that this would lead to better diagnostic accuracy for the pairs of students. Methods: Implementing the collaboration tool had five steps: (1) searching for a suitable software library, (2) implementing the application programming interface, (3) performing technical adaptations to ensure high-quality connections for the users, (4) designing and developing the user interface, and (5) testing the usability of the tool in 270 virtual patient sessions. We compared dyad to individual diagnostic accuracy and usability with the 10-item System Usability Scale. Results: We recruited 137 students who worked on 6 virtual patients. Out of 270 virtual patient sessions per group (45 dyads times 6 virtual patients, and 47 students working individually times 6 virtual patients minus 2 randomly selected deleted sessions) the students made successful diagnoses in 143/270 sessions (53%, SD 26%) when working alone and 192/270 sessions (71%, SD 20%) when collaborating (P=.04, ?2=0.12). A usability questionnaire given to the students who used the collaboration tool showed a usability score of 82.16 (SD 1.31), representing a B+ grade. Conclusions: The collaboration tool provides a generic approach for collaboration that can be used with most virtual patient systems. The collaboration tool helped students diagnose virtual patients and had good overall usability. More broadly, the collaboration tool will provide an array of new possibilities for researchers and medical educators alike to design courses for collaborative learning with virtual patients. UR - https://mededu.jmir.org/2022/3/e24306 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/24306 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35900827 ID - info:doi/10.2196/24306 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Chin, Stanley AU - Cavadino, Alana AU - Akroyd, Amelia AU - Tennant, Geraldine AU - Dobson, Rosie AU - Gautier, Adele AU - Reynolds, Lisa PY - 2022/7/22 TI - An Investigation of Virtual Reality Nature Experiences in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Cancer SP - e38300 VL - 8 IS - 3 KW - metastatic breast cancer KW - virtual reality KW - nature connectedness KW - intervention KW - quality of life N2 - Background: Connection with nature has well-established physical and psychological benefits. However, women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) are often unable to access nature because of physical limitations, psychological barriers, and treatment demands. Virtual reality (VR) nature experiences offer an alternative means of connecting with nature and may be of particular benefit to patients with cancer who are house- or hospital-bound. Objective: This study aims to explore whether VR nature experiences are associated with physical and psychological benefits for women with MBC who are disconnected with nature. Methods: This secondary analysis of a previous randomized controlled crossover trial recruited participants from the emailing lists of breast cancer support organizations. Participants were provided VR headsets for daily use in their homes for over 3 weeks. In the first week, participants used 1 of 2 VR nature experiences (Ripple or Happy Place) daily, followed by a 1-week washout period, before using the other VR experience every day for the final week. Outcomes assessed changes between baseline and postintervention scores in quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), pain (Brief Pain Inventory Short Form), fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-fatigue), depression (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-depression), anxiety (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-anxiety), and spiritual well-being (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy- Spiritual Well-being) and investigated whether benefits were greater in participants who were not strongly connected with nature at baseline. Results: A total of 38 women with MBC completed the VR interventions and were included in the analyses. Participants reported significantly less fatigue (P=.001), less depression (P<.001), and greater quality of life (P=.02) following the interventions than at baseline. Women with a weaker connection to nature reported greater fatigue (P=.03), depression (P=.006), and anxiety (P=.001), and poorer spirituality (P=.004) than their strongly connected counterparts. Only those with a weaker baseline connection with nature showed improvements in depression following the intervention (P=.03), with similar trends observed in fatigue (P=.07) and quality of life (P=.10). Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence that feeling connected with nature is associated with better physical and psychological status in patients with MBC and that VR nature interventions might be beneficial for this clinical population. Future studies should focus on activities that encourage connection with nature (rather than simply exposure to nature) and investigate the aspects of VR nature interventions that have the greatest therapeutic potential. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12619001480178; https://tinyurl.com/et6z3vac UR - https://cancer.jmir.org/2022/3/e38300 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/38300 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35867398 ID - info:doi/10.2196/38300 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ammann-Reiffer, Corinne AU - Kläy, Andrina AU - Keller, Urs PY - 2022/7/14 TI - Virtual Reality as a Therapy Tool for Walking Activities in Pediatric Neurorehabilitation: Usability and User Experience Evaluation JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e38509 VL - 10 IS - 3 KW - rehabilitation KW - pediatric KW - child KW - adolescent KW - walking KW - feasibility study KW - virtual reality KW - head-mounted display KW - therapy KW - tool KW - user KW - usability KW - visual KW - auditory KW - feedback KW - youth N2 - Background: Many essential walking activities in daily life, such as crossing a street, are challenging to practice in conventional therapeutic settings. Virtual environments (VEs) delivered through a virtual reality (VR) head-mounted display (HMD) would allow training such activities in a safe and attractive environment. Furthermore, the game-like character and high degree of immersion in these applications might help maintain or increase children?s motivation and active participation during the rehabilitation process. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the usability, user experience, and acceptability of an immersive VE experienced through a VR HMD to train everyday life walking activities in pediatric neurorehabilitation. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 21 youths (median age 12.1 years; range 6.8-17.7 years) with a neuromotor impairment undergoing inpatient or outpatient neurorehabilitation tested a VE experienced through the VR HMD Oculus Quest. The participants, accompanied by their physiotherapists, moved freely around a 4.4 by 10-meter VE, displaying a magical forest and featuring various gamified everyday activities in different game designs. Using their hands, represented in the VE, the participants could interact with the virtual objects placed throughout the VE and trigger visual and auditory feedback. Symptoms of cybersickness were checked, and usability, user experience, and acceptability were evaluated using customized questionnaires with a visual analog scale for youths and a 5-point Likert scale for their therapists. Results: None of the participants reported any signs of cybersickness after 20 minutes of VR HMD exposure time. They rated comfort (median 10/10) and movement ability (median 10/10) with the VR HMD as high. The VE was perceived as being really there by the majority (median 8/10), and the participants had a strong feeling of spatial presence in the VE (median 9.5/10). They enjoyed exploring the virtual world (median 10/10) and liked this new therapy approach (median 10/10). Therapists? acceptance of the VR HMD was high (4/5). There were 5 patients that needed more support than usual, mainly for supervision, when moving around with the VR HMD. Otherwise, therapists felt that the VR HMD hardly affected their patients? movement behavior (median 4.75/5), whereas it seemed to increase their level of therapy engagement (median 4/5) compared to conventional physiotherapy sessions. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the usability of an immersive VE delivered through a VR HMD to engage youths in the training of everyday walking activities.The participants? and therapists? positive ratings on user experience and acceptance further support the promising application of this technology as a future therapeutic tool in pediatric neurorehabilitation. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/3/e38509 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/38509 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35834316 ID - info:doi/10.2196/38509 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Tuck, Natalie AU - Pollard, Catherine AU - Good, Clinton AU - Williams, Caitlin AU - Lewis, Gwyn AU - Hames, Murray AU - Aamir, Tipu AU - Bean, Debbie PY - 2022/7/13 TI - Active Virtual Reality for Chronic Primary Pain: Mixed Methods Randomized Pilot Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e38366 VL - 6 IS - 7 KW - chronic pain KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - rehabilitation KW - serious games KW - physiotherapy KW - pain management KW - acceptability KW - intervention KW - feasibility N2 - Background: The modern management of chronic pain is largely focused on improving functional capacity (often despite ongoing pain) by using graded activation and exposure paradigms. However, many people with chronic pain find functional activation programs aversive, and dropout rates are high. Modern technologies such as virtual reality (VR) could provide a more enjoyable and less threatening way for people with chronic pain to engage in physical activity. Although VR has been successfully used for pain relief in acute and chronic pain settings, as well as to facilitate rehabilitation in conditions such as stroke and cerebral palsy, it is not known whether VR can also be used to improve functional outcomes in people with chronic pain. Objective: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting an adequately powered randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the efficacy of VR in a chronic pain treatment center and assess the acceptability of an active VR treatment program for patients in this setting. Methods: For this mixed methods pilot study, which was designed to test the feasibility and acceptability of the proposed study methods, 29 people seeking treatment for chronic pain were randomized to an active VR intervention or physiotherapy treatment as usual (TAU). The TAU group completed a 6-week waitlist before receiving standard treatment to act as a no-treatment control group. The VR intervention comprised twice-weekly immersive and embodied VR sessions using commercially available gaming software, which was selected to encourage movement. A total of 7 VR participants completed semistructured interviews to assess their perception of the intervention. Results: Of the 99 patients referred to physiotherapy, 53 (54%) were eligible, 29 (29%) enrolled, and 17 (17%) completed the trial, indicating that running an adequately powered RCT in this setting would not be feasible. Despite this, those in the VR group showed greater improvements in activity levels, pain intensity, and pain interference and reported greater treatment satisfaction and perceived improvement than both the waitlist and TAU groups. Relative effect sizes were larger when VR was compared with the waitlist (range small to very large) and smaller when VR was compared with TAU (range none to medium). The qualitative analysis produced the following three themes: VR is an enjoyable alternative to traditional physiotherapy, VR has functional and psychological benefits despite continued pain, and a well-designed VR setup is important. Conclusions: The active VR intervention in this study was highly acceptable to participants, produced favorable effects when compared with the waitlist, and showed similar outcomes as those of TAU. These findings suggest that a confirmatory RCT is warranted; however, substantial barriers to recruitment indicate that incentivizing participation and using a different treatment setting or running a multicenter trial are needed. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2022/7/e38366 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/38366 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35830224 ID - info:doi/10.2196/38366 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Moore, Nathan AU - Ahmadpour, Naseem AU - Brown, Martin AU - Poronnik, Philip AU - Davids, Jennifer PY - 2022/7/6 TI - Designing Virtual Reality?Based Conversational Agents to Train Clinicians in Verbal De-escalation Skills: Exploratory Usability Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e38669 VL - 10 IS - 3 KW - virtual reality KW - code black KW - verbal de-escalation KW - violence and aggression KW - education KW - clinical training KW - conversational agent N2 - Background: Violence and aggression are significant workplace challenges faced by clinicians worldwide. Traditional methods of training consist of ?on-the-job learning? and role-play simulations. Although both approaches can result in improved skill levels, they are not without limitation. Interactive simulations using virtual reality (VR) can complement traditional training processes as a cost-effective, engaging, easily accessible, and flexible training tool. Objective: In this exploratory study, we aimed to determine the feasibility of and barriers to verbal engagement with a virtual agent in the context of the Code Black VR application. Code Black VR is a new interactive VR-based verbal de-escalation trainer that we developed based on the Clinical Training Through VR Design Framework. Methods: In total, 28 participants with varying clinical expertise from 4 local hospitals enrolled in the Western Sydney Local Health District Clinical Initiative Nurse program and Transition to Emergency Nursing Programs and participated in 1 of 5 workshops. They completed multiple playthroughs of the Code Black VR verbal de-escalation trainer application and verbally interacted with a virtual agent. We documented observations and poststudy reflection notes. After the playthroughs, the users completed the System Usability Scale and provided written comments on their experience. A thematic analysis was conducted on the results. Data were also obtained through the application itself, which also recorded the total interactions and successfully completed interactions. Results: The Code Black VR verbal de-escalation training application was well received. The findings reinforced the factors in the existing design framework and identified 3 new factors?motion sickness, perceived value, and privacy?to be considered for future application development. Conclusions: Verbal interaction with a virtual agent is feasible for training staff in verbal de-escalation skills. It is an effective medium to supplement clinician training in verbal de-escalation skills. We provide broader design considerations to guide further developments in this area. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/3/e38669 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/38669 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35793129 ID - info:doi/10.2196/38669 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Pugmire, Juliana AU - Lever Taylor, Jessie AU - Wilkes, Matt AU - Wolfberg, Adam AU - Zahradka, Nicole PY - 2022/7/5 TI - Participant Experiences of a COVID-19 Virtual Clinical Study Using the Current Health Remote Monitoring Platform: Case Study and Qualitative Analysis JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e37567 VL - 6 IS - 7 KW - virtual trial designs KW - virtual enrollment KW - digitalized health KW - theoretical domains framework KW - thematic analysis KW - remote patient monitoring N2 - Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals with a positive viral test were enrolled in a study, within 48 hours, to remotely monitor their vital signs to characterize disease progression and recovery. A virtual trial design was adopted to reduce risks to participants and the research community in a study titled Risk Stratification and Early Alerting Regarding COVID-19 Hospitalization (RiskSEARCH). The Food and Drug Administration?cleared Current Health platform with a wearable device is a continuous remote patient monitoring technology that supports hospital-at-home care and is used as a data collection tool. Enrolled participants wore the Current Health wearable device continuously for up to 30 days and took a daily symptom survey via a tablet that was provided. A qualitative substudy was conducted in parallel to better understand virtual trial implementation, including barriers and facilitators for participants. Objective: This study aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators of the user experience of interacting with a virtual care platform and research team, while participating in a fully virtual study using qualitative and quantitative data. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted to understand participants? experience of participating in a virtual study during a global pandemic. The schedule included their experience of enrollment and their interactions with equipment and study staff. A total of 3 RiskSEARCH participants were interviewed over telephone, and transcriptions were inductively coded and analyzed using thematic analysis. Themes were mapped onto the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to identify and describe the factors that influenced study adherence. Quantitative metrics, including adherence to wearable and scheduled tasks collected as part of the RiskSEARCH main study, were paired with the interviews to present an overall picture of participation. Results: All participants exceeded our definition of a fully adherent participant and reported that participation was feasible and had a low burden. The symptoms progressively resolved during the trial. Inductive thematic analysis identified 13 main themes from the interview data, which were deductively mapped onto 11 of the 14 TDF domains, highlighting barriers and facilitators for each. Conclusions: Participants in the RiskSEARCH substudy showed high levels of adherence and engagement throughout participation. Although participants experienced some challenges in setting up and maintaining the Current Health kit (eg, charging devices), they reported feeling that the requirements of participation were both reasonable and realistic. We demonstrated that the TDF can be used for inductive thematic analysis. We anticipate expanding this work in future virtual studies and trials to identify barriers and enabling factors for implementation. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2022/7/e37567 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/37567 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35671408 ID - info:doi/10.2196/37567 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lie, Stangeland Silje AU - Helle, Nikolina AU - Sletteland, Vahl Nina AU - Vikman, Dubland Miriam AU - Bonsaksen, Tore PY - 2022/7/5 TI - Implementation of Virtual Reality in Health Professional Higher Education: Protocol for a Scoping Review JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e37222 VL - 11 IS - 7 KW - virtual reality KW - higher education KW - medical education KW - health care professional education KW - continuing education KW - implementation KW - technology KW - scoping review KW - Google Scholar KW - health professional N2 - Background: The use of virtual reality in higher education show great potential to promote novel and innovative learning experiences. Until recently, virtual reality has mostly been used in technical higher education, but lately medical education programs have begun using virtual reality. Virtual reality for health professional education improves the knowledge and skills of health professionals compared with traditional or other digital education initiatives. However, the implementation of technology in higher education is slow because of barriers to technology use and innovative and successful practices are not shared. It is, therefore, of great interest to explore how virtual reality is implemented in higher health professional and continuing education. Objective: The aim of this scoping review is to identify studies that reported implementation of virtual reality in higher health professional education, to identify barriers and facilitators for implementation, and to highlight research gaps in this area. Methods: The scoping review will be conducted according to JBI Evidence Synthesis methodologies. CINAHL, the Academic Search Elite and Education Source electronic databases, and Google Scholar will be searched for studies published between 2017 and 2022. In addition, manual searching of key items, reference tracking, and citation tracking will be performed. Searches for white papers will also be manually conducted. All authors will independently extract data from full-text papers. We will use qualitative content analysis to abstract the findings. Results: The literature searches were conducted in January and February 2022. The review is expected to be completed by fall 2022, after which time it will be submitted for publication. Conclusions: We anticipate that, from the review, we will be able to coordinate recommendations for and present the challenges of virtual reality initiatives in health professional education programs. We will present recommendations for future research. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/37222 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/7/e37222 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/37222 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35787531 ID - info:doi/10.2196/37222 ER - @Article{info:doi/10.2196/35488, author="Kim, Byeol and Nguyen, Phong and Loke, Yue-Hin and Cleveland, Vincent and Liu, Xiaolong and Mass, Paige and Hibino, Narutoshi and Olivieri, Laura and Krieger, Axel", title="Virtual Reality Cardiac Surgical Planning Software (CorFix) for Designing Patient-Specific Vascular Grafts: Development and Pilot Usability Study", journal="JMIR Cardio", year="2022", month="Jun", day="17", volume="6", number="1", pages="e35488", keywords="virtual reality", keywords="congenital heart disease", keywords="surgical planning", keywords="usability study", keywords="heart", keywords="surgery", abstract="Background: Patients with single ventricle heart defects receive 3 stages of operations culminating in the Fontan procedure. During the Fontan procedure, a vascular graft is sutured between the inferior vena cava and pulmonary artery to divert deoxygenated blood flow to the lungs via passive flow. Customizing the graft configuration can maximize the long-term benefits. However, planning patient-specific procedures has several challenges, including the ability for physicians to customize grafts and evaluate their hemodynamic performance. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a virtual reality (VR) Fontan graft modeling and evaluation software for physicians. A user study was performed to achieve 2 additional goals: (1) to evaluate the software when used by medical doctors and engineers, and (2) to explore the impact of viewing hemodynamic simulation results in numerical and graphical formats. Methods: A total of 5 medical professionals including 4 physicians (1 fourth-year resident, 1 third-year cardiac fellow, 1 pediatric intensivist, and 1 pediatric cardiac surgeon) and 1 biomedical engineer voluntarily participated in the study. The study was pre-scripted to minimize the variability of the interactions between the experimenter and the participants. All participants were trained to use the VR gear and our software, CorFix. Each participant designed 1 bifurcated and 1 tube-shaped Fontan graft for a single patient. A hemodynamic performance evaluation was then completed, allowing the participants to further modify their tube-shaped design. The design time and hemodynamic performance for each graft design were recorded. At the end of the study, all participants were provided surveys to evaluate the usability and learnability of the software and rate the intensity of VR sickness. Results: The average times for creating 1 bifurcated and 1 tube-shaped graft after a single 10-minute training session were 13.40 and 5.49 minutes, respectively, with 3 out 5 bifurcated and 1 out of 5 tube-shaped graft designs being in the benchmark range of hepatic flow distribution. Reviewing hemodynamic performance results and modifying the tube-shaped design took an average time of 2.92 minutes. Participants who modified their tube-shaped graft designs were able to improve the nonphysiologic wall shear stress (WSS) percentage by 7.02\%. All tube-shaped graft designs improved the WSS percentage compared to the native surgical case of the patient. None of the designs met the benchmark indexed power loss. Conclusions: VR graft design software can quickly be taught to physicians with no engineering background or VR experience. Improving the CorFix system could improve performance of the users in customizing and optimizing grafts for patients. With graphical visualization, physicians were able to improve WSS percentage of a tube-shaped graft, lowering the chance of thrombosis. Bifurcated graft designs showed potential strength in better flow split to the lungs, reducing the risk for pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. ", doi="10.2196/35488", url="https://cardio.jmir.org/2022/1/e35488", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35713940" } TY - JOUR AU - Rodríguez-Rivas, E. Matías AU - Cangas, J. Adolfo AU - Cariola, A. Laura AU - Varela, J. Jorge AU - Valdebenito, Sara PY - 2022/5/30 TI - Innovative Technology?Based Interventions to Reduce Stigma Toward People With Mental Illness: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e35099 VL - 10 IS - 2 KW - stigma KW - mental illness KW - technology-based KW - serious games KW - virtual reality KW - e-contact KW - simulation intervention KW - internet intervention KW - meta-analysis N2 - Background: Stigma toward people with mental illness presents serious consequences for the impacted individuals, such as social exclusion and increased difficulties in the recovery process. Recently, several interventions have been developed to mitigate public stigma, based on the use of innovative technologies, such as virtual reality and video games. Objective: This review aims to systematically review, synthesize, measure, and critically discuss experimental studies that measure the effect of technological interventions on stigmatization levels. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines and included studies in English and Spanish published between 2016 and 2021. Searches were run in 5 different databases (ie, PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect). Only randomized controlled trials were included. Two independent reviewers determined the eligibility, extracted data, and rated methodological quality of the studies. Meta-analyses were performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Results: Based on the 1158 articles screened, 72 articles were evaluated as full text, of which 9 were included in the qualitative and quantitative syntheses. A diversity of interventions was observed, including video games, audiovisual simulation of hallucinations, virtual reality, and electronic contact with mental health services users. The meta-analysis (n=1832 participants) demonstrated that these interventions had a consistent medium effect on reducing the level of public stigma (d=?0.64; 95% CI 0.31-0.96; P<.001). Conclusions: Innovative interventions involving the use of technologies are an effective tool in stigma reduction, therefore new challenges are proposed and discussed for the demonstration of their adaptability to different contexts and countries, thus leading to their massification. Trial Registration: PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42021261935; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021261935 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/2/e35099 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/35099 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35635744 ID - info:doi/10.2196/35099 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Klein Schaarsberg, E. Renée AU - Popma, Arne AU - Lindauer, L. Ramón J. AU - van Dam, Levi PY - 2022/5/20 TI - The Effects of a Virtual Reality?Based Training Program for Adolescents With Disruptive Behavior Problems on Cognitive Distortions and Treatment Motivation: Protocol for a Multiple Baseline Single-Case Experimental Design JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e33555 VL - 11 IS - 5 KW - treatment motivation KW - cognitive distortions KW - reflective functioning KW - disruptive behavior problems KW - adolescence KW - virtual reality KW - single-case experimental design N2 - Background: Serious disruptive behavior among adolescents is a prevalent and often persistent problem. This highlights the importance of adequate and effective treatment to help adolescents with disruptive behavior problems react less hostile and aggressive. In order to create a treatment environment in which behavioral change can be enhanced, treatment motivation plays an essential role. Regarding treatment itself, a focus on challenging self-serving cognitive distortions in order to achieve behavioral change is important. Street Temptations (ST) is a new training program that was developed to address both treatment motivation and cognitive distortions in adolescents with disruptive behavior problems. One of the innovative aspects of ST is the use of virtual reality (VR) techniques to provide adolescents during treatment with visually presented daily social scenarios to activate emotional engagement and dysfunctional cognitions. By using the VR scenarios as an integral starting point of ST?s sessions and transferring the power of the VR experience into playful and dynamic exercises to practice social perspective?taking, adolescents are encouraged to reflect on both their own behavior and that of others. This focus on reflection is grounded in ST?s main treatment mechanism to influence treatment motivation and cognitive distortions, namely, mentalizing (ie, reflective functioning). Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the research protocol to evaluate the effects of ST on treatment motivation and cognitive distortions. We take a closer look at the use of ST and the methodology used, namely, the repeated single-case experimental design (SCED). Methods: The effects of ST are studied through a multiple baseline SCED, using both quantitative and qualitative data. In total, 18 adolescents from secure residential youth care facilities and secondary special education schools are randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 different baseline conditions. Throughout the baseline phase (1, 2, or 3 weeks), intervention phase (4 weeks), and follow-up phase (1, 2, or 3 weeks), daily measurements on treatment motivation and cognitive distortions are conducted. Secondary study parameters are assessed before baseline, after intervention, and after follow-up. Qualitative data are collected after intervention, as well as at 3 months and 6 months after the intervention. Results: Data collection for this study started in November 2021 and is planned to be completed by August 2023. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences. Conclusions: ST aims to improve the disruptive behavior problems of adolescents. This study will be the first to gain insights into the effectiveness of ST. The strengths of this study include its thorough and individually focused design (SCED), the focus on a residential as well as a secondary special education setting, and the ecological validity. The implications for practice are discussed. Trial Registration: Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects NL75545.029.20. Netherlands Trial Register NL9639; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/9639 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/33555 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/5/e33555 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/33555 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35594071 ID - info:doi/10.2196/33555 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ramos, Raquel S. AU - Johnson, Constance AU - Melkus, Gail AU - Kershaw, Trace AU - Gwadz, Marya AU - Reynolds, Harmony AU - Vorderstrasse, Allison PY - 2022/5/17 TI - Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Education Using a Virtual Environment in Sexual-Minority Men of Color With HIV: Protocol for a Sequential, Mixed Method, Waitlist Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e38348 VL - 11 IS - 5 KW - virtual environment KW - behavioral intervention KW - consumer health informatics KW - HIV KW - cardiovascular disease KW - sexual minority men KW - prevention education KW - gamification KW - health communication N2 - Background: It is estimated that 70% of all deaths each year in the United States are due to chronic conditions. Cardiovascular disease (CVD), a chronic condition, is the leading cause of death in ethnic and racial minority males. It has been identified as the second most common cause of death in persons with HIV. By the year 2030, it is estimated that 78% of persons with HIV will be diagnosed with CVD. Objective: We propose the first technology-based virtual environment intervention to address behavioral, modifiable risk factors associated with cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities in sexual-minority men of color with HIV. Methods: This study will be guided using social cognitive theory and the Technology Acceptance Model. A sequential, mixed method, waitlist controlled randomized control feasibility trial will be conducted. Aim 1 is to qualitatively explore perceptions of cardiovascular risk in 15 participants. Aim 2 is to conduct a waitlist controlled comparison to test if a virtual environment is feasible and acceptable for CVD prevention, based on web-based, self-assessed, behavioral, and psychosocial outcomes in 80 sexual-minority men of color with HIV. Results: The study was approved by the New York University Institutional Review Board in 2019, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in 2020, and by the Yale University Institutional Review Board in February 2022. As of April 2022, aim 1 data collection is 87% completed. We expect to complete data collection for aim 1 by April 30, 2022. Recruitment for aim 2 will begin mid-May 2022. Conclusions: This study will be the first online virtual environment intervention for CVD prevention in sexual-minority men of color with HIV. We anticipate that the intervention will be beneficial for CVD prevention education and building peer social supports, resulting in change or modification over time in risk behaviors for CVD. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05242952; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05242952 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/38348 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/5/e38348 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/38348 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35579928 ID - info:doi/10.2196/38348 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Philippe, J. Tristan AU - Sikder, Naureen AU - Jackson, Anna AU - Koblanski, E. Maya AU - Liow, Eric AU - Pilarinos, Andreas AU - Vasarhelyi, Krisztina PY - 2022/5/12 TI - Digital Health Interventions for Delivery of Mental Health Care: Systematic and Comprehensive Meta-Review JO - JMIR Ment Health SP - e35159 VL - 9 IS - 5 KW - digital health KW - telepsychology KW - computer-assisted therapy KW - online therapy KW - mobile applications KW - mobile apps KW - telemedicine KW - telepsychiatry KW - virtual reality exposure therapy KW - mental health KW - COVID-19 N2 - Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted mental health care delivery to digital platforms, videoconferencing, and other mobile communications. However, existing reviews of digital health interventions are narrow in scope and focus on a limited number of mental health conditions. Objective: To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive systematic meta-review of the literature to assess the state of digital health interventions for the treatment of mental health conditions. Methods: We searched MEDLINE for secondary literature published between 2010 and 2021 on the use, efficacy, and appropriateness of digital health interventions for the delivery of mental health care. Results: Of the 3022 records identified, 466 proceeded to full-text review and 304 met the criteria for inclusion in this study. A majority (52%) of research involved the treatment of substance use disorders, 29% focused on mood, anxiety, and traumatic stress disorders, and >5% for each remaining mental health conditions. Synchronous and asynchronous communication, computerized therapy, and cognitive training appear to be effective but require further examination in understudied mental health conditions. Similarly, virtual reality, mobile apps, social media platforms, and web-based forums are novel technologies that have the potential to improve mental health but require higher quality evidence. Conclusions: Digital health interventions offer promise in the treatment of mental health conditions. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital health interventions provide a safer alternative to face-to-face treatment. However, further research on the applications of digital interventions in understudied mental health conditions is needed. Additionally, evidence is needed on the effectiveness and appropriateness of digital health tools for patients who are marginalized and may lack access to digital health interventions. UR - https://mental.jmir.org/2022/5/e35159 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/35159 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35551058 ID - info:doi/10.2196/35159 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ho, Ying Ka AU - Cheung, Mang Po AU - Cheng, Wing Tap AU - Suen, Yin Wing AU - Ho, Ying Hiu AU - Cheung, Ki Daphne Sze PY - 2022/5/11 TI - Virtual Reality Intervention for Managing Apathy in People With Cognitive Impairment: Systematic Review JO - JMIR Aging SP - e35224 VL - 5 IS - 2 KW - virtual reality KW - apathy KW - cognitive impairment KW - dementia KW - systematic review N2 - Background: Apathy is common in people with cognitive impairment. It leads to different consequences, such as more severe cognitive deficits, rapid functional decline, and decreased quality of life. Virtual reality (VR) interventions are increasingly being used to manage apathy in individuals with cognitive impairment. However, reports of VR interventions are scattered across studies, which has hindered the development and use of the interventions. Objective: This study aimed to systematically review existing evidence on the use of VR interventions for managing apathy in people with cognitive impairment with regard to the effectiveness, contents, and implementation of the interventions. Methods: The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed. The PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases were systematically searched for experimental studies published up to March 13, 2022, that reported the effects of VR interventions on apathy in older adults with cognitive impairment. Hand searching and citation chasing were conducted. The results of the included studies were synthesized by using a narrative synthesis. Their quality was appraised by using the Effective Public Health Practice Project quality assessment tool. However, because the VR interventions varied in duration, content, and implementation across studies, a meta-analysis was not conducted. Results: A total of 22 studies were identified from the databases, of which 6 (27%) met the inclusion criteria. Of these 6 studies, 2 (33%) were randomized controlled trials, 1 (17%) was a controlled clinical trial, and 3 (50%) were quasi-experimental studies. Individual studies showed significant improvement in apathy and yielded within-group medium to large effect sizes. The level of immersion ranged from low to high. Minor adverse effects were reported. The VR content mostly included natural scenes, followed by city views and game-based activities. A background soundtrack was often used with natural scenes. Most (5/6, 83%) of the studies were conducted in a residential care setting and were implemented by health care professionals or researchers. Safety precautions were taken in most (5/6, 83%) of the studies. Conclusions: Although preliminary evidence shows that VR interventions may be effective and feasible for alleviating apathy in people with cognitive impairment, the methodological limitations in the included studies make it difficult to reach a firm conclusion on these points. The implementation of the interventions was highlighted and discussed. More rigorous studies are encouraged. Trial Registration: PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42021268289; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021268289 UR - https://aging.jmir.org/2022/2/e35224 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/35224 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35544317 ID - info:doi/10.2196/35224 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Boumans, Roel AU - van de Sande, Yana AU - Thill, Serge AU - Bosse, Tibor PY - 2022/4/25 TI - Voice-Enabled Intelligent Virtual Agents for People With Amnesia: Systematic Review JO - JMIR Aging SP - e32473 VL - 5 IS - 2 KW - intelligent virtual agent KW - amnesia KW - dementia KW - Alzheimer KW - systematic review KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: Older adults often have increasing memory problems (amnesia), and approximately 50 million people worldwide have dementia. This syndrome gradually affects a patient over a period of 10-20 years. Intelligent virtual agents may support people with amnesia. Objective: This study aims to identify state-of-the-art experimental studies with virtual agents on a screen capable of verbal dialogues with a target group of older adults with amnesia. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, SCOPUS, Microsoft Academic, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and CrossRef on virtual agent and amnesia on papers that describe such experiments. Search criteria were (Virtual Agent OR Virtual Assistant OR Virtual Human OR Conversational Agent OR Virtual Coach OR Chatbot) AND (Amnesia OR Dementia OR Alzheimer OR Mild Cognitive Impairment). Risk of bias was evaluated using the QualSyst tool (University of Alberta), which scores 14 study quality items. Eligible studies are reported in a table including country, study design type, target sample size, controls, study aims, experiment population, intervention details, results, and an image of the agent. Results: A total of 8 studies was included in this meta-analysis. The average number of participants in the studies was 20 (SD 12). The verbal interactions were generally short. The usability was generally reported to be positive. The human utterance was seen in 7 (88%) out of 8 studies based on short words or phrases that were predefined in the agent?s speech recognition algorithm. The average study quality score was 0.69 (SD 0.08) on a scale of 0 to 1. Conclusions: The number of experimental studies on talking about virtual agents that support people with memory problems is still small. The details on the verbal interaction are limited, which makes it difficult to assess the quality of the interaction and the possible effects of confounding parameters. In addition, the derivation of the aggregated data was difficult. Further research with extended and prolonged dialogues is required. UR - https://aging.jmir.org/2022/2/e32473 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/32473 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35468084 ID - info:doi/10.2196/32473 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Jones, Chelsea AU - Miguel Cruz, Antonio AU - Smith-MacDonald, Lorraine AU - Brown, G. Matthew R. AU - Vermetten, Eric AU - Brémault-Phillips, Suzette PY - 2022/4/21 TI - Technology Acceptance and Usability of a Virtual Reality Intervention for Military Members and Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Mixed Methods Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e33681 VL - 6 IS - 4 KW - PTSD KW - UTAUT KW - technology acceptance model KW - trauma KW - mental health KW - therapy KW - rehabilitation KW - digital health KW - psychotherapy KW - military KW - veteran KW - 3MDR KW - technology acceptability KW - technology acceptance KW - Canadian Armed Forces KW - virtual reality N2 - Background: Military members and veterans exhibit higher rates of injuries and illnesses such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because of their increased exposure to combat and other traumatic scenarios. Novel treatments for PTSD are beginning to emerge and increasingly leverage advances in gaming and other technologies, such as virtual reality. Without assessing the degree of technology acceptance and perception of usability to the end users, including the military members, veterans, and their attending therapists and staff, it is difficult to determine whether a technology-based treatment will be used successfully in wider clinical practice. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model is commonly used to address the technology acceptance and usability of applications in 5 domains. Objective: Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model, the purpose of this study was to determine the technology acceptance and usability of multimodal motion-assisted memory desensitization and reconsolidation (3MDR) on a virtual reality system in the primary user group (military members and veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD, 3MDR therapists, and virtual reality environment operators). Methods: This mixed methods embedded pilot study included military members (n=3) and veterans (n=8) with a diagnosis of combat-related PTSD, as well as their therapists (n=13) and operators (n=5) who completed pre-post questionnaires before and on completion of 6 weekly sessions of 3MDR. A partial least squares structural equation model was used to analyze the questionnaire results. Qualitative data from the interviews were assessed using thematic analysis. Results: Effort expectancy, which was the most notable predictor of behavioral intention, increased after a course of 3MDR with the virtual reality system, whereas all other constructs demonstrated no significant change. Participants? expectations of the technology were met, as demonstrated by the nonsignificant differences in the pre-post scores. The key qualitative themes included feasibility and function, technical support, and tailored immersion. Conclusions: 3MDR via a virtual reality environment appears to be a feasible, usable, and accepted technology for delivering 3MDR to military members and veterans who experience PTSD and 3MDR therapists and operators who facilitate their treatment. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2022/4/e33681 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/33681 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35451971 ID - info:doi/10.2196/33681 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Hoag, A. Jennifer AU - Karst, Jeffrey AU - Bingen, Kristin AU - Palou-Torres, Akasha AU - Yan, Ke PY - 2022/4/18 TI - Distracting Through Procedural Pain and Distress Using Virtual Reality and Guided Imagery in Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e30260 VL - 24 IS - 4 KW - virtual reality KW - procedural KW - pain KW - anxiety KW - pediatric KW - guided imagery N2 - Background: Children with acute and chronic illness undergo frequent, painful, and distressing procedures. Objective: This randomized controlled trial was used to evaluate the effectiveness of guided imagery (GI) versus virtual reality (VR) on the procedural pain and state anxiety of children and young adults undergoing unsedated procedures. We explored the role of trait anxiety and pain catastrophizing in intervention response. Methods: Children and young adults were recruited from the hematology, oncology, and blood and marrow transplant clinics at a children?s hospital. Each study participant completed the GI and VR intervention during separate but consecutive unsedated procedures. Self-report measures of pain and anxiety were completed before and after the procedures. Results: A total of 50 participants (median age 13 years) completed both interventions. GI and VR performed similarly in the management of procedural pain. Those with high pain catastrophizing reported experiencing less nervousness about pain during procedures that used VR than those using GI. State anxiety declined pre- to postprocedure in both interventions; however, the decrease reached the level of significance during the VR intervention only. Those with high trait anxiety had less pain during GI. Conclusions: In our sample, VR worked as well as GI to manage the pain and distress associated with common procedures experienced by children with acute or chronic illnesses. Children who are primed for pain based on beliefs about pain or because of their history of chronic pain had a better response to VR. GI was a better intervention for those with high trait anxiety. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04892160; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04892160 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2022/4/e30260 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/30260 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35436209 ID - info:doi/10.2196/30260 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Aminabadi, Asl Naser AU - Golsanamlou, Ozra AU - Halimi, Zohreh AU - Jamali, Zahra PY - 2022/4/18 TI - Assessing the Different Levels of Virtual Reality That Influence Anxiety, Behavior, and Oral Health Status in Preschool Children: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial JO - JMIR Perioper Med SP - e35415 VL - 5 IS - 1 KW - virtual reality KW - anxiety KW - behavior KW - oral health training N2 - Background: Compared with a traditional behavior management strategy and oral health training, virtual reality (VR) integrated with multisensory feedback possesses potential advantages in dentistry. Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of different levels of VR on anxiety, behavior, and oral health status. Methods: This study was carried out in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences from December 2020 to June 2021. We randomly assigned 60 healthy children aged 4 years to 6 years to 4 groups, each consisting of 15 children. The study consisted of 2 consecutive sessions. During the first visit, the plaque index was calculated, and oral health education was carried out in all groups using Immersive VR (group I), Semi-immersive VR (group II), Nonimmersive VR (group III), and tell-show-do (TSD; group IV). In the second session, an amalgam restoration was performed in all groups. Participants? anxiety and behavior were recorded using the face version of the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDAS[f]) and Frankl scale. The plaque index was recorded in 2 follow-up sessions. Results: The greatest prevalence of positive behavior (P=.004) and the lowest anxiety (P<.001) were recorded in group I, followed by group II, group III, and group IV. The plaque index scores showed a reduced trend between the first session and follow-up sessions (P<.001), but the values did not differ significantly between the 4 groups during the 3 sessions (P=.28, P=.54, P=.18). Conclusions: The most positive behavior was observed in the Immersive VR group, followed by the Semi-immersive VR, Nonimmersive VR, and TSD groups. Moreover, oral health education using VR resources can improve oral health status in children. Trial Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials 20210103049926N1; https://www.irct.ir/trial/53475 UR - https://periop.jmir.org/2022/1/e35415 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/35415 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35436233 ID - info:doi/10.2196/35415 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Bu, Xiaofan AU - Ng, HF Peter AU - Tong, Ying AU - Chen, Q. Peter AU - Fan, Rongrong AU - Tang, Qingping AU - Cheng, Qinqin AU - Li, Shuangshuang AU - Cheng, SK Andy AU - Liu, Xiangyu PY - 2022/4/7 TI - A Mobile-based Virtual Reality Speech Rehabilitation App for Patients With Aphasia After Stroke: Development and Pilot Usability Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e30196 VL - 10 IS - 2 KW - virtual reality KW - speech rehabilitation KW - stroke KW - app KW - Delphi N2 - Background: Stroke has the highest disability-adjusted life-years lost in any disease, and approximately one-third of the patients get aphasia. Computers and tablets are innovative and aid in intensive treatments in speech rehabilitation for patients with aphasia. However, mechanical training limits the help to patients. Objective: This study aims to provide a framework for an integrated virtual reality (VR) app to provide speech rehabilitation for patients with aphasia. Methods: The content was generated through an in-depth literature review and discussion with experienced rehabilitation physicians and occupational therapists. We then conducted a 2-round Delphi study with 15 experts from hospitals and universities to rate the content using a 5-point Likert scale. The app was developed by an interdisciplinary team involving VR, medical science of rehabilitation, and therapeutic rehabilitation. Pilot usability testing of this novel app was conducted among 5 patients with aphasia, 5 healthy volunteers, 5 medical staff, and 2 VR experts. Results: We designed 4 modules of speech rehabilitation: oral expression, auditory comprehension, cognition, and comprehensive application. Our VR-based interactive and intelligent app was developed to provide an alternative option for patients with aphasia. Pilot usability testing revealed user satisfaction with the app. Conclusions: This study designed and tested a novel VR-based app for speech rehabilitation specifically adapted to patients with aphasia. This will guide other studies to develop a similar program or intelligent system in a clinical setting. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/2/e30196 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/30196 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35389349 ID - info:doi/10.2196/30196 ER - TY - JOUR AU - de la Cruz Herrera, Mercedes AU - Fuster-Casanovas, Aïna AU - Miró Catalina, Queralt AU - Cigarrán Mensa, Mireia AU - Alcántara Pinillos, Pablo AU - Vilanova Guitart, Isabel AU - Grau Carrión, Sergi AU - Vidal-Alaball, Josep PY - 2022/4/7 TI - Use of Virtual Reality in the Reduction of Pain After the Administration of Vaccines Among Children in Primary Care Centers: Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e35910 VL - 11 IS - 4 KW - children KW - virtual reality KW - pain KW - pain perception KW - anxiety KW - vaccination KW - immunization schedule N2 - Background: Pain and anxiety caused by vaccination and other medical procedures in childhood can result in discomfort for both patients and their parents. Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that is capable of entertaining and distracting the user. Among its many applications, we find the improvement of pain management and the reduction of anxiety in patients undergoing medical interventions. Objective: We aim to publish the protocol of a clinical trial for the reduction of pain and anxiety after the administration of 2 vaccines in children aged 3 to 6 years. Methods: We will conduct a randomized, parallel, controlled clinical trial with 2 assigned groups. The intervention group will wear VR goggles during the administration of 2 vaccines, while the control group will receive standard care from a primary care center for the procedure. Randomization will be carried out by using the RandomizedR computer system?a randomization tool of the R Studio program. This trial will be an open or unblinded trial; both the subjects and the investigators will know the assigned treatment groups. Due to the nature of the VR intervention, it will be impossible to blind the patients, caregivers, or observers. However, a blind third-party assessment will be carried out. The study population will include children aged 3 to 6 years who are included in the patient registry and cared for in a primary care center of the region of Central Catalonia. They will receive the following vaccines during the Well-Child checkup: the triple viral+varicella vaccine at 3 years of age and the hepatitis A+diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine at 6 years of age. Results: The study is scheduled to begin in January 2022 and is scheduled to end in January 2023, which is when the statistical analysis will begin. As of March 2022, a total of 23 children have been recruited, of which 13 have used VR during the vaccination process. In addition, all of the guardians have found that VR helps to reduce pain during vaccination. Conclusions: VR can be a useful tool in pediatric procedures that generate pain and anxiety. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/35910 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/4/e35910 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/35910 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35388793 ID - info:doi/10.2196/35910 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Thabrew, Hiran AU - Chubb, A. Laura AU - Kumar, Harshali AU - Fouché, Christa PY - 2022/3/25 TI - Immersive Reality Experience Technology for Reducing Social Isolation and Improving Social Connectedness and Well-being of Children and Young People Who Are Hospitalized: Open Trial JO - JMIR Pediatr Parent SP - e29164 VL - 5 IS - 1 KW - immersive reality experiences KW - social isolation KW - hospitalized children KW - well-being KW - social connectedness KW - immersive reality KW - virtual reality KW - serious games KW - pediatrics KW - mental health KW - isolation KW - hospitalized patients KW - adolescents N2 - Background: Children and young people who are hospitalized can feel disconnected from their peers and families, which can, in turn, predispose them to psychological problems, including anxiety and depression. Immersive reality experience technology, recently developed by the New Zealand Patience Project Charitable Trust, may help to overcome these issues. Immersive reality experience technology uses immersive 360° live streaming and a virtual reality headset to enable children and young people who are hospitalized to connect through cameras located in either their school or home environment and via SMS text messaging with a designated buddy. Objective: This trial aims to expand qualitative findings from a previous smaller proof of concept trial to ascertain the views of New Zealand children and young people who are hospitalized, their caregivers, and teachers regarding immersive reality experience technology and quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of immersive reality experience technology in reducing social isolation and improving social connectedness and well-being using validated outcome measures. Methods: An open trial of immersive reality experience technology was conducted between December 2019 and December 2020 for which 19 New Zealand children and young people aged 13 to 18 years who had been hospitalized at Starship Hospital?a specialist pediatric hospital in Auckland?for at least 2 weeks were recruited. All young people completed the Short Warwick?Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale, an abbreviated version of the Social Connectedness Scale, and the Social Inclusion Scale at baseline. Of the 19 participants, 10 (53%) used immersive reality experience technology as often as they wished over a 6-week period and completed postintervention measures. Semistructured interviews with a subset of the 10 young people, 4 caregivers, and 6 teachers were conducted immediately after the intervention. Results: Participants reported improvements in social inclusion (mean change 3.9, SD 2.8; P=.06), social connectedness (mean change 14.2, SD 10.0; P=.002), and well-being (mean change 5.7, SD 4.0; P=.001). Key themes from interviews with participants, caregivers, and teachers were the importance of support for using immersive reality experience technology, connecting versus connectedness, choice and connection, and the value of setting it up and getting it right. Recommendations for improving connectedness via immersive reality experience and related technologies were also provided. Conclusions: Immersive reality experience technology can improve the social inclusion, social connectedness, and well-being of New Zealand children and young people who are hospitalized. With some technological modifications and simplified implementation, immersive reality experience and related technology could become part of standard care and support children and young people who are hospitalized in New Zealand and elsewhere to sustain family and peer cohesion, experience fewer psychological problems, and more easily return to normal life following the completion of treatment. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Network Registry ACTRN12619000252112; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=376837&isReview=true UR - https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2022/1/e29164 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/29164 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35333184 ID - info:doi/10.2196/29164 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ricci, Serena AU - Calandrino, Andrea AU - Borgonovo, Giacomo AU - Chirico, Marco AU - Casadio, Maura PY - 2022/3/23 TI - Viewpoint: Virtual and Augmented Reality in Basic and Advanced Life Support Training JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e28595 VL - 10 IS - 1 KW - basic and advanced life support KW - first aid KW - cardiopulmonary resuscitation KW - emergency KW - training KW - simulation training KW - medical simulation KW - healthcare simulation KW - virtual reality KW - augmented reality UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/1/e28595 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/28595 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35319477 ID - info:doi/10.2196/28595 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Wiskerke, Evelyne AU - Kool, Jan AU - Hilfiker, Roger AU - Sattelmayer, Martin Karl AU - Verheyden, Geert PY - 2022/3/22 TI - Determining the Optimal Virtual Reality Exergame Approach for Balance Therapy in Persons With Neurological Disorders Using a Rasch Analysis: Longitudinal Observational Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e30366 VL - 10 IS - 1 KW - digital therapeutics KW - virtual reality KW - exergaming KW - balance KW - stroke KW - multiple sclerosis KW - neurorehabilitation KW - Rasch analysis N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) exergames have gained popularity in the rehabilitation of persons with neurological disorders as an add-on therapy to increase intensity of training. Intensity is strongly dependent on the motivation of the patient. Motivation can be increased by delivering variation within training and challenging exercises. However, patients are often underchallenged, as exergame difficulty often does not match the patient?s ability. A Rasch analysis can establish hierarchy of exergame items in order to assist the delivery of patient-centered therapy. Objective: The aim of this study was to apply the Rasch model to create a hierarchical order of existing VR balance exergames and to relate these exergames to the abilities of persons with neurological disorders, in order to deliver challenge and variation. Methods: A total of 30 persons with stroke and 51 persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) were included in the study. All participants performed a training program, lasting 3 weeks for persons with MS and 4 weeks for persons with stroke, in which they performed VR balance exergames with a movement recognition?based system (MindMotion GO; MindMaze SA). VR exercise scores, Berg Balance Scale scores, and clinical descriptive data were collected. Berg Balance Scale and device scores were analyzed with the Rasch model using a repeated-measures approach to examine whether the distribution of exercise scores fitted the Rasch model. Secondly, a person-item map was created to show the hierarchy of exercise difficulty and person ability. Results: Participants completed a selection of 56 balance exercises (ie, items), which consisted of a combination of various balance tasks and levels (ie, exercises). Using repeated measures, this resulted in a count of 785 observations. Analysis showed strong evidence for unidimensionality of the data. A total of 47 exercises (ie, items) had a sufficiently good fit to the Rasch model. Six items showed underfit, with outfit mean square values above 1.5. One item showed underfit but was kept in the analysis. Three items had negative point-biserial correlations. The final model consisted of 47 exercises, which were provided for persons with low to moderate balance ability. Conclusions: The VR exercises sufficiently fitted the Rasch model and resulted in a hierarchical order of VR balance exercises for persons with stroke and MS with low to moderate balance ability. In combination with the Berg Balance Scale, the results can guide clinical decision-making in the selection of patient-focused VR balance exercises. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03993275; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03993275 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/1/e30366 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/30366 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35315785 ID - info:doi/10.2196/30366 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ljubenovic, Arsène AU - Said, Sadiq AU - Braun, Julia AU - Grande, Bastian AU - Kolbe, Michaela AU - Spahn, R. Donat AU - Nöthiger, B. Christoph AU - Tscholl, W. David AU - Roche, R. Tadzio PY - 2022/3/22 TI - Visual Attention of Anesthesia Providers in Simulated Anesthesia Emergencies Using Conventional Number-Based and Avatar-Based Patient Monitoring: Prospective Eye-Tracking Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e35642 VL - 10 IS - 1 KW - Anesthesia KW - eye-tracking technology KW - patient monitoring KW - patient simulation KW - situation awareness KW - task performance KW - visual attention KW - avatar based model KW - simulated anesthesia KW - perioperative N2 - Background: Inadequate situational awareness accounts for two-thirds of preventable complications in anesthesia. An essential tool for situational awareness in the perioperative setting is the patient monitor. However, the conventional monitor has several weaknesses. Avatar-based patient monitoring may address these shortcomings and promote situation awareness, a prerequisite for good decision making. Objective: The spatial distribution of visual attention is a fundamental process for achieving adequate situation awareness and thus a potential quantifiable surrogate for situation awareness. Moreover, measuring visual attention with a head-mounted eye-tracker may provide insights into usage and acceptance of the new avatar-based patient monitoring modality. Methods: This prospective eye-tracking study compared anesthesia providers' visual attention on conventional and avatar-based patient monitors during simulated critical anesthesia events. We defined visual attention, measured as fixation count and dwell time, as our primary outcome. We correlated visual attention with the potential confounders: performance in managing simulated critical anesthesia events (task performance), work experience, and profession. We used mixed linear models to analyze the results. Results: Fifty-two teams performed 156 simulations. After a manual quality check of the eye-tracking footage, we excluded 57 simulations due to technical problems and quality issues. Participants had a median of 198 (IQR 92.5-317.5) fixations on the patient monitor with a median dwell time of 30.2 (IQR 14.9-51.3) seconds. We found no significant difference in participants' visual attention when using avatar-based patient monitoring or conventional patient monitoring. However, we found that with each percentage point of better task performance, the number of fixations decreased by about 1.39 (coefficient ?1.39; 95% CI ?2.44 to ?0.34; P=.02), and the dwell time diminished by 0.23 seconds (coefficient ?0.23; 95% CI: ?0.4 to ?0.06; P=.01). Conclusions: Using eye tracking, we found no significant difference in visual attention when anesthesia providers used avatar-based monitoring or conventional patient monitoring in simulated critical anesthesia events. However, we identified visual attention in conjunction with task performance as a surrogate for situational awareness. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/1/e35642 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/35642 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35172958 ID - info:doi/10.2196/35642 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Wu, Jinlong AU - Zhang, Hui AU - Chen, Ziyan AU - Fu, Ruijia AU - Yang, Hao AU - Zeng, Hongfa AU - Ren, Zhanbing PY - 2022/3/1 TI - Benefits of Virtual Reality Balance Training for Patients With Parkinson Disease: Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-Regression of a Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e30882 VL - 10 IS - 1 KW - virtual reality KW - Parkinson disease KW - balance KW - systematic review KW - meta-analysis KW - meta-regression KW - serious games KW - VR KW - rehabilitation KW - VR training N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) balance training is increasingly being pursued in biomedical research, specifically with respect to investigating balance ability with VR. However, existing systematic reviews have found inconsistent conclusions about the efficacy of VR in improving balance in Parkinson disease (PD) patients. Objective: The goal of the research was to evaluate the impact of VR balance training on the balance ability of patients with PD. Methods: All major databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang, were searched to identify all relevant studies published in English or Chinese since September 15, 2010. Two researchers independently conducted document retrieval, study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality evaluation. Results: A total of 16 randomized controlled trials were analyzed (n=583 patients with PD), with the methodological quality evaluation score ranging from 5 to 8 points. A random effects model was selected to combine effect sizes. Meta-analysis showed that the balance ability of PD was significantly improved after VR training compared with the control group (standardized mean difference [SMD] 2.127, 95% CI 1.202 to 3.052, P<.001, I2=95.1, df=15). It is worth noting that the intervention platform may be the main reason for heterogeneity. Meta regression analysis showed that no training program could predict the impact of VR training (P=.57 to .94) on PD balance ability. Subgroup result showed that a single training time of 0 to 20 minutes (SMD 6.446), 4 to 6 times per week (SMD 4.067), training for 3 to 5 weeks (SMD 62.478), training course reached more than 30 times (SMD 4.405), and 201 to 300 minutes per week (SMD 4.059) maybe have more benefit. Conclusions: A systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed that VR balance training is a highly effective means to improve balance performance with large effects in PD. In addition, we preliminarily extracted dose-effect relationships for training volume, informing clinicians and practitioners to design effective VR balance training for balance ability. Further research is needed to reveal optimal dose-response relationships following VR balance training. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/1/e30882 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/30882 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35230242 ID - info:doi/10.2196/30882 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Bu, Xiaofan AU - Ng, F. Peter H. AU - Xu, Wenjing AU - Cheng, Qinqin AU - Chen, Q. Peter AU - Cheng, K. Andy S. AU - Liu, Xiangyu PY - 2022/2/28 TI - The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality?Based Interventions in Rehabilitation Management of Breast Cancer Survivors: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e31395 VL - 10 IS - 1 KW - virtual reality KW - rehabilitation management KW - symptom KW - motor function KW - systematic review KW - meta-analysis N2 - Background: Breast cancer survivors (BCSs) can present with various physical and psychological symptoms and functional deficits that impact their quality of life. Virtual reality (VR) technology is being used in breast cancer rehabilitation management to improve the emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being of BCSs. Objective: This systematic review aimed to examine the effectiveness of VR-based interventions on health-related outcomes in BCSs. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of VR-based interventions in the rehabilitation management of BCSs. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL with Full Text, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CNKI, WanFang, VIP, and CBM, from inception to May 25, 2021. The inclusion criteria of the selected studies were as follows: (1) adults diagnosed with breast cancer; (2) any type of VR-based interventions (immersive and nonimmersive virtual environment); (3) comparison of traditional rehabilitation methods; (4) outcomes including pain, depression, anxiety, fatigue, cognitive function, shoulder range of motion (ROM), hand grip strength, lymphedema, cybersickness symptoms, fear of movement, bleeding, effusion, and flap necrosis, both during and after treatment; and (5) randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case-controlled trials, and quasi-experimental studies. The Cochrane Collaboration Tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias. Review Manager version 5.3 (Cochrane Collaboration) was used to conduct the meta-analysis. The mean difference (MD) and SDs with 95% CIs were used to calculate continuous variables. Results: Twelve articles were included in this systematic review, of which 10 contributed information to the meta-analysis. A total of 604 participants were analyzed. The statistical analysis showed significant results for flexion (standard mean difference [SMD] 1.79; 95% CI 0.55 to 3.03; P=.005), extension (SMD 1.54; 95% CI 0.83 to 2.25; P<.001), abduction (MD 17.53; 95% CI 14.33 to 20.72; P<.001), adduction (MD 15.98; 95% CI 14.02 to 17.94; P<.001), internal rotation (MD 7.12; 95% CI 5.54 to 8.70; P<.001), external rotation (SMD 0.96; 95% CI 0.62 to 1.29; P<.001), anxiety (MD ?6.47; 95% CI ?7.21 to ?5.73; P<.001), depression (MD ?4.27; 95% CI ?4.64 to ?3.91; P<.001), pain (MD ?1.32; 95% CI ?2.56 to ?0.09; P=.04), and cognitive function (MD 8.80; 95% CI 8.24 to 9.36; P<.001). The meta-analysis indicated little to no difference in hand grip strength (MD 1.96; 95% CI ?0.93 to 4.85; P=.18). Conclusions: Findings of this review noted a weak but consistent positive association between VR-based interventions and outcomes. However, these results must be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of controlled trials analyzed, small sample sizes, and poor methodological quality. Well?designed, large, high?quality trials may have a significant impact on our confidence in the results. Future studies should identify specific aspects that improve the clinical impact of VR-based interventions on major outcomes in BCSs in the clinical setting. Trial Registration: PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42021250727; https://tinyurl.com/2p89rmnk UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/1/e31395 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/31395 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35225817 ID - info:doi/10.2196/31395 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Aardoom, J. Jiska AU - Hilt, D. Alexander AU - Woudenberg, Tamar AU - Chavannes, H. Niels AU - Atsma, E. Douwe PY - 2022/2/22 TI - A Preoperative Virtual Reality App for Patients Scheduled for Cardiac Catheterization: Pre?Post Questionnaire Study Examining Feasibility, Usability, and Acceptability JO - JMIR Cardio SP - e29473 VL - 6 IS - 1 KW - virtual reality KW - cardiac catheterization KW - stress inoculation training KW - preoperative anxiety KW - acceptability KW - feasibility KW - presence KW - immersive tendencies KW - patient education KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: Pre- and postoperative anxiety is a common phenomenon associated with negative postoperative outcomes. Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, such as fear, nightmares, and sleep deprivation, are prevalent in approximately 30% to 50% of patients following discharge from intensive care units after cardiac surgery. Preliminary evidence suggests a promising role of virtual reality (VR) in preventing stress-related reactions using stress inoculation training. Such training enables cognitive preparation of individuals for stressful situations, thereby becoming more tolerant and resistant to stress, subsequently reducing the risk of potential negative psychological consequences. This study investigated a preoperative VR app?Pre-View?aimed at better informing and preparing patients for cardiac catheterization. Objective: This study aims to assess the feasibility, usability, and acceptability of Pre-View in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Methods: Eligible participants were adults scheduled for elective cardiac catheterization. Pre-View comprised an interactive virtual representation of the whole care process related to cardiac catheterization, from entering the hospital for admission to postprocedural stay and discharge. These processes were represented through 360° videos and interactive photos. Self-report questionnaires were completed at baseline (ie, before catheterization and after undergoing the VR experience) and after cardiac catheterization. Outcome measures included user experience and satisfaction, VR presence and immersive tendencies, and user friendliness. The perceived effectiveness was assessed exploratively. Results: A total of 8 individuals, with a mean age of 67 (SD 7.5) years, participated in this study. Half of them underwent the VR experience at the hospital and the other half at home. Participants reported high levels of presence in the virtual environment (Presence Questionnaire score: mean 129.1, SD 13.4). The usability of Pre-View was well evaluated (System Usability Scale score: mean 89.1, SD 12.0), and patient satisfaction was high (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire score: mean 27.1, SD 3.2). Usability and satisfaction scores were higher for participants who underwent Pre-View at home versus those who underwent Pre-View at the hospital, although the latter group was significantly older; 72.8 versus 61.3, respectively. All participants reported Pre-View to be effective in terms of feeling better informed about the care process of cardiac catheterization. Most participants (7/8, 88%) reported Pre-View to be effective in terms of feeling better prepared for cardiac catheterization, acknowledging the potential of Pre-View in reducing negative psychological consequences after catheterization. Conclusions: The results provide initial support for the feasibility and acceptability of a preoperative VR app, creating a virtual environment that supports patient education and preparation for upcoming cardiac catheterization. More studies are needed to further investigate the effects of VR as a tool to better prepare patients for medical procedures, its effectiveness in reducing negative patient outcomes (eg, anxiety, stress, and postoperative recovery outcomes), and the generalizability of effects across different settings and patient populations. UR - https://cardio.jmir.org/2022/1/e29473 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/29473 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35191839 ID - info:doi/10.2196/29473 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Janssen, Anna AU - Fletcher, Jennifer AU - Keep, Melanie AU - Ahmadpour, Naseem AU - Rouf, Anika AU - Marthick, Michael AU - Booth, Rebecca PY - 2022/2/21 TI - Experiences of Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy With Virtual Reality: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e29579 VL - 10 IS - 1 KW - eHealth KW - digital health KW - virtual reality KW - cancer KW - chemotherapy KW - mixed methods research KW - virtual health KW - serious games KW - treatment N2 - Background: Current research into virtual reality (VR) use during chemotherapy shows that it can be an effective distraction intervention. However, there is limited research in adult patients and to investigate how VR can be sustainably implemented in health care organizations. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and acceptability of using VR for adult patients undergoing chemotherapy, and to identify the factors that would enable the sustained use of VR during chemotherapy in health care organizations. Methods: Patients undergoing chemotherapy were recruited to participate in a VR intervention during chemotherapy infusion. Participants were observed during the session and completed a postintervention survey. Each participant was invited to participate in a semistructured interview about their experience. Results: A total of 18 patients participated in the study, 5 of whom participated in semistructured interviews. Findings indicated that the use of VR was acceptable for patients undergoing chemotherapy and the intervention was also feasible. Some participants felt that the VR was an effective distraction during chemotherapy infusion, although most still seemed to be aware of how long their treatment was taking. Although VR was acceptable and feasible to patients, interviews identified several barriers to sustained implementation, including access to a reliable app library and impact on staff workloads. Conclusions: VR was acceptable to patients with a diagnosis of cancer undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Patients found VR beneficial for breaking up the monotony of treatment, to provide an additional choice of activity in addition to other recreation, and in some instances as a distraction from the treatment itself. However, there are challenges to address if VR is to be implemented in practice for this patient group. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/1/e29579 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/29579 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35188474 ID - info:doi/10.2196/29579 ER - TY - JOUR AU - García-Muñoz, Cristina AU - Cortés-Vega, María-Dolores AU - Hernández-Rodríguez, Juan-Carlos AU - Fernández-Seguín, M. Lourdes AU - Escobio-Prieto, Isabel AU - Casuso-Holgado, Jesús María PY - 2022/2/16 TI - Immersive Virtual Reality and Vestibular Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis: Case Report JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e31020 VL - 10 IS - 1 KW - immersive virtual reality KW - vestibular rehabilitation KW - multiple sclerosis KW - exergames N2 - Background: Dizziness and imbalance are common and disabling symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and are caused by a central, peripheral, or mixed vestibulopathy. Central vestibular disorder is the most frequently reported vestibular problem in the MS population due to demyelination. Vestibular rehabilitation ameliorates these symptoms and their repercussions and improves quality of life. Immersive virtual reality (VRi) is an emerging tool in this field; however, no previous research has been performed studying its effects in MS. Objective: The aim of this study was to apply a VRi vestibular training protocol to a patient with MS and assess the effects induced by the experimental intervention. Methods: This case study included a 54-year-old woman with relapsing-remitting MS. We developed a standardized VRi exercise protocol for vestibular rehabilitation based on the gold-standard Cawthorne-Cooksey vestibular training protocol. The 20-session intervention was made up of 10 initial sessions and 10 advanced sessions. Each 50-minute session was performed two to three times per week for 7 weeks. Four evaluations were carried out over the study period: at baseline (T0), between initial and advances phases (T1), postintervention (T2), and 1 month after the experimental procedure (T3). The research outcomes were dizziness, balance, gait, impact of fatigue, quality of life, repercussions in muscular tone, and usability of the head-mounted display device. Results: After implementing the VRi vestibular protocol, improvements were seen in the following patient parameters: Dizziness Handicap Inventory score (62 points at T0; 4 points at T2); Berg Balance Scale score (47 points at T0; 54 points at T2); instrumented Timed Up and Go time (8.35 seconds at T0; 5.57 seconds at T2); muscular tone of the erector spinae, rectus femoris, and soleus; Modified Fatigue Impact Scale score (61 points at T0; 37 points at T2); and Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 values (67.16% in the physical health area at T2; 33.56% in the mental health area at T2). The patient rated the usability of the system as 90%, based on the System Usability Scale, and gave the system a grade of A. Conclusions: Although further research is needed, this study provided initial evidence that the first VRi vestibular protocol for the MS population can improve dizziness, balance, gait, impact of fatigue, quality of life, and muscular tone through an exergame intervention. This study may help establish a standardized VRi protocol for vestibular rehabilitation. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/1/e31020 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/31020 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34766551 ID - info:doi/10.2196/31020 ER - .jmir.org/2022/1/e31020", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34766551" } TY - JOUR AU - Liu, Weichen AU - Andrade, Gianna AU - Schulze, Jurgen AU - Doran, Neal AU - Courtney, E. Kelly PY - 2022/2/15 TI - Using Virtual Reality to Induce and Assess Objective Correlates of Nicotine Craving: Paradigm Development Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e32243 VL - 10 IS - 1 KW - nicotine KW - craving KW - cue-exposure KW - virtual reality KW - attentional bias KW - pupillometry KW - development KW - smoking KW - addiction KW - eye-tracking N2 - Background: Craving is a clinically important phenotype for the development and maintenance of nicotine addiction. Virtual reality (VR) paradigms are successful in eliciting cue-induced subjective craving and may even elicit stronger craving than traditional picture-cue methods. However, few studies have leveraged the advances of this technology to improve the assessment of craving. Objective: This report details the development of a novel, translatable VR paradigm designed to both elicit nicotine craving and assess multiple eye-related characteristics as potential objective correlates of craving. Methods: A VR paradigm was developed, which includes three Active scenes with nicotine and tobacco product (NTP) cues present, and three Neutral scenes devoid of NTP cues. A pilot sample (N=31) of NTP users underwent the paradigm and completed subjective measures of nicotine craving, sense of presence in the VR paradigm, and VR-related sickness. Eye-gaze fixation time (?attentional bias?) and pupil diameter toward Active versus Neutral cues, as well as spontaneous blink rate during the Active and Neutral scenes, were recorded. Results: The NTP Cue VR paradigm was found to elicit a moderate sense of presence (mean Igroup Presence Questionnaire score 60.05, SD 9.66) and low VR-related sickness (mean Virtual Reality Sickness Questionnaire score 16.25, SD 13.94). Scene-specific effects on attentional bias and pupil diameter were observed, with two of the three Active scenes eliciting greater NTP versus control cue attentional bias and pupil diameter (Cohen d=0.30-0.92). The spontaneous blink rate metrics did not differ across Active and Neutral scenes. Conclusions: This report outlines the development of the NTP Cue VR paradigm. Our results support the potential of this paradigm as an effective laboratory-based cue-exposure task and provide early evidence of the utility of attentional bias and pupillometry, as measured during VR, as useful markers for nicotine addiction. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/1/e32243 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/32243 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35166685 ID - info:doi/10.2196/32243 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Gasteiger, Norina AU - van der Veer, N. Sabine AU - Wilson, Paul AU - Dowding, Dawn PY - 2022/2/14 TI - How, for Whom, and in Which Contexts or Conditions Augmented and Virtual Reality Training Works in Upskilling Health Care Workers: Realist Synthesis JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e31644 VL - 10 IS - 1 KW - realist synthesis KW - realist review KW - review KW - virtual reality KW - augmented reality KW - simulation KW - training KW - health KW - health personnel KW - education KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: Using traditional simulators (eg, cadavers, animals, or actors) to upskill health workers is becoming less common because of ethical issues, commitment to patient safety, and cost and resource restrictions. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) may help to overcome these barriers. However, their effectiveness is often contested and poorly understood and warrants further investigation. Objective: The aim of this review is to develop, test, and refine an evidence-informed program theory on how, for whom, and to what extent training using AR or VR works for upskilling health care workers and to understand what facilitates or constrains their implementation and maintenance. Methods: We conducted a realist synthesis using the following 3-step process: theory elicitation, theory testing, and theory refinement. We first searched 7 databases and 11 practitioner journals for literature on AR or VR used to train health care staff. In total, 80 papers were identified, and information regarding context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) was extracted. We conducted a narrative synthesis to form an initial program theory comprising of CMO configurations. To refine and test this theory, we identified empirical studies through a second search of the same databases used in the first search. We used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool to assess the quality of the studies and to determine our confidence in each CMO configuration. Results: Of the 41 CMO configurations identified, we had moderate to high confidence in 9 (22%) based on 46 empirical studies reporting on VR, AR, or mixed simulation training programs. These stated that realistic (high-fidelity) simulations trigger perceptions of realism, easier visualization of patient anatomy, and an interactive experience, which result in increased learner satisfaction and more effective learning. Immersive VR or AR engages learners in deep immersion and improves learning and skill performance. When transferable skills and knowledge are taught using VR or AR, skills are enhanced and practiced in a safe environment, leading to knowledge and skill transfer to clinical practice. Finally, for novices, VR or AR enables repeated practice, resulting in technical proficiency, skill acquisition, and improved performance. The most common barriers to implementation were up-front costs, negative attitudes and experiences (ie, cybersickness), developmental and logistical considerations, and the complexity of creating a curriculum. Facilitating factors included decreasing costs through commercialization, increasing the cost-effectiveness of training, a cultural shift toward acceptance, access to training, and leadership and collaboration. Conclusions: Technical and nontechnical skills training programs using AR or VR for health care staff may trigger perceptions of realism and deep immersion and enable easier visualization, interactivity, enhanced skills, and repeated practice in a safe environment. This may improve skills and increase learning, knowledge, and learner satisfaction. The future testing of these mechanisms using hypothesis-driven approaches is required. Research is also required to explore implementation considerations. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/1/e31644 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/31644 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35156931 ID - info:doi/10.2196/31644 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Liu, Yunxin AU - Stamos, Angelos AU - Dewitte, Siegfried AU - van Berlo, C. Zeph M. AU - van der Laan, N. Laura PY - 2022/2/3 TI - Development and Evaluation of a Virtual Reality Puzzle Game to Decrease Food Intake: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e31747 VL - 10 IS - 1 KW - virtual reality KW - pre-exposure KW - self-control KW - hedonic consumption KW - food cravings N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) has gained popularity in daily life, and VR food cues seem to elicit food cravings, similar to real food cues. However, little is known about the impact of VR food cues on actual food intake. Objective: In real life (RL), exposure to food cues in a situation in which the desire to eat food interferes with the completion of a food-related task reduces the subsequent food intake (ie, the pre-exposure effect). In this study, we examine, on the one hand, whether the pre-exposure effect could be replicated in RL and, on the other hand, whether this effect could be extended to VR contexts. Methods: The study used a 2 (stimulus type: food vs nonfood) × 2 (mode: VR vs RL) between-subject design (n=175). Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of the 4 conditions. Results: We found the main effect of mode on food intake, with a higher food intake after both VR conditions than after RL conditions (P=.02). In addition, among female participants, we found that exposure to both food cues (ie, VR and RL) resulted in lower food intake than exposure to both nonfood cues (P=.05). In contrast, this effect was not observed among male participants (P=.34). Additionally, VR and RL cues generated similar emotional and behavioral responses (eg, arousal and game difficulty). Conclusions: We were unable to replicate the exposure effect in our complete sample. Subgroup analyses, however, showed that for women, exposure to food cues (either in VR or in RL) reduces food intake, indicating that a VR pre-exposure procedure may effectively be applied exclusively for women. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05169996; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05169996 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/1/e31747 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/31747 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35113028 ID - info:doi/10.2196/31747 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Jiang, Haowen AU - Vimalesvaran, Sunitha AU - Wang, King Jeremy AU - Lim, Boon Kee AU - Mogali, Reddy Sreenivasulu AU - Car, Tudor Lorainne PY - 2022/2/2 TI - Virtual Reality in Medical Students? Education: Scoping Review JO - JMIR Med Educ SP - e34860 VL - 8 IS - 1 KW - virtual reality KW - medical education KW - medical students KW - virtual worlds KW - digital health education N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) produces a virtual manifestation of the real world and has been shown to be useful as a digital education modality. As VR encompasses different modalities, tools, and applications, there is a need to explore how VR has been used in medical education. Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to map existing research on the use of VR in undergraduate medical education and to identify areas of future research. Methods: We performed a search of 4 bibliographic databases in December 2020. Data were extracted using a standardized data extraction form. The study was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and reported in line with the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Results: Of the 114 included studies, 69 (60.5%) reported the use of commercially available surgical VR simulators. Other VR modalities included 3D models (15/114, 13.2%) and virtual worlds (20/114, 17.5%), which were mainly used for anatomy education. Most of the VR modalities included were semi-immersive (68/114, 59.6%) and were of high interactivity (79/114, 69.3%). There is limited evidence on the use of more novel VR modalities, such as mobile VR and virtual dissection tables (8/114, 7%), as well as the use of VR for nonsurgical and nonpsychomotor skills training (20/114, 17.5%) or in a group setting (16/114, 14%). Only 2.6% (3/114) of the studies reported the use of conceptual frameworks or theories in the design of VR. Conclusions: Despite the extensive research available on VR in medical education, there continue to be important gaps in the evidence. Future studies should explore the use of VR for the development of nonpsychomotor skills and in areas other than surgery and anatomy. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046986 UR - https://mededu.jmir.org/2022/1/e34860 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/34860 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35107421 ID - info:doi/10.2196/34860 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Beltran-Alacreu, Hector AU - Navarro-Fernández, Gonzalo AU - Godia-Lledó, Daniela AU - Graell-Pasarón, Lucas AU - Ramos-González, Álvaro AU - Raya, Rafael AU - Martin-Pintado Zugasti, Aitor AU - Fernandez-Carnero, Josue PY - 2022/2/1 TI - A Serious Game for Performing Task-Oriented Cervical Exercises Among Older Adult Patients With Chronic Neck Pain: Development, Suitability, and Crossover Pilot Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e31404 VL - 10 IS - 1 KW - video games KW - neck pain KW - aged KW - virtual reality KW - exercise therapy KW - physical therapy modalities KW - technology N2 - Background: There is sparse research on the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise for the treatment of neck pain in older adult populations. Moreover, there is a lack of research on the use of serious games or virtual reality for the treatment of neck pain in this population. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to develop and assess the suitability of a serious game for performing task-oriented cervical exercises in patients with neck pain. Methods: A serious game was designed based on the key features identified by previous studies that designed serious video games for physical and cognitive rehabilitation or exercise. The game in this study was designed to provide an interactive scenario, with the main functionality of the software solution to control a virtual airplane to reach targets using head motions. At the end of the exercise, the application stores the targets reached and missed and the airplane?s trajectory. A crossover pilot study was carried out for preliminary evaluation of the suitability of the technology in the older adult population. Men and women over 65 years of age with chronic neck pain were included. Subjects were randomly assigned to two study arms; each arm consisted of a sequence of two 4-week treatments with an intermediate washout period of 4 weeks. The total study duration was 16 weeks due to a final follow-up measure 4 weeks after the end of all treatments. Treatment A consisted of the use of the serious game developed in this study, and treatment B consisted of conventional exercises. Subjects allocated to the A-B study arm received treatment A first, followed by treatment B, and vice versa in the B-A arm. The following variables were assessed: Suitability Evaluation Questionnaire (SEQ) scores, Visual Analog Scale scores, and the number of targets reached in the serious game. Results: A total of 18 subjects were assessed for eligibility. A total of 13 subjects, aged between 71 and 92 years (mean 81.85, SD 6.82), were finally included and completed the study protocol. The global mean SEQ score was 50.38 (SD 5.35) out of 65 points, showing good suitability of the serious game. Most patients considered the experience very enjoyable and ?real? in terms of the virtual environment and found the information provided to be clear. Also, they believed that the game could be very helpful for their rehabilitation. None of the patients felt any neck pain or discomfort when playing the game, and only 2 patients out of 13 (15%) reported some degree of dizziness, eye discomfort, or disorientation, which did not limit their capacity to finish the session. Conclusions: The serious game developed in this study showed good suitability for use in adults over 70 years of age with chronic neck pain. The game was a safe method for performing task-oriented cervical exercises, and patients reported very high levels of satisfaction and acceptance after the use of this technology. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2022/1/e31404 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/31404 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35103608 ID - info:doi/10.2196/31404 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Porffy, Alexandra Lilla AU - Mehta, A. Mitul AU - Patchitt, Joel AU - Boussebaa, Celia AU - Brett, Jack AU - D?Oliveira, Teresa AU - Mouchlianitis, Elias AU - Shergill, S. Sukhi PY - 2022/1/26 TI - A Novel Virtual Reality Assessment of Functional Cognition: Validation Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e27641 VL - 24 IS - 1 KW - virtual reality KW - virtual reality assessment KW - cognition KW - functional cognition KW - functional capacity KW - neuropsychological testing N2 - Background: Cognitive deficits are present in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer disease, schizophrenia, and depression. Assessments used to measure cognition in these disorders are time-consuming, burdensome, and have low ecological validity. To address these limitations, we developed a novel virtual reality shopping task?VStore. Objective: This study aims to establish the construct validity of VStore in relation to the established computerized cognitive battery, Cogstate, and explore its sensitivity to age-related cognitive decline. Methods: A total of 142 healthy volunteers aged 20-79 years participated in the study. The main VStore outcomes included verbal recall of 12 grocery items, time to collect items, time to select items on a self-checkout machine, time to make the payment, time to order coffee, and total completion time. Construct validity was examined through a series of backward elimination regression models to establish which Cogstate tasks, measuring attention, processing speed, verbal and visual learning, working memory, executive function, and paired associate learning, in addition to age and technological familiarity, best predicted VStore performance. In addition, 2 ridge regression and 2 logistic regression models supplemented with receiver operating characteristic curves were built, with VStore outcomes in the first model and Cogstate outcomes in the second model entered as predictors of age and age cohorts, respectively. Results: Overall VStore performance, as indexed by the total time spent completing the task, was best explained by Cogstate tasks measuring attention, working memory, paired associate learning, and age and technological familiarity, accounting for 47% of the variance. In addition, with ?=5.16, the ridge regression model selected 5 parameters for VStore when predicting age (mean squared error 185.80, SE 19.34), and with ?=9.49 for Cogstate, the model selected all 8 tasks (mean squared error 226.80, SE 23.48). Finally, VStore was found to be highly sensitive (87%) and specific (91.7%) to age cohorts, with 94.6% of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that VStore is a promising assessment that engages standard cognitive domains and is sensitive to age-related cognitive decline. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2022/1/e27641 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/27641 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35080501 ID - info:doi/10.2196/27641 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lee, Hojun AU - Choi, JongKwan AU - Jung, Dooyoung AU - Hur, Ji-Won AU - Cho, Chul-Hyun PY - 2021/12/17 TI - The Effects of Virtual Reality Treatment on Prefrontal Cortex Activity in Patients With Social Anxiety Disorder: Participatory and Interactive Virtual Reality Treatment Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e31844 VL - 23 IS - 12 KW - anxiety KW - social anxiety disorder KW - virtual reality KW - fNIRS KW - brain activity KW - prefrontal cortex KW - effectiveness N2 - Background: Attempts to use virtual reality (VR) as a treatment for various psychiatric disorders have been made recently, and many researchers have identified the effects of VR in psychiatric disorders. Studies have reported that VR therapy is effective in social anxiety disorder (SAD). However, there is no prior study on the neural correlates of VR therapy in patients with SAD. Objective: The aim of this study is to find the neural correlates of VR therapy by evaluating the treatment effectiveness of VR in patients with SAD using portable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Methods: Patients with SAD (n=28) were provided with 6 sessions of VR treatment that was developed for exposure to social situations with a recording system of each participant?s self-introduction in VR. After each VR treatment session, the first-person view (video 1) and third-person view (video 2) clips of the participant?s self-introduction were automatically generated. The functional activities of prefrontal regions were measured by fNIRS while watching videos 1 and 2 with a cognitive task, before and after whole VR treatment sessions, and after the first session of VR treatment. We compared the data of fNIRS between patients with SAD and healthy controls (HCs; n=27). Results: We found that reduction in activities of the right frontopolar prefrontal cortex (FPPFC) in HCs was greater than in the SAD group at baseline (t=?2.01, P=.049). Comparing the frontal cortex activation before and after VR treatment sessions in the SAD group showed significant differences in activities of the FPPFC (right: t=?2.93, P<.001; left: t=?2.25, P=.03) and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) (right: t=?2.10, P=.045; left: t=?2.21, P=.04) while watching video 2. Conclusions: Activities of the FPPFC and OFC were associated with symptom reduction after VR treatment for SAD. Our study findings might provide a clue to understanding the mechanisms underlying VR treatment for SAD. Trial Registration: Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) KCT0003854; https://tinyurl.com/559jp2kp UR - https://www.jmir.org/2021/12/e31844 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/31844 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34801979 ID - info:doi/10.2196/31844 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Yan, Mingli AU - Yin, Huiru AU - Meng, Qiuyan AU - Wang, Shuo AU - Ding, Yiwen AU - Li, Guichen AU - Wang, Chunyan AU - Chen, Li PY - 2021/12/3 TI - A Virtual Supermarket Program for the Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults: Diagnostic Accuracy Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e30919 VL - 9 IS - 4 KW - virtual reality KW - mild cognitive impairment KW - dementia KW - ambient intelligence KW - digital health KW - elderly population KW - aging N2 - Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is often a precursor of dementia, and patients with MCI develop dementia at a higher rate than healthy older adults. Early detection of cognitive decline at the MCI stage supports better planning of care and interventions. At present, the use of virtual reality (VR) in screening for MCI in older adults is promising, but there is little evidence regarding the use of virtual supermarkets to screen for MCI. Objective: The objectives of this study are to validate a VR game?based test, namely, the Virtual Supermarket Program (VSP), for differentiating patients with MCI and healthy controls and to identify cutoff scores for different age levels. Methods: Subjects were recruited from several nursing homes and communities in Changchun, China. They were divided into a healthy control group (n=64) and an MCI group (n=62). All subjects were administered the VSP and a series of neuropsychological examinations. The study determined the optimal cutoff, discriminating validity, concurrent validity, and retest reliability of the VSP. We used the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to evaluate the discriminating validity and obtain the optimal cutoff values. Pearson correlation analysis and the intraclass correlation coefficient were used to evaluate the concurrent validity and retest reliability, respectively. Results: A cutoff score of 46.4 was optimal for the entire sample, yielding a sensitivity of 85.9% and specificity of 79.0% for differentiating individuals with MCI and healthy controls, and the AUC was 0.870 (95% CI 0.799-0.924). The median index of VSP score was 51.1 (range 42.6-60.0). There was a moderate positive correlation between the VSP total score and Mini-Mental State Examination score (r=0.429, P<.001). There was a strong positive correlation between VSP total score and Montreal Cognitive Assessment score (r=0.645, P<.001). The retest reliability of the VSP was feasible (r=0.588, P=.048). Conclusions: The VSP is interesting and feasible for subjects. It shows high sensitivity and specificity for the identification of MCI in older adults, which makes it a promising screening method. The VSP may be generalized to older adults in other countries, although some cultural adaptation may be necessary. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000040074; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=64639 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2021/4/e30919 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/30919 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34870610 ID - info:doi/10.2196/30919 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Kim, Euisung AU - Han, Jieun AU - Choi, Hojin AU - Prié, Yannick AU - Vigier, Toinon AU - Bulteau, Samuel AU - Kwon, Hyun Gyu PY - 2021/11/24 TI - Examining the Academic Trends in Neuropsychological Tests for Executive Functions Using Virtual Reality: Systematic Literature Review JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e30249 VL - 9 IS - 4 KW - virtual reality KW - neuropsychological test KW - executive function KW - cognitive ability KW - brain disorder KW - immersive KW - digital health KW - cognition KW - academic trends KW - neurology N2 - Background: In neuropsychology, fully immersive virtual reality (VR) has been spotlighted as a promising tool. It is considered that VR not only overcomes the existing limitation of neuropsychological tests but is also appropriate for treating executive functions (EFs) within activities of daily living (ADL) due to its high ecological validity. While fully immersive VR offers new possibilities of neuropsychological tests, there are few studies that overview the intellectual landscape and academic trends in the research related to mainly targeted EFs with fully immersive VR. Objective: The objective of this study is to get an overview of the research trends that use VR in neuropsychological tests and to analyze the research trends using fully immersive VR neuropsychological tests with experimental articles. Methods: This review was carried out according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles were searched in three web databases using keywords related to VR, EFs, and cognitive abilities. The study was conducted in two steps, keyword analysis and in-depth systematic review. In the web database search from 2000 to 2019, 1167 articles were initially collected, of which 234 articles in the eligibility phase were used to conduct keyword analysis and a total of 47 articles were included for systematic review. Results: In keyword analysis, the number of articles focused on dementia including the keywords ?MCI,? ?SCD,? and ?dementia? were highlighted over the period, rather than other symptoms. In addition, we identified that the use of behavioral and physiological data in virtual environments (VEs) has dramatically increased in recent studies. In the systematic review, we focused on the purpose of study, assessment, treatment, and validation of usability and structure. We found that treatment studies and uncategorized studies including presence and cybersickness issues have emerged in the recent period. In addition, the target symptoms and range of participants were diversified. Conclusions: There has been a continuously increasing interest in dealing with neuropsychology by using fully immersive VR. Target cognitive abilities have been diversified, as well as target symptoms. Moreover, the concept of embodied cognition was transplanted in this research area. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2021/4/e30249 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/30249 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34822341 ID - info:doi/10.2196/30249 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Gagnon Shaigetz, Vincent AU - Proulx, Catherine AU - Cabral, Anne AU - Choudhury, Nusrat AU - Hewko, Mark AU - Kohlenberg, Elicia AU - Segado, Melanie AU - Smith, D. Michael S. AU - Debergue, Patricia PY - 2021/11/3 TI - An Immersive and Interactive Platform for Cognitive Assessment and Rehabilitation (bWell): Design and Iterative Development Process JO - JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol SP - e26629 VL - 8 IS - 4 KW - virtual reality KW - clinical psychology KW - cognitive assessment KW - neuropsychology KW - mental health KW - cognitive rehabilitation KW - digital therapeutics KW - mobile phone KW - cognitive training N2 - Background: Immersive technologies like virtual reality can enable clinical care that meaningfully aligns with real-world deficits in cognitive functioning. However, options in immersive 3D environments are limited, partly because of the unique challenges presented by the development of a clinical care platform. These challenges include selecting clinically relevant features, enabling tasks that capture the full breadth of deficits, ensuring longevity in a rapidly changing technology landscape, and performing the extensive technical and clinical validation required for digital interventions. Complicating development, is the need to integrate recommendations from domain experts at all stages. Objective: The Cognitive Health Technologies team at the National Research Council Canada aims to overcome these challenges with an iterative process for the development of bWell, a cognitive care platform providing multisensory cognitive tasks for adoption by treatment providers. Methods: The team harnessed the affordances of immersive technologies while taking an interdisciplinary research and developmental approach, obtaining active input from domain experts with iterative deliveries of the platform. The process made use of technology readiness levels, agile software development, and human-centered design to advance four main activities: identification of basic requirements and key differentiators, prototype design and foundational research to implement components, testing and validation in lab settings, and recruitment of external clinical partners. Results: bWell was implemented according to the findings from the design process. The main features of bWell include multimodal (fully, semi, or nonimmersive) and multiplatform (extended reality, mobile, and PC) implementation, configurable exercises that pair standardized assessment with adaptive and gamified variants for therapy, a therapist-facing user interface for task administration and dosing, and automated activity data logging. bWell has been designed to serve as a broadly applicable toolkit, targeting general aspects of cognition that are commonly impacted across many disorders, rather than focusing on 1 disorder or a specific cognitive domain. It comprises 8 exercises targeting different domains: states of attention (Egg), visual working memory (Theater), relaxation (Tent), inhibition and cognitive control (Mole), multitasking (Lab), self-regulation (Butterfly), sustained attention (Stroll), and visual search (Cloud). The prototype was tested and validated with healthy adults in a laboratory environment. In addition, a cognitive care network (5 sites across Canada and 1 in Japan) was established, enabling access to domain expertise and providing iterative input throughout the development process. Conclusions: Implementing an interdisciplinary and iterative approach considering technology maturity brought important considerations for the development of bWell. Altogether, this harnesses the affordances of immersive technology and design for a broad range of applications, and for use in both cognitive assessment and rehabilitation. The technology has attained a maturity level of prototype implementation with preliminary validation carried out in laboratory settings, with next steps to perform the validation required for its eventual adoption as a clinical tool. UR - https://rehab.jmir.org/2021/4/e26629 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/26629 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34730536 ID - info:doi/10.2196/26629 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Goh, Lina AU - Allen, E. Natalie AU - Ahmadpour, Naseem AU - Ehgoetz Martens, A. Kaylena AU - Song, Jooeun AU - Clemson, Lindy AU - Lewis, G. Simon J. AU - MacDougall, G. Hamish AU - Canning, G. Colleen PY - 2021/11/3 TI - A Video Self-Modeling Intervention Using Virtual Reality Plus Physical Practice for Freezing of Gait in Parkinson Disease: Feasibility and Acceptability Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e28315 VL - 5 IS - 11 KW - Parkinson disease KW - freezing of gait KW - action observation KW - video self-modelling KW - virtual reality N2 - Background: Despite optimal medical and surgical intervention, freezing of gait commonly occurs in people with Parkinson disease. Action observation via video self-modeling, combined with physical practice, has potential as a noninvasive intervention to reduce freezing of gait. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a home-based, personalized video self-modeling intervention delivered via a virtual reality head-mounted display (HMD) to reduce freezing of gait in people with Parkinson disease. The secondary aim is to investigate the potential effect of this intervention on freezing of gait, mobility, and anxiety. Methods: The study was a single-group pre-post mixed methods pilot trial for which 10 participants with Parkinson disease and freezing of gait were recruited. A physiotherapist assessed the participants in their homes to identify person-specific triggers of freezing and developed individualized movement strategies to overcome freezing of gait. 180° videos of the participants successfully performing their movement strategies were created. Participants watched their videos using a virtual reality HMD, followed by physical practice of their strategies in their own homes over a 6-week intervention period. The primary outcome measures included the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Secondary outcome measures included freezing of gait physical tests and questionnaires, including the Timed Up and Go Test, 10-meter walk test, Goal Attainment Scale, and Parkinson Anxiety Scale. Results: The recruitment rate was 24% (10/42), and the retention rate was 90% (9/10). Adherence to the intervention was high, with participants completing a mean of 84% (SD 49%) for the prescribed video viewing and a mean of 100% (SD 56%) for the prescribed physical practice. One participant used the virtual reality HMD for 1 week and completed the rest of the intervention using a flat-screen device because of a gradual worsening of his motion sickness. No other adverse events occurred during the intervention or assessment. Most of the participants found using the HMD to view their videos interesting and enjoyable and would choose to use this intervention to manage their freezing of gait in the future. Five themes were constructed from the interview data: reflections when seeing myself, my experience of using the virtual reality system, the role of the virtual reality system in supporting my learning, developing a deeper understanding of how to manage my freezing of gait, and the impact of the intervention on my daily activities. Overall, there were minimal changes to the freezing of gait, mobility, or anxiety measures from baseline to postintervention, although there was substantial variability between participants. The intervention showed potential in reducing anxiety in participants with high levels of anxiety. Conclusions: Video self-modeling using an immersive virtual reality HMD plus physical practice of personalized movement strategies is a feasible and acceptable method of addressing freezing of gait in people with Parkinson disease. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2021/11/e28315 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/28315 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34730537 ID - info:doi/10.2196/28315 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Bond, Jessica AU - Robotham, Dan AU - Kenny, Alexandra AU - Pinfold, Vanessa AU - Kabir, Thomas AU - Andleeb, Humma AU - Larkin, Michael AU - Martin, L. Jennifer AU - Brown, Susan AU - Bergin, D. Aislinn AU - Petit, Ariane AU - Rosebrock, Laina AU - Lambe, Sinéad AU - Freeman, Daniel AU - Waite, Felicity PY - 2021/10/25 TI - Automated Virtual Reality Cognitive Therapy for People With Psychosis: Protocol for a Qualitative Investigation Using Peer Research Methods JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e31742 VL - 10 IS - 10 KW - virtual reality KW - therapy KW - schizophrenia KW - agoraphobia KW - peer research KW - qualitative methods KW - implementation KW - mental health KW - psychosis KW - cognitive therapy N2 - Background: Many people with psychosis experience difficulties in everyday social situations. Anxiety can make life challenging, leading to withdrawal. Cognitive therapy, using active in vivo learning, enables people to overcome fears. These treatments are not readily available to people with psychosis. Automated virtual reality (VR) therapy is a potential route to increase accessibility. The gameChange automated VR cognitive therapy is designed to help people overcome anxious avoidance and build confidence in everyday social situations. A virtual coach guides the person through the treatment. Understanding user experience is key to facilitating future implementation. Peer research methods, in which people with lived experience of the issues being studied are involved in collecting and analyzing data, may be useful in developing this understanding. This encourages researchers to draw on their lived experience to explore participant perspectives and co-create knowledge. Objective: The primary objective is to use a peer research approach to explore the participant experience of a novel automated VR therapy for anxious social avoidance. This includes understanding (1) the experience of anxious social avoidance in people with psychosis, (2) the experience of the gameChange automated VR cognitive therapy, and (3) any potential impact of the therapy in people?s lives. This will inform future implementation strategies. The secondary objective is to explore how peer research can be used to co-create knowledge. Methods: Semistructured interviews will be conducted with approximately 25 people with psychosis participating in the gameChange trial (ISRCTN17308399). Participants will be recruited from the five trial centers based in National Health Service mental health trusts across England. Interviews will be conducted by two researchers. One is a peer researcher with similar lived experience to the trial participants. The other has lived experiences of mental health issues that do not directly overlap with those of the trial participants. Interview questions will focus on an individual?s experience of anxious social avoidance, experiences of participating in the gameChange VR therapy, and any changes or impact following therapy. The interview schedule was developed in collaboration with the gameChange Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP), comprising 10 project advisors with lived experience of psychosis. Interpretative phenomenological analysis and template analysis will be used to explore individual accounts. The LEAP will contribute to the analysis. Results: Data collection will be conducted from April to September 2021, and analysis will be conducted from June to October 2021. As of September 28, 2021, 20 participants had been interviewed, and coding is underway. Conclusions: The study, employing a peer research approach, may provide a unique insight into the experiences of anxious social avoidance in people with psychosis and its treatment using automated VR therapy. This will inform potential future implementation of VR automated therapies in mental health services. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/31742 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2021/10/e31742 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/31742 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34694236 ID - info:doi/10.2196/31742 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Follmann, Andreas AU - Ruhl, Alexander AU - Gösch, Michael AU - Felzen, Marc AU - Rossaint, Rolf AU - Czaplik, Michael PY - 2021/10/18 TI - Augmented Reality for Guideline Presentation in Medicine: Randomized Crossover Simulation Trial for Technically Assisted Decision-making JO - JMIR Mhealth Uhealth SP - e17472 VL - 9 IS - 10 KW - augmented reality KW - smart glasses KW - wearables KW - guideline presentation KW - decision support KW - triage N2 - Background: Guidelines provide instructions for diagnostics and therapy in modern medicine. Various mobile devices are used to represent the potential complex decision trees. An example of time-critical decisions is triage in case of a mass casualty incident. Objective: In this randomized controlled crossover study, the potential of augmented reality for guideline presentation was evaluated and compared with the guideline presentation provided in a tablet PC as a conventional device. Methods: A specific Android app was designed for use with smart glasses and a tablet PC for the presentation of a triage algorithm as an example for a complex guideline. Forty volunteers simulated a triage based on 30 fictional patient descriptions, each with technical support from smart glasses and a tablet PC in a crossover trial design. The time to come to a decision and the accuracy were recorded and compared between both devices. Results: A total of 2400 assessments were performed by the 40 volunteers. A significantly faster time to triage was achieved in total with the tablet PC (median 12.8 seconds, IQR 9.4-17.7; 95% CI 14.1-14.9) compared to that to triage with smart glasses (median 17.5 seconds, IQR 13.2-22.8, 95% CI 18.4-19.2; P=.001). Considering the difference in the triage time between both devices, the additional time needed with the smart glasses could be reduced significantly in the course of assessments (21.5 seconds, IQR 16.5-27.3, 95% CI 21.6-23.2) in the first run, 17.4 seconds (IQR 13-22.4, 95% CI 17.6-18.9) in the second run, and 14.9 seconds (IQR 11.7-18.6, 95% CI 15.2-16.3) in the third run (P=.001). With regard to the accuracy of the guideline decisions, there was no significant difference between both the devices. Conclusions: The presentation of a guideline on a tablet PC as well as through augmented reality achieved good results. The implementation with smart glasses took more time owing to their more complex operating concept but could be accelerated in the course of the study after adaptation. Especially in a non?time-critical working area where hands-free interfaces are useful, a guideline presentation with augmented reality can be of great use during clinical management. UR - https://mhealth.jmir.org/2021/10/e17472 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/17472 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34661548 ID - info:doi/10.2196/17472 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Wu, Jinlong AU - Zeng, Aihua AU - Chen, Ziyan AU - Wei, Ye AU - Huang, Kunlun AU - Chen, Jiafeng AU - Ren, Zhanbing PY - 2021/10/12 TI - Effects of Virtual Reality Training on Upper Limb Function and Balance in Stroke Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Meta-Analysis JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e31051 VL - 23 IS - 10 KW - virtual reality KW - stroke KW - motor function KW - review KW - meta-meta-analysis KW - mental health KW - motor skills KW - rehabilitation KW - digital intervention KW - health care KW - stroke patients N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) training is a promising intervention strategy that has been utilized in health care fields like stroke rehabilitation and psychotherapy. Current studies suggest that VR training is effective in improving the locomotor ability of stroke patients. Objective: This is the first meta-meta-analysis of the effects of VR on motor function in stroke patients. This study aimed to systematically summarize and quantify the present meta-analyses results of VR training and produce high-quality meta-meta-analysis results to obtain a more accurate prediction. Methods: We searched 4 online databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure) for meta-analysis studies. After accounting for overlap, 10 studies (accounting for almost 550 stroke patients) were obtained. Based on the meta-meta-analysis of these patients, this study quantified the impact of VR training on stroke patients? motor performance, mainly including upper limb function, balance, and walking ability. We combined the effects under the random effect model and pooled the estimates as standardized mean differences (SMD). Results: The results of the meta-meta-analysis showed that VR training effectively improves upper limb function (SMD 4.606, 95% CI 2.733-6.479, P<.05) and balance (SMD 2.101, 95% CI 0.202-4.000, P<.05) of stroke patients. However, the results showed considerable heterogeneity and thus, may need to be treated with caution. Due to the limited research, a meta-meta-analysis of walking ability was not performed. Conclusions: These findings represent a comprehensive body of high-quality evidence that VR training is more effective at improving upper limb function and balance of stroke patients. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2021/10/e31051 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/31051 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34636735 ID - info:doi/10.2196/31051 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Hu, Xiao-Su AU - Beard, Katherine AU - Sherbel, Catherine Mary AU - Nascimento, D. Thiago AU - Petty, Sean AU - Pantzlaff, Eddie AU - Schwitzer, David AU - Kaciroti, Niko AU - Maslowski, Eric AU - Ashman, M. Lawrence AU - Feinberg, E. Stephen AU - DaSilva, F. Alexandre PY - 2021/10/12 TI - Brain Mechanisms of Virtual Reality Breathing Versus Traditional Mindful Breathing in Pain Modulation: Observational Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e27298 VL - 23 IS - 10 KW - virtual reality breathing KW - traditional mindful breathing KW - pain KW - functional near-infrared spectroscopy KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: Pain is a complex experience that involves sensory-discriminative and cognitive-emotional neuronal processes. It has long been known across cultures that pain can be relieved by mindful breathing (MB). There is a common assumption that MB exerts its analgesic effect through interoception. Interoception refers to consciously refocusing the mind?s attention to the physical sensation of internal organ function. Objective: In this study, we dissect the cortical analgesic processes by imaging the brains of healthy subjects exposed to traditional MB (TMB) and compare them with another group for which we augmented MB to an outside sensory experience via virtual reality breathing (VRB). Methods: The VRB protocol involved in-house?developed virtual reality 3D lungs that synchronized with the participants? breathing cycles in real time, providing them with an immersive visual-auditory exteroception of their breathing. Results: We found that both breathing interventions led to a significant increase in pain thresholds after week-long practices, as measured by a thermal quantitative sensory test. However, the underlying analgesic brain mechanisms were opposite, as revealed by functional near-infrared spectroscopy data. In the TMB practice, the anterior prefrontal cortex uniquely modulated the premotor cortex. This increased its functional connection with the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), thereby facilitating the S1-based sensory-interoceptive processing of breathing but inhibiting its other role in sensory-discriminative pain processing. In contrast, virtual reality induced an immersive 3D exteroception with augmented visual-auditory cortical activations, which diminished the functional connection with the S1 and consequently weakened the pain processing function of the S1. Conclusions: In summary, our study suggested two analgesic neuromechanisms of VRB and TMB practices?exteroception and interoception?that distinctively modulated the S1 processing of the ascending noxious inputs. This is in line with the concept of dualism (Yin and Yang). UR - https://www.jmir.org/2021/10/e27298 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/27298 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34636731 ID - info:doi/10.2196/27298 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Persson, Johanna AU - Clifford, Douglas AU - Wallergård, Mattias AU - Sandén, Ulrika PY - 2021/10/7 TI - A Virtual Smash Room for Venting Frustration or Just Having Fun: Participatory Design of Virtual Environments in Digitally Reinforced Cancer Rehabilitation JO - JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol SP - e29763 VL - 8 IS - 4 KW - virtual reality KW - virtual environment KW - cancer rehabilitation KW - emotions KW - participatory design KW - virtual smash room KW - human factors N2 - Background: Cancer rehabilitation is central for helping patients and relatives create a functional everyday life based on the changes in life conditions. The needs are highly individual and include physical, mental, and social challenges. Cancer rehabilitation programs offer coping strategies, including guidelines on how to handle emotions. Objective: This paper presents a participatory design activity where patients in cancer rehabilitation use a virtual smash room, which is a virtual environment where the user can break things, mainly porcelain or glass items such as vases or plates. The objective is to understand attitudes to, and some effects of, using this application, as well as eliciting ideas of other virtual environments that would be desired. Methods: The virtual environment presented here, the virtual smash room, was designed at the request of a patient with cancer who wanted a tool for venting frustration. In this virtual environment, the user can break porcelain, vases, and plates. Patients participating in a week-long cancer rehabilitation program tested the virtual smash room and reported their experiences through a questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised three sections: (1) a subset of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI), (2) a subset of the Virtual Reality Symptoms Questionnaire (VRSQ), and (3) a free-text response section. Results: A total of 101 responses were gathered. The results from the IMI questions showed that the participants found the virtual experience enjoyable (mean 4.52, maximum 5, SD 0.73), and it helped them retain their focus (mean 4.44, maximum 5, SD 0.74). The VRSQ revealed that there were only minor symptoms related to general discomfort (5.9%, n=6), fatigue (5.9%, n=6), nausea (3.0%, n=3), and tired eyes (8.9%, n=9), while several participants experienced dizziness (22.8%, n=23). Since only postmeasurements were gathered, nothing could be concluded about the prevalence of these symptoms before testing. The free-text responses indicated that the user group had many ideas for other virtual environments to use in cancer rehabilitation. Conclusions: This study presents a concept of using virtual reality in the cancer rehabilitation process and exemplifies activities of patient participation in the design process. Virtual reality has potential in being both distracting and enjoyable, while certain aspects of cybersickness might be especially important to consider for a user group already experiencing physical and mental issues. The results will act as input in the process of further designing virtual applications in digitally reinforced cancer rehabilitation. UR - https://rehab.jmir.org/2021/4/e29763 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/29763 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34617913 ID - info:doi/10.2196/29763 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Boustani, Maya AU - Lunn, Stephanie AU - Visser, Ubbo AU - Lisetti, Christine PY - 2021/9/29 TI - Development, Feasibility, Acceptability, and Utility of an Expressive Speech-Enabled Digital Health Agent to Deliver Online, Brief Motivational Interviewing for Alcohol Misuse: Descriptive Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e25837 VL - 23 IS - 9 KW - digital health agent KW - virtual health assistant KW - online intervention KW - alcohol abuse KW - brief intervention KW - motivational interviewing KW - intelligent virtual agent KW - embodied conversational agent N2 - Background: Digital health agents ? embodied conversational agents designed specifically for health interventions ? provide a promising alternative or supplement to behavioral health services by reducing barriers to access to care. Objective: Our goals were to (1) develop an expressive, speech-enabled digital health agent operating in a 3-dimensional virtual environment to deliver a brief behavioral health intervention over the internet to reduce alcohol use and to (2) understand its acceptability, feasibility, and utility with its end users. Methods: We developed an expressive, speech-enabled digital health agent with facial expressions and body gestures operating in a 3-dimensional virtual office and able to deliver a brief behavioral health intervention over the internet to reduce alcohol use. We then asked 51 alcohol users to report on the digital health agent acceptability, feasibility, and utility. Results: The developed digital health agent uses speech recognition and a model of empathetic verbal and nonverbal behaviors to engage the user, and its performance enabled it to successfully deliver a brief behavioral health intervention over the internet to reduce alcohol use. Descriptive statistics indicated that participants had overwhelmingly positive experiences with the digital health agent, including engagement with the technology, acceptance, perceived utility, and intent to use the technology. Illustrative qualitative quotes provided further insight about the potential reach and impact of digital health agents in behavioral health care. Conclusions: Web-delivered interventions delivered by expressive, speech-enabled digital health agents may provide an exciting complement or alternative to traditional one-on-one treatment. They may be especially helpful for hard-to-reach communities with behavioral workforce shortages. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2021/9/e25837 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/25837 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34586074 ID - info:doi/10.2196/25837 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Guo, Jong-Long AU - Hsu, Hsiao-Pei AU - Lai, Tzu-Ming AU - Lin, Mei-Ling AU - Chung, Chih-Ming AU - Huang, Chiu-Mieh PY - 2021/9/28 TI - Acceptability Evaluation of the Use of Virtual Reality Games in Smoking-Prevention Education for High School Students: Prospective Observational Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e28037 VL - 23 IS - 9 KW - behavioral intention KW - ARCS motivation model KW - persuasiveness KW - smoking prevention KW - educational games N2 - Background: Alternative forms of cigarettes, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), are becoming increasingly common among adolescents. Many high schools now provide smoking-prevention education in an attempt to minimize the potential negative health effects and illness burdens e-cigarettes may induce in adolescents. However, it is often difficult to motivate young students to engage with traditional education regarding the harmful effects of tobacco; thus, the development of alternative approaches may be required. Objective: In this study, we aimed to conduct an acceptability evaluation of educational virtual reality games designed to support smoking-prevention measures. We based the acceptability evaluation on the following two experience types: game-playing and content-learning experiences. The paths by which these experience types affect the intention to abstain from smoking were also examined. Methods: We applied a prospective observational study design. We developed educational games based on three-dimensional virtual reality technology, in which participants operated joysticks to complete challenge tasks. To increase the possibility of the games fostering motivation to abstain from smoking, the ARCS motivational model (comprising attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction) was used as a framework during the games? design. We measured the participants? game-playing experiences by inquiring about the strength of the ARCS elements; content-learning experiences were measured using overall knowledge improvement and the perceived persuasiveness of the content. A total of 130 students participated in the program. Study hypotheses for this evaluation were derived from a literature review. We used partial least squares structural equation modeling to examine the proposed hypotheses. Results: Based on the responses of the students to questionnaire items concerning attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction in the context of the games, most students agreed or strongly agreed that the educational games were motivational, and that their game-playing experiences were positive. Regarding content-learning experiences, there was a significant improvement in knowledge (t129=25.67, P<.001), and most students perceived themselves as being persuaded to abstain from smoking. Attention, relevance, and satisfaction significantly influenced perceived persuasiveness (t=3.19, P<.001; t=4.28, P<.001; and t=3.49, P<.001, respectively); however, confidence did not (t=0.42, P=.67). Perceived persuasiveness, relevance, and satisfaction significantly influenced the intention to abstain from smoking (t=3.57, P<.001). In addition to directly affecting the intention to abstain from smoking, indirect effects were observed from both relevance and satisfaction to intention via perceived persuasiveness (t=2.87, P=.004 and t=2.11, P=.04, respectively). However, intention was not significantly influenced by knowledge improvement. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that the educational games were positively accepted by the participating students. This indicates that the integration of the ARCS framework and persuasive strategies is applicable for smoking-prevention education. We recommend that the games be included as teaching materials for smoking-prevention education. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2021/9/e28037 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/28037 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34581679 ID - info:doi/10.2196/28037 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Baghaei, Nilufar AU - Chitale, Vibhav AU - Hlasnik, Andrej AU - Stemmet, Lehan AU - Liang, Hai-Ning AU - Porter, Richard PY - 2021/9/23 TI - Virtual Reality for Supporting the Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: Scoping Review JO - JMIR Ment Health SP - e29681 VL - 8 IS - 9 KW - virtual reality KW - mental health KW - depression KW - anxiety KW - CBT N2 - Background: Mental health conditions pose a major challenge to health care providers and society at large. The World Health Organization predicts that by 2030, mental health conditions will be the leading cause of disease burden worldwide. The current need for mental health care is overwhelming. In New Zealand, 1 in 6 adults has been diagnosed with common mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders, according to a national survey. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to effectively help patients overcome a wide variety of mental health conditions. Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) might be one of the most exciting technologies emerging in the clinical setting for the treatment of anxiety and depression. Objective: This study aims to investigate the virtual reality (VR) technologies currently being used to help support the treatment of depression and anxiety. We also aim to investigate whether and how CBT is included as part of VRET and look at the VR technologies and interventions that have been used in recent studies on depression and anxiety. Methods: We performed a scoping review. To identify significant studies, we decided to use already aggregated sources from the Google Scholar database. Overall, the goal of our search strategy was to limit the number of initial results related to VR in mental health to only a relevant minimum. Results: Using our defined keywords, Google Scholar identified >17,300 articles. After applying all the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we identified a total of 369 articles for further processing. After manual evaluation, 34 articles were shortlisted; of the 34 articles, 9 (26%) reported the use of CBT with VR. All of the articles were published between 2017 and 2021. Out of the 9 studies, CBT was conducted within a VR environment in 5 (56%) studies, whereas in the remaining 4 (44%) studies, CBT was used as an addition to VRET. All 9 studies reported the use of CBT either in vivo or in a virtual environment to be effective in supporting the treatment of anxiety or depression. Conclusions: Most studies demonstrated the use of VR to be effective for supporting the treatment of anxiety or depression in a range of settings and recommended its potential as a tool for use in a clinical environment. Even though standalone headsets are much easier to work with and more suitable for home use, the shift from tethered VR headsets to standalone headsets in the mental health environment was not observed. All studies that looked at the use of CBT either in vivo or in a virtual environment found it to be effective in supporting the treatment of anxiety or depression. UR - https://mental.jmir.org/2021/9/e29681 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/29681 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34554097 ID - info:doi/10.2196/29681 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Sarkar, Urmimala AU - Lee, E. Jane AU - Nguyen, H. Kim AU - Lisker, Sarah AU - Lyles, R. Courtney PY - 2021/9/22 TI - Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of Virtual Reality as a Pain Management Modality in Academic, Community, and Safety-Net Settings: Qualitative Analysis JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e26623 VL - 23 IS - 9 KW - virtual reality KW - medical informatics KW - information technology KW - implementation science KW - qualitative research N2 - Background: Prior studies have shown that virtual reality (VR) is an efficacious treatment modality for opioid-sparing pain management. However, the majority of these studies were conducted among primarily White, relatively advantaged populations and in well-resourced settings. Objective: We conducted a qualitative, theory-informed implementation science study to assess the readiness for VR in safety-net settings. Methods: Using the theoretical lens of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) framework, we conducted semistructured interviews with current VR users and nonusers based in safety-net health systems (n=15). We investigated barriers and facilitators to a commercially available, previously validated VR technology platform AppliedVR (Los Angeles, CA, USA). We used deductive qualitative analysis using the overarching domains of the CFIR framework and performed open, inductive coding to identify specific themes within each domain. Results: Interviewees deemed the VR intervention to be useful, scalable, and an appealing alternative to existing pain management approaches. Both users and nonusers identified a lack of reimbursement for VR as a significant challenge for adoption. Current users cited positive patient feedback, but safety-net stakeholders voiced concern that existing VR content may not be relevant or appealing to diverse patients. All respondents acknowledged the challenge of integrating and maintaining VR in current pain management workflows across a range of clinical settings, and this adoption challenge was particularly acute, given resource and staffing constraints in safety-net settings. Conclusions: VR for pain management holds interest for frontline pain management clinicians and leadership in safety-net health settings but will require significant tailoring and adaption to address the needs of diverse populations. Integration into complex workflows for pain management is a significant barrier to adoption, and participants cited structural cost and reimbursement concerns as impediments to initial implementation and scaling of VR use. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2021/9/e26623 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/26623 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34550074 ID - info:doi/10.2196/26623 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Stunden, Chelsea AU - Stratton, Kirsten AU - Zakani, Sima AU - Jacob, John PY - 2021/9/22 TI - Comparing a Virtual Reality?Based Simulation App (VR-MRI) With a Standard Preparatory Manual and Child Life Program for Improving Success and Reducing Anxiety During Pediatric Medical Imaging: Randomized Clinical Trial JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e22942 VL - 23 IS - 9 KW - virtual reality KW - magnetic resonance imaging simulation KW - certified child life specialists KW - pediatrics KW - magnetic resonance imaging procedures KW - alternatives to sedation KW - preparing children for MRI N2 - Background: The experience of undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be anxiety provoking, particularly for pediatric patients and their families. Alternative methods to improve success and experiences without the use of sedation are needed. Objective: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR)?based simulation app (VR-MRI) with a standard preparatory manual (SPM) and a hospital-based Child Life Program (CLP) on success and anxiety during a simulated pediatric MRI scan. Our secondary aim is to compare caregivers? reported anxiety, procedural data, caregiver usability, child satisfaction, and fun. Methods: This unblinded, randomized, triple-arm clinical trial involved 92 children aged 4-13 years and their caregivers. Recruitment was conducted through posters, public libraries, community centers, and social media. At a 2-hour session, participants were instructed to prepare for a simulated MRI head scan using one of three randomly assigned preparation materials: the VR-MRI app, SPM, or the CLP. Data were collected before preparation, during a simulated MRI head scan, and after the simulated scan. The primary outcomes were the success of the simulated MRI scan (MoTrak head motion tracking system), and child-reported anxiety (Venham picture test). We secondarily measured caregivers? reported anxiety (short State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), procedural data (minutes), usability (Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of Use Questionnaire), and child-reported satisfaction and fun (visual analog scales). Results: A total of 84 participants were included in the final analysis (VR-MRI: 30/84, 36%; SPM: 24/84, 29%; and CLP: 30/84, 36%). There were no clinically significant differences between the groups in terms of success during the MRI simulation (P=.27) or the children?s reported anxiety at any timepoint (timepoint 1, P=.99; timepoint 2, P=.008; timepoint 3, P=.10). Caregivers reported being significantly more anxious after preparing with the manual than caregivers in the other 2 groups (P<.001). Child and caregiver anxiety had a significant relationship, increasing together with moderate effect (r84=0.421; P<.001). Participants using VR-MRI took the most time to prepare (P<.001) and participants using the manual took the least time (P<.001). No statistically significant relationships were found between time preparing and time completing the simulated assessment (P=.13). There were no differences found in ease of use (P=.99), ease of learning (P=.48), and usefulness (P=.11) between the groups; however, caregivers reported being significantly more satisfied with the VR-MRI app and CLP than SPM (P<.001). Children reported the most satisfaction with the CLP (P<.001). There were no differences in how much fun the preparation materials were perceived to be (P=.37). Conclusions: Digital preparation experiences using VR-based media could be a viable solution to improve the success of nonsedated MRI scans, with outcomes comparable with hospital-based in-person preparatory programs. Future research should focus on validating the results in a real MRI setting. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03931382; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03931382 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2021/9/e22942 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/22942 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34550072 ID - info:doi/10.2196/22942 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Saredakis, Dimitrios AU - Keage, AD Hannah AU - Corlis, Megan AU - Ghezzi, S. Erica AU - Loffler, Helen AU - Loetscher, Tobias PY - 2021/9/20 TI - The Effect of Reminiscence Therapy Using Virtual Reality on Apathy in Residential Aged Care: Multisite Nonrandomized Controlled Trial JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e29210 VL - 23 IS - 9 KW - reminiscence KW - head-mounted display KW - apathy KW - cognitive aging KW - dementia KW - residential facilities KW - virtual reality N2 - Background: Apathy is a frequent and underrecognized neurological disorder symptom. Reduced goal-directed behavior caused by apathy is associated with poor outcomes for older adults in residential aged care. Recommended nonpharmacological treatments include person-centered therapy using information and communication technology. Virtual reality (VR) in the form of head-mounted displays (HMDs) is a fully immersive technology that provides access to a wide range of freely available content. The use of VR as a therapy tool has demonstrated promise in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety. In addition, VR has been used to improve conditions including depression, anxiety, cognitive function, and balance in older adults with memory deficits, Alzheimer disease, and Parkinson disease. Research using VR for the symptoms of apathy in older adults living in residential aged care facilities is limited. Objective: This study aims to examine whether using HMDs as a tool for reminiscence therapy improves the symptoms of apathy compared with using a laptop computer and physical items with older adults living in residential aged care. Methods: In this multisite trial, 43 participants were allocated to one of three groups: reminiscence therapy intervention using VR in the form of HMDs, reminiscence therapy using a laptop computer supplemented by physical items if required (active control), and a usual care (passive control) group. The primary outcome was apathy, and the secondary outcomes included cognition and depression. The side effects of using HMDs were also measured in the VR group. Results: Mixed model analyses revealed no significant group interaction over time in outcomes between the VR and laptop groups (estimate=?2.24, SE 1.89; t40=?1.18; P=.24). Pooled apathy scores in the two intervention groups compared with the passive control group also revealed no significant group interaction over time (estimate=?0.26, SE 1.66; t40=?0.16; P=.88). There were no significant secondary outcomes. Most participants in the VR group stated that they would prefer to watch content in VR than on a flat screen (?22=11.2; P=.004), side effects from HMD use were negligible to minimal according to the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire cutoff scores. Conclusions: Although there were no significant results in outcome measures, this study found that participants engaged in the research and enjoyed the process of reminiscing using both forms of technology. It was found that VR can be implemented in an aged care setting with correct protocols in place. Providing residents in aged care with a choice of technology may assist in increasing participation in activities. We cannot dismiss the importance of immediate effects while the therapy was in progress, and this is an avenue for future research. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12619001510134; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=378564. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046030 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2021/9/e29210 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/29210 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34542418 ID - info:doi/10.2196/29210 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Hashiguchi, Nobuki AU - Cao, Jianfei AU - Lim, Yeongjoo AU - Kuroishi, Shinichi AU - Miyazaki, Yasuhiro AU - Kitahara, Shigeo AU - Sengoku, Shintaro AU - Matsubayashi, Katsushi AU - Kodama, Kota PY - 2021/9/15 TI - Psychological Effects of Heart Rate and Physical Vibration on the Operation of Construction Machines: Experimental Study JO - JMIR Mhealth Uhealth SP - e31637 VL - 9 IS - 9 KW - heart rate variability KW - complexity KW - vital signs KW - vibration at work KW - stress KW - wearable technology KW - remote operation KW - monitoring N2 - Background: A construction method has emerged in which a camera is installed around a construction machine, and the operator remotely controls the machine while synchronizing the vibration of the machine with the images seen from the operator's seat using virtual reality (VR) technology. Indices related to changes in heart rate (HR) and physical vibration, such as heart rate variability (HRV) and multiscale entropy (MSE), can then be measured among the operators. As these indices are quantitative measures of autonomic regulation in the cardiovascular system, they can provide a useful means of assessing operational stress. Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate changes in HR and body vibration of machine operators and investigate appropriate methods of machine operation while considering the psychological load. Methods: We enrolled 9 remote operators (18-50 years old) in the experiment, which involved 42 measurements. A construction machine was driven on a test course simulating a construction site, and three patterns of operation?riding operation, remote operation using monitor images, and VR operation combining monitor images and machine vibration?were compared. The heartbeat, body vibration, and driving time of the participants were measured using sensing wear made of a woven film-like conductive material and a three-axis acceleration measurement device (WHS-2). We used HRV analysis in the time and frequency domains, MSE analysis as a measure of the complexity of heart rate changes, and the ISO (International Standards Organization) 2631 vibration index. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to model the relationship among the low frequency (LF)/high frequency (HF) HRV, MSE, vibration index, and driving time of construction equipment. Efficiency in driving time was investigated with a focus on stress reduction. Results: Multiple comparisons conducted via the Bonferroni test and Kruskal-Wallis test showed statistically significant differences (P=.05) in HRV-LF/HF, the vibration index, weighted acceleration, motion sickness dose value (MSDVz), and the driving time among the three operation patterns. The riding operation was found to reduce the driving time of the machine, but the operation stress was the highest in this case; operation based on the monitor image was found to have the lowest operation stress but the longest operation time. Multiple regression analysis showed that the explanatory variables (LH/HF), RR interval, and vibration index (MSDVz by vertical oscillation at 0.5-5 Hz) had a negative effect on the driving time (adjusted coefficient of determination R2=0.449). Conclusions: A new method was developed to calculate the appropriate operating time by considering operational stress and suppressing the physical vibration within an acceptable range. By focusing on the relationship between psychological load and physical vibration, which has not been explored in previous studies, the relationship of these variables with the driving time of construction machines was clarified. UR - https://mhealth.jmir.org/2021/9/e31637 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/31637 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34524105 ID - info:doi/10.2196/31637 ER - 37", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34524105" } TY - JOUR AU - Liu, Songxiang AU - Xie, Mao AU - Zhang, Zhicai AU - Wu, Xinghuo AU - Gao, Fei AU - Lu, Lin AU - Zhang, Jiayao AU - Xie, Yi AU - Yang, Fan AU - Ye, Zhewei PY - 2021/9/10 TI - A 3D Hologram With Mixed Reality Techniques to Improve Understanding of Pulmonary Lesions Caused by COVID-19: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e24081 VL - 23 IS - 9 KW - COVID-19 KW - mixed reality KW - hologram KW - pulmonary KW - lesion KW - diagnostic KW - imaging N2 - Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has now become a pandemic and has had a serious adverse impact on global public health. The effect of COVID-19 on the lungs can be determined through 2D computed tomography (CT) imaging, which requires a high level of spatial imagination on the part of the medical provider. Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine whether viewing a 3D hologram with mixed reality techniques can improve medical professionals? understanding of the pulmonary lesions caused by COVID-19. Methods: The study involved 60 participants, including 20 radiologists, 20 surgeons, and 20 medical students. Each of the three groups was randomly divided into two groups, either the 2D CT group (n=30; mean age 29 years [range 19-38 years]; males=20) or the 3D holographic group (n=30; mean age 30 years [range 20=38 years]; males=20). The two groups completed the same task, which involved identifying lung lesions caused by COVID-19 for 6 cases using a 2D CT or 3D hologram. Finally, an independent radiology professor rated the participants' performance (out of 100). All participants in two groups completed a Likert scale questionnaire regarding the educational utility and efficiency of 3D holograms. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) was completed by all participants. Results: The mean task score of the 3D hologram group (mean 91.98, SD 2.45) was significantly higher than that of the 2D CT group (mean 74.09, SD 7.59; P<.001). With the help of 3D holograms, surgeons and medical students achieved the same score as radiologists and made obvious progress in identifying pulmonary lesions caused by COVID-19. The Likert scale questionnaire results showed that the 3D hologram group had superior results compared to the 2D CT group (teaching: 2D CT group median 2, IQR 1-2 versus 3D group median 5, IQR 5-5; P<.001; understanding and communicating: 2D CT group median 1, IQR 1-1 versus 3D group median 5, IQR 5-5; P<.001; increasing interest: 2D CT group median 2, IQR 2-2 versus 3D group median 5, IQR 5-5; P<.001; lowering the learning curve: 2D CT group median 2, IQR 1-2 versus 3D group median 4, IQR 4-5; P<.001; spatial awareness: 2D CT group median 2, IQR 1-2 versus 3D group median 5, IQR 5-5; P<.001; learning: 2D CT group median 3, IQR 2-3 versus 3D group median 5, IQR 5-5; P<.001). The 3D group scored significantly lower than the 2D CT group for the ?mental,? ?temporal,? ?performance,? and ?frustration? subscales on the NASA-TLX. Conclusions: A 3D hologram with mixed reality techniques can be used to help medical professionals, especially medical students and newly hired doctors, better identify pulmonary lesions caused by COVID-19. It can be used in medical education to improve spatial awareness, increase interest, improve understandability, and lower the learning curve. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100045845; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=125761 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2021/9/e24081 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/24081 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34061760 ID - info:doi/10.2196/24081 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Liu, Fang AU - Weng, Huiting AU - Xu, Rong AU - Li, Xia AU - Zhang, Zhe AU - Zhao, Kuaile AU - Zhou, Zhiguang AU - Wang, Qin PY - 2021/9/9 TI - Nursing Interns? Attitudes Toward, Preferences for, and Use of Diabetes Virtual Simulation Teaching Applications in China: National Web-Based Survey JO - JMIR Mhealth Uhealth SP - e29498 VL - 9 IS - 9 KW - nursing interns KW - virtual simulation KW - China KW - nursing education KW - diabetes N2 - Background: Diabetes has placed heavy social and economic burdens on society and families worldwide. Insufficient knowledge and training of frontline medical staff, such as nurses, interns, and residents, may lead to an increase in acute and chronic complications among patients with diabetes. However, interns have insufficient knowledge about diabetes management. The factors that affect interns? current level of diabetes-related knowledge are still unclear. Therefore, understanding the behavioral intentions of interns is essential to supporting the development and promotion of the use of virtual simulation teaching applications. Objective: This study aimed to identify the determinants of nursing interns? intentions to use simulation-based education applications. Methods: From December 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021, the web-based survey tool Sojump (Changsha Xingxin Information Technology Co) was used to survey nursing interns in hospitals across China. Two survey links were sent to 37 partner schools in 23 major cities in China, and they were disseminated through participants? WeChat networks. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the association between demographic information and basic disease information and the use of the application for treating adult patients. Results: Overall, 883 nursing interns from 23 provinces in China responded to the survey. Among them, the virtual simulation utilization rate was 35.6% (314/883) and the awareness rate was 10.2% (90/883). In addition, among the interns, only 10.2% (90/883) correctly understood the concept of virtual simulation, and most of them (793/883, 89.8%) believed that scenario-simulation training or the use of models for teaching are all the same. Multiple regression analysis showed that the educational level, independent learning ability, and professional identity of the interns were related to use of the application (P<.05). Skills and knowledge that the interns most wanted to acquire included the treatment of hypoglycemia (626/883, 70.9%), functional test simulation (610/883, 69.1%), and blood glucose monitoring technology (485/883, 54.9%). A total of 60.5% (534/883) of the interns wanted to acquire clinical thinking skills, while 16.0% (141/883) wanted to acquire operational skills. Nursing trainees believed that the greatest obstacles to virtual simulation included limited time (280/883, 31.7%), the degree of simulation (129/883, 14.6%), the demand for satisfaction (108/883, 12.2%), and test scores (66/883, 7.5%). Conclusions: The understanding and usage rate of diabetes virtual simulation teaching applications by Chinese nursing interns is very low. However, they have high requirements regarding this teaching method. Conducting high-quality randomized controlled trials and designing applications that are suitable for the needs of different nurse trainees will increase students? interest in learning and help improve diabetes knowledge among nursing interns. UR - https://mhealth.jmir.org/2021/9/e29498 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/29498 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34499047 ID - info:doi/10.2196/29498 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Vogt, Lina AU - Klasen, Martin AU - Rossaint, Rolf AU - Goeretz, Ute AU - Ebus, Peter AU - Sopka, Sasa PY - 2021/9/1 TI - Virtual Reality Tour to Reduce Perioperative Anxiety in an Operating Setting Before Anesthesia: Randomized Clinical Trial JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e28018 VL - 23 IS - 9 KW - anesthesia KW - anxiety KW - exposure KW - operating theater KW - patient empowerment KW - periperative trait anxiety KW - STOA KW - STAI KW - virtual reality KW - VR N2 - Background: Perioperative anxiety is a major burden to patients undergoing surgeries with general anesthesia. Objective: This study investigated whether a virtual operating room tour (VORT) before surgery can be used to ameliorate perioperative anxiety. Methods: We employed a randomized parallel-group design with 2 study arms to compare VORT to the standard operation preparation procedure. The study included 84 patients. A validated inventory (state-trait operation anxiety-state) was used to assess perioperative state anxiety before (T1) and after (T2) surgery. In addition, trait operation anxiety was evaluated with an additional validated inventory (state-trait operation anxiety-trait). Moreover, user ratings on the usefulness of VORT were assessed with an evaluation questionnaire. Study arms were compared for perioperative state anxiety with two-tailed independent samples t tests. Subjective ratings were correlated with STOA-Trait values to investigate possible associations between perioperative anxiety with perceived usefulness. Results: There were no significant differences in perioperative state anxiety between VORT and standard operation preparation procedures before and after the surgery. Nonetheless, patients? ratings of VORT overall were positive. The tour was perceived as useful and, therefore, showed acceptance for VR use. These ratings were unrelated to the degree of perioperative anxiety. Conclusions: The subjective benefit of VORT could not be explained by a reduction of perioperative anxiety. Instead, VORT appears to serve the need for information and reduce uncertainty. In addition, VORT is perceived as beneficial regardless of the age of the patients. Considering this effect and the manageable organizational and financial effort toward implementation, the general use of VORT can be recommended. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04579354; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04579354 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2021/9/e28018 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/28018 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34252034 ID - info:doi/10.2196/28018 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Allegue, Rakia Dorra AU - Kairy, Dahlia AU - Higgins, Johanne AU - Archambault, S. Philippe AU - Michaud, Francois AU - Miller, C. William AU - Sweet, N. Shane AU - Tousignant, Michel PY - 2021/8/31 TI - A Personalized Home-Based Rehabilitation Program Using Exergames Combined With a Telerehabilitation App in a Chronic Stroke Survivor: Mixed Methods Case Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e26153 VL - 9 IS - 3 KW - stroke KW - rehabilitation KW - virtual reality KW - video games KW - telerehabilitation KW - upper extremity KW - motivation N2 - Background: In Canada, only 11% of stroke survivors have access to outpatient and community-based rehabilitation after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Hence, innovative community-based strategies are needed to provide adequate postrehabilitation services. The VirTele program, which combines virtual reality exergames and a telerehabilitation app, was developed to provide stroke survivors with residual upper extremity deficits, the opportunity to participate in a personalized home rehabilitation program. Objective: This study aims to determine the feasibility of VirTele for remote upper extremity rehabilitation in a chronic stroke survivor; explore the preliminary efficacy of VirTele on upper extremity motor function, the amount and quality of upper extremity use, and impact on quality of life and motivation; and explore the determinants of behavioral intention and use behavior of VirTele along with indicators of empowerment. Methods: A 63-year-old male stroke survivor (3 years) with moderate upper extremity impairment participated in a 2-month VirTele intervention. He was instructed to use exergames (5 games for upper extremity) for 30 minutes, 5 times per week, and conduct videoconference sessions with a clinician at least once per week. Motivational interviewing was incorporated into VirTele to empower the participant to continue exercising and use his upper extremities in everyday activities. Upper extremity motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment?upper extremity), amount and quality of upper extremity use (Motor Activity Log-30), and impact on quality of life (Stroke Impact Scale-16) and motivation (Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire-15) were measured before (T1), after (T2) VirTele intervention, and during a 1- (T3) and 2-month (T4) follow-up period. Qualitative data were collected through logs and semistructured interviews. Feasibility data (eg, number and duration of videoconference sessions and adherence) were documented at the end of each week. Results: The participant completed 48 exergame sessions (33 hours) and 8 videoconference sessions. Results suggest that the VirTele intervention and the study protocol could be feasible for stroke survivors. The participant exhibited clinically meaningful improvements at T2 on the Fugl-Meyer and Stroke Impact Scale-16 and maintained these gains at T3 and T4. During the follow-up periods, the amount and quality of upper extremity use showed meaningful changes, suggesting more involvement of the affected upper extremity in daily activities. The participant demonstrated a high level of autonomous motivation, which may explain his adherence. Performance, effort, and social influence have meaningful weights in the behavioral intention of using VirTele. However, the lack of control of technical and organizational infrastructures may influence the long-term use of technology. At the end of the intervention, the participant demonstrated considerable empowerment at both the behavioral and capacity levels. Conclusions: VirTele was shown to be feasible for use in chronic stroke survivors for remote upper extremity rehabilitation. Meaningful determinants of behavioral intention and use behavior of VirTele were identified, and preliminary efficacy results are promising. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/14629 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2021/3/e26153 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/26153 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34132649 ID - info:doi/10.2196/26153 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ong, Wui Chee AU - Tan, Jin Marcus Chun AU - Lam, Michael AU - Koh, Chang Victor Teck PY - 2021/8/19 TI - Applications of Extended Reality in Ophthalmology: Systematic Review JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e24152 VL - 23 IS - 8 KW - extended reality KW - virtual reality KW - augmented reality KW - mixed reality KW - ophthalmology KW - ophthalmic N2 - Background: Virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality make use of a variety of different software and hardware, but they share three main characteristics: immersion, presence, and interaction. The umbrella term for technologies with these characteristics is extended reality. The ability of extended reality to create environments that are otherwise impossible in the real world has practical implications in the medical discipline. In ophthalmology, virtual reality simulators have become increasingly popular as tools for surgical education. Recent developments have also explored diagnostic and therapeutic uses in ophthalmology. Objective: This systematic review aims to identify and investigate the utility of extended reality in ophthalmic education, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials. Publications from January 1, 1956 to April 15, 2020 were included. Inclusion criteria were studies evaluating the use of extended reality in ophthalmic education, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Eligible studies were evaluated using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine levels of evidence. Relevant studies were also evaluated using a validity framework. Findings and relevant data from the studies were extracted, evaluated, and compared to determine the utility of extended reality in ophthalmology. Results: We identified 12,490 unique records in our literature search; 87 met final eligibility criteria, comprising studies that evaluated the use of extended reality in education (n=54), diagnostics (n=5), and therapeutics (n=28). Of these, 79 studies (91%) achieved evidence levels in the range 2b to 4, indicating poor quality. Only 2 (9%) out of 22 relevant studies addressed all 5 sources of validity evidence. In education, we found that ophthalmic surgical simulators demonstrated efficacy and validity in improving surgical performance and reducing complication rates. Ophthalmoscopy simulators demonstrated efficacy and validity evidence in improving ophthalmoscopy skills in the clinical setting. In diagnostics, studies demonstrated proof-of-concept in presenting ocular imaging data on extended reality platforms and validity in assessing the function of patients with ophthalmic diseases. In therapeutics, heads-up surgical systems had similar complication rates, procedural success rates, and outcomes in comparison with conventional ophthalmic surgery. Conclusions: Extended reality has promising areas of application in ophthalmology, but additional high-quality comparative studies are needed to assess their roles among incumbent methods of ophthalmic education, diagnostics, and therapeutics. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2021/8/e24152 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/24152 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34420929 ID - info:doi/10.2196/24152 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Perron, Elizabeth Janaya AU - Coffey, Jonathon Michael AU - Lovell-Simons, Andrew AU - Dominguez, Luis AU - King, E. Mark AU - Ooi, Y. Chee PY - 2021/7/29 TI - Resuscitating Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training in a Virtual Reality: Prospective Interventional Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e22920 VL - 23 IS - 7 KW - pediatrics KW - cardiopulmonary resuscitation KW - virtual reality KW - medical education N2 - Background: Simulation-based technologies are emerging to enhance medical education in the digital era. However, there is limited data for the use of virtual reality simulation in pediatric medical education. We developed Virtual Doc as a highly immersive virtual reality simulation to teach pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills to medical students. Objective: The primary objectives of this study were to evaluate participant satisfaction and perceived educational efficacy of Virtual Doc. The secondary aim of this study was to assess the game play features of Virtual Doc. Methods: We conducted a prospective closed beta-testing study at the University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia) in 2018. All medical students from the 6-year undergraduate program were eligible to participate and were recruited through voluntary convenience sampling. Participants attended a 1-hour testing session and attempted at least one full resuscitation case using the virtual reality simulator. Following this, participants were asked to complete an anonymous postsession questionnaire. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 26 participants were recruited, consented to participate in this study, and attended a 1-hour in-person closed beta-testing session, and 88% (23/26) of participants completed the anonymous questionnaire and were included in this study. Regarding participant satisfaction, Virtual Doc was enjoyed by 91% (21/23) of participants, with 74% (17/23) intending to recommend the simulation to a colleague and 66% (15/23) intending to recommend the simulation to a friend. In assessment of the perceived educational value of Virtual Doc, 70% (16/23) of participants agreed they had an improved understanding of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and 78% (18/23) agreed that Virtual Doc will help prepare for and deal with real-life clinical scenarios. Furthermore, 91% (21/23) of participants agreed with the development of additional Virtual Doc cases as beneficial for learning. An evaluation of the game play features as our secondary objective revealed that 70% (16/23) of participants agreed with ease in understanding how to use Virtual Doc, and 74% (17/23) found the game play elements useful in understanding cardiopulmonary resuscitation. One-third (7/23, 30%) found it easy to work with the interactive elements. In addition, 74% (17/23) were interested in interacting with other students within the simulation. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates a positive response regarding trainee satisfaction and perceived educational efficacy of Virtual Doc. The simulation was widely accepted by the majority of users and may have the potential to improve educational learning objectives. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2021/7/e22920 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/22920 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34326040 ID - info:doi/10.2196/22920 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Olbrecht, A. Vanessa AU - O'Conor, T. Keith AU - Williams, E. Sara AU - Boehmer, O. Chloe AU - Marchant, W. Gilbert AU - Glynn, M. Susan AU - Geisler, J. Kristie AU - Ding, Lili AU - Yang, Gang AU - King, D. Christopher PY - 2021/7/12 TI - Guided Relaxation?Based Virtual Reality for Acute Postoperative Pain and Anxiety in a Pediatric Population: Pilot Observational Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e26328 VL - 23 IS - 7 KW - virtual reality KW - guided relaxation?based virtual reality KW - pain KW - anxiety KW - acute pain KW - postoperative pain KW - pediatrics N2 - Background: Distraction-based therapies, such as virtual reality (VR), have been used to reduce pain during acutely painful procedures. However, distraction alone cannot produce prolonged pain reduction to manage sustained postoperative pain. Therefore, the integration of VR with other pain-reducing therapies, like guided relaxation, may enhance its clinical impact. Objective: The goal of this pilot study was to assess the impact of a single guided relaxation?based VR (VR-GR) session on postoperative pain and anxiety reduction in children. We also explored the influence of pain catastrophizing and anxiety sensitivity on this association. Methods: A total of 51 children and adolescents (7-21 years) with postoperative pain and followed by the Acute Pain Service at Cincinnati Children?s Hospital were recruited over an 8-month period to undergo a single VR-GR session. Prior to VR, the patients completed 2 questionnaires: Pain Catastrophizing Scale for Children (PCS-C) and the Child Anxiety Sensitivity Index (CASI). The primary outcome was a change in pain intensity following the VR-GR session (immediately, 15 minutes, and 30 minutes). The secondary outcomes included changes in pain unpleasantness and anxiety. Results: The VR-GR decreased pain intensity immediately (P<.001) and at 30 minutes (P=.04) after the VR session, but not at 15 minutes (P=.16) postsession. Reductions in pain unpleasantness were observed at all time intervals (P<.001 at all intervals). Anxiety was reduced immediately (P=.02) but not at 15 minutes (P=.08) or 30 minutes (P=.30) following VR-GR. Patients with higher CASI scores reported greater reductions in pain intensity (P=.04) and unpleasantness (P=.01) following VR-GR. Pain catastrophizing was not associated with changes in pain and anxiety. Conclusions: A single, short VR-GR session showed transient reductions in pain intensity, pain unpleasantness, and anxiety in children and adolescents with acute postoperative pain. The results call for a future randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of VR-GR. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04556747; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04556747 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2021/7/e26328 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/26328 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34048358 ID - info:doi/10.2196/26328 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Barteit, Sandra AU - Lanfermann, Lucia AU - Bärnighausen, Till AU - Neuhann, Florian AU - Beiersmann, Claudia PY - 2021/7/8 TI - Augmented, Mixed, and Virtual Reality-Based Head-Mounted Devices for Medical Education: Systematic Review JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e29080 VL - 9 IS - 3 KW - virtual reality KW - augmented reality KW - global health KW - income-limited countries KW - medical education N2 - Background: Augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR), realized as head-mounted devices (HMDs), may open up new ways of teaching medical content for low-resource settings. The advantages are that HMDs enable repeated practice without adverse effects on the patient in various medical disciplines; may introduce new ways to learn complex medical content; and may alleviate financial, ethical, and supervisory constraints on the use of traditional medical learning materials, like cadavers and other skills lab equipment. Objective: We examine the effectiveness of AR, MR, and VR HMDs for medical education, whereby we aim to incorporate a global health perspective comprising low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: We conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) and Cochrane guidelines. Seven medical databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Science Direct, PsycINFO, Education Resources Information Centre, and Google Scholar) were searched for peer-reviewed publications from January 1, 2014, to May 31, 2019. An extensive search was carried out to examine relevant literature guided by three concepts of extended reality (XR), which comprises the concepts of AR, MR, and VR, and the concepts of medicine and education. It included health professionals who took part in an HMD intervention that was compared to another teaching or learning method and evaluated with regard to its effectiveness. Quality and risk of bias were assessed with the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale-Education, and A Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions. We extracted relevant data and aggregated the data according to the main outcomes of this review (knowledge, skills, and XR HMD). Results: A total of 27 studies comprising 956 study participants were included. The participants included all types of health care professionals, especially medical students (n=573, 59.9%) and residents (n=289, 30.2%). AR and VR implemented with HMDs were most often used for training in the fields of surgery (n=13, 48%) and anatomy (n=4, 15%). A range of study designs were used, and quantitative methods were clearly dominant (n=21, 78%). Training with AR- and VR-based HMDs was perceived as salient, motivating, and engaging. In the majority of studies (n=17, 63%), HMD-based interventions were found to be effective. A small number of included studies (n=4, 15%) indicated that HMDs were effective for certain aspects of medical skills and knowledge learning and training, while other studies suggested that HMDs were only viable as an additional teaching tool (n=4, 15%). Only 2 (7%) studies found no effectiveness in the use of HMDs. Conclusions: The majority of included studies suggested that XR-based HMDs have beneficial effects for medical education, whereby only a minority of studies were from LMICs. Nevertheless, as most studies showed at least noninferior results when compared to conventional teaching and training, the results of this review suggest applicability and potential effectiveness in LMICs. Overall, users demonstrated greater enthusiasm and enjoyment in learning with XR-based HMDs. It has to be noted that many HMD-based interventions were small-scale and conducted as short-term pilots. To generate relevant evidence in the future, it is key to rigorously evaluate XR-based HMDs with AR and VR implementations, particularly in LMICs, to better understand the strengths and shortcomings of HMDs for medical education. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2021/3/e29080 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/29080 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34255668 ID - info:doi/10.2196/29080 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Knobel, Johannes Samuel Elia AU - Kaufmann, Charlotte Brigitte AU - Gerber, Moreno Stephan AU - Urwyler, Prabitha AU - Cazzoli, Dario AU - Müri, M. René AU - Nef, Tobias AU - Nyffeler, Thomas PY - 2021/7/2 TI - Development of a Search Task Using Immersive Virtual Reality: Proof-of-Concept Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e29182 VL - 9 IS - 3 KW - virtual reality KW - serious game KW - search task KW - stroke KW - neglect KW - usability KW - development KW - immersion KW - concept KW - gaming N2 - Background: Serious games are gaining increasing importance in neurorehabilitation since they increase motivation and adherence to therapy, thereby potentially improving its outcome. The benefits of serious games, such as the possibility to implement adaptive feedback and the calculation of comparable performance measures, can be even further improved by using immersive virtual reality (iVR), allowing a more intuitive interaction with training devices and higher ecological validity. Objective: This study aimed to develop a visual search task embedded in a serious game setting for iVR, including self-adapting difficulty scaling, thus being able to adjust to the needs and ability levels of different groups of individuals. Methods: In a two-step process, a serious game in iVR (bird search task) was developed and tested in healthy young (n=21) and elderly (n=23) participants and in a group of patients with impaired visual exploration behavior (ie, patients with hemispatial neglect after right-hemispheric stroke; n=11). Usability, side effects, game experience, immersion, and presence of the iVR serious game were assessed by validated questionnaires. Moreover, in the group of stroke patients, the performance in the iVR serious game was also considered with respect to hemispatial neglect severity, as assessed by established objective hemispatial neglect measures. Results: In all 3 groups, reported usability of the iVR serious game was above 4.5 (on a Likert scale with scores ranging from 1 to 5) and reported side effects were infrequent and of low intensity (below 1.5 on a Likert scale with scores ranging from 1 to 4). All 3 groups equally judged the iVR serious game as highly motivating and entertaining. Performance in the game (in terms of mean search time) showed a lateralized increase in search time in patients with hemispatial neglect that varied strongly as a function of objective hemispatial neglect severity. Conclusions: The developed iVR serious game, ?bird search task,? was a motivating, entertaining, and immersive task, which can, due to its adaptive difficulty scaling, adjust and be played by different populations with different levels of skills, including individuals with cognitive impairments. As a complementary finding, it seems that performance in the game is able to capture typical patterns of impaired visual exploration behavior in hemispatial neglect, as there is a high correlation between performance and neglect severity as assessed with a cancellation task. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2021/3/e29182 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/29182 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34255653 ID - info:doi/10.2196/29182 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Nishchyk, Anna AU - Chen, Weiqin AU - Pripp, Hugo Are AU - Bergland, Astrid PY - 2021/6/30 TI - The Effect of Mixed Reality Technologies for Falls Prevention Among Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis JO - JMIR Aging SP - e27972 VL - 4 IS - 2 KW - falls KW - fall prevention KW - mixed reality KW - augmented reality KW - virtual reality KW - physical exercise N2 - Background: Falling is one of the most common and serious age-related issues, and falls can significantly impair the quality of life of older adults. Approximately one-third of people over 65 experience a fall annually. Previous research has shown that physical exercise could help reduce falls among older adults and improve their health. However, older adults often find it challenging to follow and adhere to physical exercise programs. Interventions using mixed reality (MR) technology could help address these issues. MR combines artificial augmented computer-generated elements with the real world. It has frequently been used for training and rehabilitation purposes. Objective: The aim of this systematic literature review and meta-analysis was to investigate the use of the full spectrum of MR technologies for fall prevention intervention and summarize evidence of the effectiveness of this approach. Methods: In our qualitative synthesis, we analyzed a number of features of the selected studies, including aim, type of exercise, technology used for intervention, study sample size, participant demographics and history of falls, study design, involvement of health professionals or caregivers, duration and frequency of the intervention, study outcome measures, and results of the study. To systematically assess the results of the selected studies and identify the common effect of MR interventions, a meta-analysis was performed. Results: Seven databases were searched, and the initial search yielded 5838 results. With the considered inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and 12 were included in meta-analysis. The majority of studies demonstrated a positive effect of an MR intervention on fall risk factors among older participants. The meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference in Berg Balance Scale score between the intervention and control groups (ES: 0.564; 95% CI 0.246-0.882; P<.001) with heterogeneity statistics of I2=54.9% and Q=17.74 (P=.02), and a statistical difference in Timed Up and Go test scores between the intervention and control groups (ES: 0.318; 95% CI 0.025-0.662; P<.001) with heterogeneity statistics of I2=77.6% and Q=44.63 (P<.001). The corresponding funnel plot and the Egger test for small-study effects (P=.76 and P=.11 for Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go, respectively) indicate that a minor publication bias in the studies might be present in the Berg Balance Scale results. Conclusions: The literature review and meta-analysis demonstrate that the use of MR interventions can have a positive effect on physical functions in the elderly. MR has the potential to help older users perform physical exercises that could improve their health conditions. However, more research on the effect of MR fall prevention interventions should be conducted with special focus given to MR usability issues. UR - https://aging.jmir.org/2021/2/e27972 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/27972 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34255643 ID - info:doi/10.2196/27972 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Seals, Ayanna AU - Olaosebikan, Monsurat AU - Otiono, Jennifer AU - Shaer, Orit AU - Nov, Oded PY - 2021/6/29 TI - Effects of Self-focused Augmented Reality on Health Perceptions During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Web-Based Between-Subject Experiment JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e26963 VL - 23 IS - 6 KW - COVID-19 KW - health behavior KW - augmented reality KW - self-focused attention KW - vicarious reinforcement KW - human-computer interactions KW - hand hygiene KW - perception N2 - Background: Self-focused augmented reality (AR) technologies are growing in popularity and present an opportunity to address health communication and behavior change challenges. Objective: We aimed to examine the impact of self-focused AR and vicarious reinforcement on psychological predictors of behavior change during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, our study included measures of fear and message minimization to assess potential adverse reactions to the design interventions. Methods: A between-subjects web-based experiment was conducted to compare the health perceptions of participants in self-focused AR and vicarious reinforcement design conditions to those in a control condition. Participants were randomly assigned to the control group or to an intervention condition (ie, self-focused AR, reinforcement, self-focus AR × reinforcement, and avatar). Results: A total of 335 participants were included in the analysis. We found that participants who experienced self-focused AR and vicarious reinforcement scored higher in perceived threat severity (P=.03) and susceptibility (P=.01) when compared to the control. A significant indirect effect of self-focused AR and vicarious reinforcement on intention was found with perceived threat severity as a mediator (b=.06, 95% CI 0.02-0.12, SE .02). Self-focused AR and vicarious reinforcement did not result in higher levels of fear (P=.32) or message minimization (P=.42) when compared to the control. Conclusions: Augmenting one?s reflection with vicarious reinforcement may be an effective strategy for health communication designers. While our study?s results did not show adverse effects in regard to fear and message minimization, utilization of self-focused AR as a health communication strategy should be done with care due to the possible adverse effects of heightened levels of fear. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2021/6/e26963 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/26963 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33878017 ID - info:doi/10.2196/26963 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Herbst, Rachel AU - Rybak, Tiffany AU - Meisman, Andrea AU - Whitehead, Monica AU - Rosen, Brittany AU - Crosby, E. Lori AU - Klein, D. Melissa AU - Real, J. Francis PY - 2021/6/29 TI - A Virtual Reality Resident Training Curriculum on Behavioral Health Anticipatory Guidance: Development and Usability Study JO - JMIR Pediatr Parent SP - e29518 VL - 4 IS - 2 KW - resident education KW - virtual reality KW - behavioral health promotion KW - COVID-19 N2 - Background: Behavioral health disorders have steadily increased and been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Though behavioral health disorders can be successfully mitigated with early implementation of evidence-based parent management strategies, education for pediatric residents on behavioral health anticipatory guidance has been limited to date, with training challenges compounded by the physical distancing requirements of the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual reality (VR) simulations provide an opportunity to train residents on this complex competency by allowing deliberate practice of necessary skills while adhering to current social distancing guidelines. Objective: This study explored the usability of a VR-based behavioral health anticipatory guidance curriculum for pediatric residents. Methods: This mixed methods study included 14 postgraduate third-year pediatric residents who completed the behavioral health anticipatory guidance VR curriculum. Residents completed the MEC Spatial Presence Questionnaire to assess immersion in the virtual environment. Semistructured interviews were used to elucidate residents? perspectives on the curriculum?s content and format. The interviews were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Results: Quantitatively, residents reported a high degree of immersion, spatial presence, and cognitive involvement. Most residents (11/14, 79%) agreed or strongly agreed that it seemed as though they took part in the action of the simulation. Qualitatively, two themes emerged from the data: (1) the curriculum expands behavioral health anticipatory guidance and motivational interviewing knowledge and skills and (2) VR technology is uniquely positioned to develop competence. These themes revealed that the curriculum expanded their current level of knowledge and skill, addressed training gaps, and was applicable to all residents. Additionally, residents experienced VR as immersive, feasible, realistic to the clinic setting, and a safe space to practice and learn new skills. Conclusions: Pilot data indicates that VR may be an effective tool to teach pediatric residents behavioral health anticipatory guidance, meeting a current gap in medical education training. This VR curriculum is particularly relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic given the increased behavioral health concerns of families. UR - https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2021/2/e29518 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/29518 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34081601 ID - info:doi/10.2196/29518 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ridout, Brad AU - Kelson, Joshua AU - Campbell, Andrew AU - Steinbeck, Kate PY - 2021/6/28 TI - Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Interventions for Adolescent Patients in Hospital Settings: Systematic Review JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e24967 VL - 23 IS - 6 KW - virtual reality KW - hospital KW - pain KW - anxiety KW - adolescents N2 - Background: Given the high level of interest and increasing familiarity with virtual reality among adolescents, there is great potential to use virtual reality to address adolescents? unique health care delivery needs while in hospital. While there have been reviews on the use of virtual reality for specific health conditions and procedures, none to date have reviewed the full scope of virtual reality hospital interventions for adolescents who are often combined with children as a homogenous group, despite the fact that adolescents experience virtual environments different from children. Objective: The aim of this review was to systematically identify available evidence regarding the use of virtual reality interventions for adolescent patients in hospital settings to evaluate effectiveness, suitability, and safety and identify opportunities for future research. Methods: PubMed, PsycINFO, Medline, and Scopus databases were searched using keywords and phrases. Retrieved abstracts (n=1525) were double screened, yielding 276 articles for full-text screening. Of these, 8 articles met inclusion criteria. Data were extracted to a standardized coding sheet, and a narrative synthesis was performed due to the heterogeneity of the studies. Results: Four RCTs and 4 single-case reports were identified for inclusion, all of which aimed to reduce pain or anxiety. The scenarios targeted were burn pain, venipuncture, chemotherapy, preoperative anxiety, and palliative care. Three out of 4 RCTs found significant reductions in pain or anxiety outcomes measures when using virtual reality compared to standard care or other distraction techniques; however, only 1 study combined self-reported experiences of pain or anxiety with any physiological measures. Single-case reports relied primarily upon qualitative feedback, with patients reporting reduced pain or anxiety and a preference for virtual reality to no virtual reality. Conclusions: Virtual reality can provide a safe and engaging way to reduce pain and anxiety in adolescents while in hospital, particularly when virtual reality software is highly immersive and specifically designed for therapeutic purposes. As VR becomes more accessible and affordable for use in hospitals, larger and more diverse studies that capitalize on adolescents? interest in and aptitude for virtual reality, and on the full range of capabilities of this emerging technology, are needed to build on these promising results. Trial Registration: PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42020198760; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020198760 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2021/6/e24967 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/24967 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34185015 ID - info:doi/10.2196/24967 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Fu, Henry AU - Garrett, Bernie AU - Tao, Gordon AU - Cordingley, Elliott AU - Ofoghi, Zahra AU - Taverner, Tarnia AU - Sun, Crystal AU - Cheung, Teresa PY - 2021/6/24 TI - Virtual Reality?Guided Meditation for Chronic Pain in Patients With Cancer: Exploratory Analysis of Electroencephalograph Activity JO - JMIR Biomed Eng SP - e26332 VL - 6 IS - 2 KW - virtual reality KW - guided meditation KW - neurophysiology KW - electroencephalograph KW - EEG N2 - Background: Mindfulness-based stress reduction has demonstrated some efficacy for chronic pain management. More recently, virtual reality (VR)?guided meditation has been used to assist mindfulness-based stress reduction. Although studies have also found electroencephalograph (EEG) changes in the brain during mindfulness meditation practices, such changes have not been demonstrated during VR-guided meditation. Objective: This exploratory study is designed to explore the potential for recording and analyzing EEG during VR experiences in terms of the power of EEG waveforms, topographic mapping, and coherence. We examine how these measures changed during a VR-guided meditation experience in participants with cancer-related chronic pain. Methods: A total of 10 adult patients with chronic cancer pain underwent a VR-guided meditation experience while EEG signals were recorded during the session using a BioSemi ActiveTwo system (64 channels, standard 10-20 configuration). The EEG recording session consisted of an 8-minute resting condition (pre), a 30-minute sequence of 3 VR-guided meditation conditions (med), and a final rest condition (post). Power spectral density (PSD) was compared between each condition using a cluster-based permutation test and across conditions using multivariate analysis of variance. A topographic analysis, including coherence exploration, was performed. In addition, an exploratory repeated measures correlation was used to examine possible associations between pain scores and EEG signal power. Results: The predominant pattern was for increased ? and ? bandwidth power in the meditation condition (P<.025), compared with both the baseline and postexperience conditions. Increased power in the ? bandwidth was evident, although not statistically significant. The pre versus post comparison also showed changes in the ? and ? bands (P=.02) located around the frontal, central, and parietal cortices. Across conditions, multivariate analysis of variance tests identified 4 clusters with significant (P<.05) PSD differences in the ?, ?, ?, and ? bands located around the frontal, central, and parietal cortices. Topographically, 5 peak channels were identified: AF7, FP2, FC1, CP5, and P5, and verified the changes in power in the different brain regions. Coherence changes were observed primarily between the frontal, parietal, and occipital regions in the ?, ?, and ? bands (P<.0025). No significant associations were observed between pain scores and EEG PSD. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility of EEG recording in exploring neurophysiological changes in brain activity during VR-guided meditation and its effect on pain reduction. These findings suggest that distinct altered neurophysiological brain signals are detectable during VR-guided meditation. However, these changes were not necessarily associated with pain. These exploratory findings may guide further studies to investigate the highlighted regions and EEG bands with respect to VR-guided meditation. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00102401; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00102401 UR - https://biomedeng.jmir.org/2021/2/e26332/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/26332 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/26332 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Mazel, Shayna AU - Zisman-Ilani, Yaara AU - Hennig, Shannon AU - Garnick, Deborah AU - Nicholson, Joanne PY - 2021/6/24 TI - Virtual Engagement in a Social Media Community of Mothers With Substance Use Disorders: Content Analysis JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e24353 VL - 5 IS - 6 KW - virtual engagement KW - virtual community participation KW - social media KW - mental health KW - opioids KW - substance use N2 - Background: Co-occurring substance use disorder is common among pregnant and parenting women with mental illness, but their engagement with and utilization of relevant services and treatment is low. Social media has the potential to convey benefits and facilitate engagement among this target group. Objective: This study aimed to explore the reach and engagement of specific social media posts among pregnant women and mothers with substance use disorders. Methods: Eighteen posts providing content related to substance use (cannabis, opioids, or alcohol), varying in type of content (informational or experiential) and target (policy-, practice-, or perception-related), were posted in a closed Facebook community page comprising over 33,000 pregnant women and mothers between May 2019 and October 2019. Results: The overall level of reach of these Facebook posts ranged from 453 to 3045 community members. Engagement levels, measured via the number of likes, comments, or posts shared, varied based on the type of post content (ie, informational or experiential). Conclusions: Participation in a virtual community via social media platforms can facilitate engagement among pregnant women and mothers with mental illness by communicating relevant information about substance use, as well as potentially promoting awareness of, access to, and engagement with treatment services. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2021/6/e24353/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/24353 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34184993 ID - info:doi/10.2196/24353 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Salisbury, Peter Joseph PY - 2021/6/3 TI - Using Medical Device Standards for Design and Risk Management of Immersive Virtual Reality for At-Home Therapy and Remote Patient Monitoring JO - JMIR Biomed Eng SP - e26942 VL - 6 IS - 2 KW - virtual reality KW - telerehabilitation KW - remote patient monitoring KW - medical device design KW - safety KW - medical device regulation KW - risk assessment KW - failure modes and effects analysis UR - https://biomedeng.jmir.org/2021/2/e26942 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/26942 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ ID - info:doi/10.2196/26942 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Brander, Mischa AU - Egger, T. Stephan AU - Hürlimann, Noa AU - Seifritz, Erich AU - Sumner, W. Robert AU - Vetter, Stefan AU - Magnenat, Stéphane PY - 2021/6/1 TI - Virtual Reality Human?Human Interface to Deliver Psychotherapy to People Experiencing Auditory Verbal Hallucinations: Development and Usability Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e26820 VL - 9 IS - 2 KW - system usability KW - virtual reality psychotherapy KW - verbal auditory hallucinations N2 - Background: Digital technologies have expanded the options for delivering psychotherapy, permitting for example, the treatment of schizophrenia using Avatar Therapy. Despite its considerable potential, this treatment method has not been widely disseminated. As a result, its operability and functionality remain largely unknown. Objective: We aimed to study the usability of a therapeutic virtual reality human?human interface, created in a game engine. Methods: Participants were psychiatric hospital staff who were introduced to the therapeutic platform in a hands-on session. The System Usability Scale (SUS) was employed for evaluation purposes. Statistical evaluation was conducted using descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, analysis of variance, and multilevel factor analysis. Results: In total, 109 staff members were introduced to the therapeutic tool and completed the SUS. The mean SUS global score was 81.49 (SD 11.1). Psychotherapists (mean 86.44, SD 8.79) scored significantly higher (F2,106=6.136; P=.003) than nursing staff (mean 79.01, SD 13.30) and administrative personnel (mean 77.98, SD 10.72). A multilevel factor analysis demonstrates a different factor structure for each profession. Conclusions: In all professional groups in this study, the usability of a digital psychotherapeutic tool developed using a game engine achieved the benchmark for an excellent system, scoring highest among the professional target group (psychotherapists). The usability of the system seems, to some extent, to be dependent on the professional background of the user. It is possible to create and customize novel psychotherapeutic approaches with gaming technologies and platforms. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04099940; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04099940 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2021/2/e26820 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/26820 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33769295 ID - info:doi/10.2196/26820 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lai, Byron AU - Powell, Maegen AU - Clement, Grace Anne AU - Davis, Drew AU - Swanson-Kimani, Erin AU - Hayes, Leslie PY - 2021/5/27 TI - Examining the Feasibility of Early Mobilization With Virtual Reality Gaming Using Head-Mounted Display and Adaptive Software With Adolescents in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: Case Report JO - JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol SP - e28210 VL - 8 IS - 2 KW - physical activity KW - active video gaming KW - exergaming KW - early mobility KW - rehabilitation N2 - Background: Early rehabilitative mobilization for adolescents is safe and feasible. However, there is a lack of published rehabilitation strategies and treatments that can maximize engagement and outcomes among adolescents in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Virtual reality (VR) gaming using a head-mounted display (HMD) and adaptive software can allow active and nonactive gameplay at the bedside for people with limited arm mobility, making it a potentially inclusive and enjoyable treatment modality for adolescents in the PICU. Objective: The purpose of this brief case study is to report on the preliminary feasibility of incorporating adaptive VR gaming using an HMD with 2 adolescents who received early mobility treatment within the PICU. Methods: This study was a mini-ethnographic investigation of 2 adolescents (a 15-year-old male and a 13-year old male) in the PICU who underwent VR gaming sessions as part of their early mobilization care, using an Oculus Rift HMD and adaptive software (WalkinVR) that promoted full gameplay in bed. The Rift was plugged into a gaming laptop that was set up on a table within the patient?s room before each session. The intervention was delivered by an adapted exercise professional and supervised by a physical therapist. Patients had access to a variety of active games (eg, boxing, rhythmic movement to music, and exploratory adventure) and nonactive games (eg, racing and narrative adventure). Gaming sessions were scheduled between usual care, when tolerable and requested by the participant. The interventionist and therapists took audio-recorded and written notes after completing each gaming session. These data were analyzed and presented in a narrative format from the perspective of the research team. Results: Case 1 participated in 4 gaming sessions, with an average of 18 minutes (SD 11) per session. Case 2 participated in 2 sessions, with an average of 35 minutes (SD 7) per session. Both cases were capable of performing active gaming at a moderate level of exercise intensity, as indicated by their heart rate. However, their health and symptoms fluctuated on a daily basis, which prompted the gameplay of adventure or nonactive games. Gameplay appeared to improve participants? affect and alertness and motivate them to be more engaged in early mobilization therapy. Gameplay without the WalkinVR software caused several usability issues. There were no serious adverse events, but both cases experienced symptoms based on their condition. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that VR gaming with HMDs and adaptive software is likely a feasible supplement to usual care for adolescents within the PICU, and these findings warrant further investigation. Recommendations for future studies aimed at incorporating VR gaming during early mobilization are presented herein. UR - https://rehab.jmir.org/2021/2/e28210 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/28210 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34042602 ID - info:doi/10.2196/28210 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Gold, I. Jeffrey AU - Annick, T. Erin AU - Lane, S. Arianna AU - Ho, Katherine AU - Marty, T. Ryan AU - Espinoza, C. Juan PY - 2021/4/19 TI - ?Doc McStuffins: Doctor for a Day? Virtual Reality (DocVR) for Pediatric Preoperative Anxiety and Satisfaction: Pediatric Medical Technology Feasibility Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e25504 VL - 23 IS - 4 KW - virtual reality (VR) KW - pediatric KW - anxiety KW - preoperative KW - satisfaction KW - Doc McStuffins N2 - Background: Preoperative anxiety is a common occurrence among children and is associated with a host of maladaptive postoperative behaviors. Consequently, increased attention has been placed on interventions to reduce preoperative anxiety and its associated outcomes. Child Life preparation prior to surgery includes evidence-based practices such as age-appropriate distraction and therapeutic play. Virtual reality (VR) is a promising addition to the Child Life toolbox to address anxiety prior to surgery. The current study evaluates the implementation and feasibility of a VR experience, ?Doc McStuffins: Doctor for a Day Virtual Reality Experience? (DocVR), developed by Disney Junior in collaboration with Children?s Hospital Los Angeles, to target pediatric preoperative anxiety. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and efficacy of DocVR for preoperative anxiety. A secondary aim was to improve patient, caregiver, and health care provider satisfaction with the preoperative experience. Methods: In this study, 51 patients (age 6-14 years) scheduled for surgery in the ambulatory surgery center and the main operating room at Children?s Hospital Los Angeles were approached to participate in Disney?s DocVR experience. The patients played the DocVR experience for an average of 18 minutes (3-55 minutes). Irrespective of surgical procedure, patients and their families were eligible, as long as they had no known marked cognitive or visual impairments that would interfere with completing the survey and engaging in the DocVR experience. Results: Patients who tried the DocVR experience (n=51) responded overwhelmingly positively to both the VR technology and to the game itself. Patients experienced a statistically significant decrease in anxiety following DocVR game play (Z=?3.26, P=.001). On the Facial Affective Scale, the percentage of patients who chose the face with the most positive facial expression to represent their affect increased from 23% (12/51) pre-VR to 49% (25/47) post-VR. Furthermore, 97% (38/39) of patients reported feeling more comfortable at the hospital, and 74% (28/38) reported feeling less scared at the hospital after playing the game. The game was enjoyed by 94% (46/49) of patients, and 88% (30/34) of patients reported feeling both ?Interested? and ?Involved? in the game. Conclusions: DocVR is a feasible and beneficial VR experience to relieve pediatric preoperative anxiety and improve satisfaction in the preoperative area. The VR experience resulted in a decrease in overall anxiety and an increase in overall positive affect during the preoperative time. Patients also responded positively to the game, confirming their interest in the content and affirming the quality of the DocVR experience. The positive response to the game indicates that DocVR has the potential to make the overall preoperative experience less anxiety-producing and more comfortable, which leads to improved patient satisfaction. Naturally, improved patient outcomes lead to improved caregiver and health care provider satisfaction. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2021/4/e25504 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/25504 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33730687 ID - info:doi/10.2196/25504 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Gulick, Victoria AU - Graves, Daniel AU - Ames, Shannon AU - Krishnamani, Parimala Pavitra PY - 2021/4/15 TI - Effect of a Virtual Reality?Enhanced Exercise and Education Intervention on Patient Engagement and Learning in Cardiac Rehabilitation: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e23882 VL - 23 IS - 4 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - cardiac rehabilitation KW - patient experience KW - patient education KW - outpatient therapy KW - exercise N2 - Background: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is clinically proven to reduce morbidity and mortality; however, many eligible patients do not enroll in treatment. Furthermore, many enrolled patients do not complete their full course of treatment. This is greatly influenced by socioeconomic factors but is also because of patients? lack of understanding of the importance of their care and a lack of motivation to maintain attendance. Objective: This study aims to explore the potential benefits of virtual reality (VR) walking trails within CR treatment, specifically with regard to patient knowledge retention, satisfaction with treatment, and the overall attendance of treatment sessions. Methods: New CR patients were enrolled and randomized on a rolling basis to either the control group or intervention group. Intervention patients completed their time on the treadmill with VR walking trails, which included audio-recorded education, whereas control patients completed the standard of care therapy. Both groups were assisted by nursing staff for all treatment sessions. Primary outcomes were determined by assessing 6-minute walk test improvement. In addition, secondary outcomes of patients? cardiac knowledge and satisfaction were assessed via a computer-based questionnaire; patient adherence to the recommended number of sessions was also monitored. Cardiac knowledge assessment included a prerehabilitation education quiz, and the same quiz was repeated at patients? final visit and again at the 2-month follow-up. The satisfaction questionnaire was completed at the final visit. Results: Between January 2018 and May 2019, 72 patients were enrolled?41 in the intervention group and 31 in the control group. On the basis of the results of the prerehabilitation and postrehabilitation 6-minute walk test, no significant differences were observed between the intervention and control groups (P=.64). No statistical differences were observed between groups in terms of education (P=.86) or satisfaction (P=.32) at any time point. The control group had statistically more favorable rates of attendance, as determined by the risk group comparison (P=.02) and the comparison of the rates for completing the minimum number of sessions (P=.046), but no correlation was observed between the study group and reasons for ending treatment. Conclusions: Although no improvements were seen in the VR intervention group over the control group, it is worth noting that limitations in the study design may have influenced these outcomes, not the medium itself. Furthermore, the qualitative information suggests that patients may have indeed enjoyed their experience with VR, even though quantitative satisfaction data did not capture this. Further considerations for how and when VR should be applied to CR are suggested in this paper. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03945201; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03945201 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2021/4/e23882 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/23882 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33856355 ID - info:doi/10.2196/23882 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Fehribach, Rhiannon Jamie AU - Toffolo, Jolien Marieke Bianca AU - Cornelisz, Ilja AU - van Klaveren, Chris AU - van Straten, Annemieke AU - van Gelder, Jean-Louis AU - Donker, Tara PY - 2021/4/12 TI - Virtual Reality Self-help Treatment for Aviophobia: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e22008 VL - 10 IS - 4 KW - aviophobia KW - specific phobia KW - virtual reality KW - cognitive behavioral therapy KW - exposure therapy N2 - Background: Aviophobia (the fear of flying) can greatly impact the daily life functioning of people with the condition. Traditional exposure-based treatment is hampered by the limited availability of airplane practice situations, which is a result of economical and practical concerns. Easily accessible and low-cost virtual reality exposure therapy may address these challenges. Objective: The purpose of our study is to investigate the effectiveness of ZeroPhobia: Aviophobia (a self-help mobile app?based treatment) in reducing flight anxiety symptoms and depressive and anxiety symptoms. We will also investigate the effects of usage intensity, the sense of immersion, inherent absorption ability, and perceived user-friendliness on the treatment effect. Methods: Participants (N=114) who are aged 18-64 years and experience at least mild symptoms of aviophobia will be recruited from the general Dutch population and randomized into a treatment group or waitlist control group. By using their own phones and rudimentary mobile virtual reality headsets, participants will receive six modules of psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral therapy, which will include six levels of virtual reality exposure therapy over a period of 6 weeks. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, posttest (ie, after 6 weeks), and 3- and 12-month follow-ups. The primary outcome measure of our study is the Flight Anxiety Situations Questionnaire. The secondary outcome measures include anxiety and depression measures and additional covariates (including usage intensity, the degree of immersion, etc). We will test treatment effectiveness by conducting an intention-to-treat analysis and estimating average treatment effects on the treated. The mechanisms of treatment effect will also be explored. Results: The study was funded on September 25, 2018. Ethical approval was received on October 11, 2019. Recruitment closed on May 7, 2020. Conclusions: Our study will further the scientific understanding and clinical implications of technology?s current ability to aid in providing effective, accessible treatment for the fear of flying. Trial Registration: Netherlands Trial Registry NL70238.029.19; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8257. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/22008 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2021/4/e22008 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/22008 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33843605 ID - info:doi/10.2196/22008 ER - www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33843605" } TY - JOUR AU - Horsham, Caitlin AU - Dutton-Regester, Ken AU - Antrobus, Jodie AU - Goldston, Andrew AU - Price, Harley AU - Ford, Helen AU - Hacker, Elke PY - 2021/3/25 TI - A Virtual Reality Game to Change Sun Protection Behavior and Prevent Cancer: User-Centered Design Approach JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e24652 VL - 9 IS - 1 KW - virtual reality KW - gamification KW - primary prevention KW - health promotion KW - skin cancer KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: Public health sun safety campaigns introduced during the 1980s have successfully reduced skin cancer rates in Australia. Despite this success, high rates of sunburn continue to be reported by youth and young adults. As such, new strategies to reinforce sun protection approaches in this demographic are needed. Objective: This study aims to develop a virtual reality (VR) game containing preventive skin cancer messaging and to assess the safety and satisfaction of the design based on end user feedback. Methods: Using a two-phase design approach, we created a prototype VR game that immersed the player inside the human body while being confronted with growing cancer cells. The first design phase involved defining the problem, identifying stakeholders, choosing the technology platform, brainstorming, and designing esthetic elements. In the second design phase, we tested the prototype VR experience with stakeholders and end users in focus groups and interviews, with feedback incorporated into refining and improving the design. Results: The focus groups and interviews were conducted with 18 participants. Qualitative feedback indicated high levels of satisfaction, with all participants reporting the VR game as engaging. A total of 11% (2/8) of participants reported a side effect of feeling nauseous during the experience. The end user feedback identified game improvements, suggesting an extended multistage experience with visual transitions to other environments and interactions involving cancer causation. The implementation of the VR game identified challenges in sharing VR equipment and hygiene issues. Conclusions: This study presents key findings highlighting the design and implementation approaches for a VR health intervention primarily aimed at improving sun protection behaviors. This design approach can be applied to other health prevention programs in the future. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2021/1/e24652 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/24652 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33764308 ID - info:doi/10.2196/24652 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Appel, Lora AU - Kisonas, Erika AU - Appel, Eva AU - Klein, Jennifer AU - Bartlett, Deanna AU - Rosenberg, Jarred AU - Smith, NC Christopher PY - 2021/2/3 TI - Administering Virtual Reality Therapy to Manage Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Patients With Dementia Admitted to an Acute Care Hospital: Results of a Pilot Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e22406 VL - 5 IS - 2 KW - virtual reality KW - wearable electronic devices KW - sensory art therapies KW - hospitalization KW - hospitals, community KW - hospitals, general KW - aged KW - humans KW - dementia KW - behavioral symptoms KW - nature KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: As virtual reality (VR) technologies become increasingly accessible and affordable, clinicians are eager to try VR therapy as a novel means to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, which are exacerbated during acute care hospitalization, with the goal of reducing the use of antipsychotics, sedatives, and physical restraints associated with negative adverse effects, increased length of stay, and caregiver burden. To date, no evaluations of immersive VR therapy have been reported for patients with dementia in acute care hospitals. Objective: This study aimed to determine the feasibility (acceptance, comfort, and safety) of using immersive VR therapy for people living with dementia (mild, moderate, and advanced) during acute care hospitalization and explore its potential to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Methods: A prospective, longitudinal pilot study was conducted at a community teaching hospital in Toronto. The study was nonrandomized and unblinded. A total of 10 patients aged >65 years (mean 86.5, SD 5.7) diagnosed with dementia participated in one or more research coordinator?facilitated sessions of viewing immersive 360° VR footage of nature scenes displayed on a Samsung Gear VR head-mounted display. This mixed-methods study included review of patient charts, standardized observations during the intervention, and pre- and postintervention semistructured interviews about the VR experience. Results: All recruited participants (N=10) completed the study. Of the 10 participants, 7 (70%) displayed enjoyment or relaxation during the VR session, which averaged 6 minutes per view, and 1 (10%) experienced dizziness. No interference between the VR equipment and hearing aids or medical devices was reported. Conclusions: It is feasible to expose older people with dementia of various degrees admitted to an acute care hospital to immersive VR therapy. VR therapy was found to be acceptable to and comfortable by most participants. This pilot study provides the basis for conducting the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of VR therapy on managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in acute care hospitals. UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2021/2/e22406 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/22406 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33533720 ID - info:doi/10.2196/22406 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Garcia, M. Laura AU - Darnall, D. Beth AU - Krishnamurthy, Parthasarathy AU - Mackey, G. Ian AU - Sackman, Josh AU - Louis, G. Robert AU - Maddox, Todd AU - Birckhead, J. Brandon PY - 2021/1/19 TI - Self-Administered Behavioral Skills?Based At-Home Virtual Reality Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e25291 VL - 10 IS - 1 KW - chronic pain KW - virtual reality KW - behavioral medicine KW - behavioral health KW - pain treatment KW - randomized controlled trial N2 - Background: Chronic pain is one of the most common and debilitating health conditions. Treatments for chronic low back pain typically focus on biomedical treatment approaches. While psychosocial treatments exist, multiple barriers prevent broad access. There is a significant unmet need for integrative, easily accessible, non-opioid solutions for chronic pain. Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive technology allowing innovation in the delivery of behavioral pain treatments. Behavioral skills-based VR is effective at facilitating pain management and reducing pain-related concerns. Continued research on these emerging approaches is needed. Objective: In this randomized controlled trial, we seek to test the efficacy of a self-administered behavioral skills-based VR program as a nonpharmacological home-based pain management treatment for people with chronic low back pain (cLBP). Methods: We will randomize 180 individuals with cLBP to 1 of 2 VR programs: (1) EaseVRx (8-week skills-based VR program); or (2) Sham VR (control condition). All participants will receive a VR headset to minimize any biases related to the technology?s novelty. The Sham VR group had 2D neutral content in a 3D theater-like environment. Our primary outcome is average pain intensity and pain-related interference with activity, stress, mood, and sleep. Our secondary outcomes include patient-reported physical function, sleep disturbance, pain self-efficacy, pain catastrophizing, pain acceptance, health utilization, medication use, and user satisfaction. We hypothesize superiority for the skills-based VR program in all of these measures compared to the control condition. Team statisticians blinded to treatment assignment will assess outcomes up to 6 months posttreatment using an approach suitable for the longitudinal nature of the data. Results: The study was approved by the Western Institutional Review Board on July 2, 2020. The protocol (NCT04415177) was registered on May 27, 2020. Recruitment for this study was completed in July 2020, and data collection will remain active until March 2021. In total, 186 participants were recruited. Multiple manuscripts will be generated from this study. The primary manuscript will be submitted for publication in the winter of 2020. Conclusions: Effectively delivering behavioral treatments in VR could overcome barriers to care and provide scalable solutions to chronic pain?s societal burden. Our study could help shape future research and development of these innovative approaches. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04415177; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04415177 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR1-10.2196/25291 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2021/1/e25291 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/25291 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33464215 ID - info:doi/10.2196/25291 ER - p://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33464215" } TY - JOUR AU - Veling, Wim AU - Lestestuiver, Bart AU - Jongma, Marieke AU - Hoenders, Rogier H. J. AU - van Driel, Catheleine PY - 2021/1/15 TI - Virtual Reality Relaxation for Patients With a Psychiatric Disorder: Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e17233 VL - 23 IS - 1 KW - virtual reality KW - stress KW - relaxation KW - negative affect KW - positive affect KW - depression KW - anxiety KW - randomized controlled trial N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) relaxation is a promising mental health intervention that may be an effective tool for stress reduction but has hardly been tested in clinical trials with psychiatric patients. We developed an easy-to-use VR self-management relaxation tool (VRelax) with immersive 360° nature videos and interactive animated elements. Objective: To investigate the immediate effects of VR relaxation on negative and positive affective states and short-term effects on perceived stress and symptoms in patients with a psychiatric disorder, compared to standard relaxation exercises. Methods: A randomized crossover trial was conducted in 50 patients receiving ambulatory treatment for anxiety, psychotic, depressive, or bipolar disorder. Participants were randomly assigned to start with VRelax or standard relaxation and used both interventions for 10 days at home. They completed 8 visual analog scales of momentary negative and positive affective states before and after each session. Global perceived stress and psychiatric symptoms were measured before and after both intervention periods. Treatment effects were analyzed with multilevel mixed model regression analyses and 2-way analysis of variance. Results: Both VRelax and standard relaxation exercises led to a statistically significant immediate improvement of all negative and positive affective states. Compared to standard relaxation, VRelax resulted in a significantly greater reduction of total negative affective state (change 16.2% versus 21.2%; t1684=?2.02, 95% CI ?18.70 to ?0.28; P=.04). Specifically, VRelax had a stronger beneficial effect on momentary anxiety (t1684=?3.24, 95% CI ?6.86 to ?1.69), sadness (t1684=?2.32, 95% CI ?6.51 to ?0.55), and cheerfulness (t1684=2.35, 95% CI 0.51 to 5.75). There were no significant differences between short-term effects of the two treatments on global perceived stress and symptoms. Conclusions: If the results of this trial are replicated and extended, VRelax may provide a much-needed, effective, easy-to-use self-management relaxation intervention to enhance psychiatric treatments. Trial Registration: Netherlands Trial Register NTR7294; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/7096 UR - http://www.jmir.org/2021/1/e17233/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/17233 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33448933 ID - info:doi/10.2196/17233 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Wittstein, William Matthew AU - Crider, Anthony AU - Mastrocola, Samantha AU - Guerena Gonzalez, Mariana PY - 2020/12/16 TI - Use of Virtual Reality to Assess Dynamic Posturography and Sensory Organization: Instrument Validation Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e19580 VL - 8 IS - 4 KW - postural control KW - virtual reality KW - sensory organization test KW - intraclass correlations N2 - Background: The Equitest system (Neurocom) is a computerized dynamic posturography device used by health care providers and clinical researchers to safely test an individual?s postural control. While the Equitest system has evaluative and rehabilitative value, it may be limited owing to its cost, lack of portability, and reliance on only sagittal plane movements. Virtual reality (VR) provides an opportunity to reduce these limitations by providing more mobile and cost-effective tools while also observing a wider array of postural characteristics. Objective: This study aimed to test the plausibility of using VR as a feasible alternative to the Equitest system for conducting a sensory organization test. Methods: A convenience sample of 20 college-aged healthy individuals participated in the study. Participants completed the sensory organization test using the Equitest system as well as using a VR environment while standing atop a force plate (Bertec Inc). The Equitest system measures the equilibrium index. During VR trials, the estimated equilibrium index, 95% ellipse area, path length, and anterior-posterior detrended fluctuation analysis scaling exponent alpha were calculated from center of pressure data. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess the relationship between the equilibrium index and center of pressure?derived balance measures. Intraclass correlations for absolute agreement and consistency were calculated to compare the equilibrium index and estimated equilibrium index. Results: Intraclass correlations demonstrated moderate consistency and absolute agreement (0.5 < intraclass correlation coefficient < 0.75) between the equilibrium index and estimated equilibrium index from the Equitest and VR sensory organization test (SOT), respectively, in four of six tested conditions. Additionally, weak to moderate correlations between force plate measurements and the equilibrium index were noted in several of the conditions. Conclusions: This research demonstrated the plausibility of using VR as an alternative method to conduct the SOT. Ongoing development and testing of virtual environments are necessary before employing the technology as a replacement to current clinical tests. UR - http://games.jmir.org/2020/4/e19580/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/19580 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33325830 ID - info:doi/10.2196/19580 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Mascret, Nicolas AU - Delbes, Lisa AU - Voron, Amélie AU - Temprado, Jean-Jacques AU - Montagne, Gilles PY - 2020/12/14 TI - Acceptance of a Virtual Reality Headset Designed for Fall Prevention in Older Adults: Questionnaire Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e20691 VL - 22 IS - 12 KW - technology acceptance model KW - acceptability KW - acceptance KW - virtual reality KW - elderly KW - fall KW - eHealth KW - self-efficacy KW - achievement goals N2 - Background: Falls are a common phenomenon among people aged 65 and older and affect older adults? health, quality of life, and autonomy. Technology-based intervention programs are designed to prevent the occurrence of falls and their effectiveness often surpasses that of more conventional programs. However, to be effective, these programs must first be accepted by seniors. Objective: Based on the technology acceptance model, this study aimed to examine the acceptance among older adults before a first use of a virtual reality headset (VRH) used in an intervention program designed to prevent falls. Methods: A sample of 271 French older adults (mean age 73.69 years, SD 6.37 years) voluntarily and anonymously filled out a questionnaire containing the focal constructs (perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment, perceived ease of use, intention to use, fall-related self-efficacy, and self-avoidance goals) adapted to the VRH, which was designed to prevent falls. Results: The results of the structural equation modeling analysis showed that intention to use the VRH was positively predicted by perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment, and perceived ease of use. Perceived usefulness of the VRH was also negatively predicted by fall-related self-efficacy (ie, the perceived level of confidence of an individual when performing daily activities without falling) and positively predicted by self-avoidance goals (ie, participating in a physical activity to avoid physical regression). Conclusions: A better understanding of the initial acceptance among older adults of this VRH is the first step to involving older adults in intervention programs designed to prevent falls using this kind of device. UR - http://www.jmir.org/2020/12/e20691/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/20691 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33315019 ID - info:doi/10.2196/20691 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lee, Narae AU - Kim, Jae-Jin AU - Shin, Yu-Bin AU - Eom, Hyojung AU - Kim, Min-Kyeong AU - Kyeong, Sunghyon AU - Jung, Hoon Young AU - Min, Sarang AU - Kwon, Hee Joon AU - Kim, Eunjoo PY - 2020/12/11 TI - Choice of Leisure Activities by Adolescents and Adults With Internet Gaming Disorder: Development and Feasibility Study of a Virtual Reality Program JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e18473 VL - 8 IS - 4 KW - virtual reality KW - VR KW - internet game disorder KW - IGD KW - cognitive behavioral therapy KW - CBT KW - motivation N2 - Background: Excessive internet game use frequently leads to various physical, psychological, and social problems, and internet gaming disorder (IGD) has become a serious public health issue worldwide. Recently, virtual reality (VR) therapy has emerged as a promising method to increase psychological treatment motivation and accessibility. However, few studies have examined the potential of VR technology for the management of IGD, and VR content tailored to IGD characteristics remains scarce. Objective: This preliminary study aimed to examine the potential of a VR-based program that was designed to help users identify their leisure time use patterns, especially those related to gaming, and to modify their gaming overuse by alternative activities provided in the VR content. Moreover, to investigate whether users? VR activities reflect various clinical variables of IGD in youth, we examined the relationships among the leisure time activity selection pattern, built-in response, and speech data obtained from the VR program, as well as symptom severity of internet gaming, psychiatric comorbidities, and motivation of participants reported through relevant questionnaire data. Methods: Three types of VR content (understanding my daily activities at home, finding an alternative activity to internet gaming at home, expressing contradictory opinions toward a friend?s gaming beliefs) were developed by simulating the daily situations in which patients with IGD can select alternative free-time leisure activities. We examined internet addiction, mental health problems, and motivation for 23 IGD and 29 control participants. Behavioral and self-rated responses from VR, such as alternative activity selection data and speech patterns (speech time, speech satisfaction, and speech accordance), and results from various questionnaires were compared between groups. The correlations between IGD behaviors in VR and real-life behaviors assessed by questionnaire measures were analyzed. Results: Significant correlations were found between internet gaming behavior and user activity data, such as speech and activity selection pattern, in our VR program. Our results showed that the IGD group had fewer leisure activities and preferred game or digital activities to other types of activities compared to controls, even in VR. There was a positive relationship between the viability of alternative leisure activities the participants selected in VR and the amount of perceived satisfaction from that activity (r=.748, P<.001). Speech accordance in the IGD group was lower than in the control group and was correlated negatively with Internet Addiction Test and Internet Addiction Test?gaming scores (r=.300, P=.03) but positively with users? motivation (r=.312, P=.02). Conclusions: The results from our VR program can provide information about daily activity patterns of youths with IGD and the relationship between user VR activities and IGD symptoms, which can be useful in applying VR technology to IGD management. UR - http://games.jmir.org/2020/4/e18473/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/18473 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33306033 ID - info:doi/10.2196/18473 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Baeza-Barragán, Rosa Maria AU - Labajos Manzanares, Teresa Maria AU - Ruiz Vergara, Carmen AU - Casuso-Holgado, Jesús María AU - Martín-Valero, Rocío PY - 2020/12/8 TI - The Use of Virtual Reality Technologies in the Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Systematic Review JO - JMIR Mhealth Uhealth SP - e21576 VL - 8 IS - 12 KW - Duchenne muscular dystrophy KW - virtual reality KW - upper limb KW - physical therapy KW - muscular dystrophy KW - mutation KW - muscle KW - degeneration N2 - Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a serious and progressive disease affecting one in 3500-6000 live male births. The use of new virtual reality technologies has revolutionized the world of youth rehabilitation. Objective: We performed a systematic review to study the effectiveness of the use of virtual reality systems applied in the rehabilitation of the upper limbs of individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Methods: Between June 2018 and September 2019, we carried out a series of searches in 5 scientific databases: (1) PubMed, (2) Web of Science, (3) Scopus, (4) The Cochrane Library, and (5) MEDLINE via EBSCO. Two evaluators independently conducted the searches following the PRISMA recommendations for systematic reviews for articles. Two independent evaluators collated the results. Article quality was determined using the PEDro scale. Results: A total of 7 clinical trials were included in the final review. These studies used new technologies as tools for physiotherapeutic rehabilitation of the upper limbs of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Collectively, the studies showed improvement in functionality, quality of life, and motivation with the use of virtual reality technologies in the rehabilitation of upper limbs of individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Conclusions: The treatment of neuromuscular diseases has changed in recent years, from palliative symptom management to preventive methods for capacity building. The use of virtual reality is beginning to be necessary in the treatment of progressive diseases involving movement difficulties, as it provides freedom and facilitates the improvement of results in capacity training. Given that new technologies are increasingly accessible, rehabilitation and physiotherapy programs can use these technologies more frequently, and virtual reality environments can be used to improve task performance, which is essential for people with disabilities. Ultimately, virtual reality can be a great tool for physiotherapy and can be used for Duchenne muscular dystrophy rehabilitation programs to improve patient performance during training. Trial Registration: PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42018102548; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=102548 UR - http://mhealth.jmir.org/2020/12/e21576/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/21576 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33289679 ID - info:doi/10.2196/21576 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Paul, Margot AU - Bullock, Kim AU - Bailenson, Jeremy PY - 2020/11/3 TI - Virtual Reality Behavioral Activation as an Intervention for Major Depressive Disorder: Case Report JO - JMIR Ment Health SP - e24331 VL - 7 IS - 11 KW - virtual reality KW - case report KW - major depressive disorder KW - behavioral activation KW - VR KW - depression KW - COVID-19 KW - behavior KW - intervention KW - feasibility KW - acceptability KW - telehealth KW - pilot study N2 - Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a global problem with an increasing incidence and prevalence. There has additionally been an increase in depression due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Behavioral activation is considered an evidence-based treatment for MDD. However, there are many barriers that could hinder one?s ability to engage in behavioral activation, with COVID-19 ?shelter-in-place? and social distancing orders being current and large impediments. Virtual reality (VR) has been successfully used to help treat a variety of mental health conditions, but it has not yet been used as a method of administering behavioral activation to a clinical population. Using VR to engage in behavioral activation could eliminate barriers that pandemic precautions place and help decrease symptoms of depression that are especially exacerbated in these times. Objective: The following case report examines the feasibility, acceptability, and tolerability of VR behavioral activation for an adult with MDD during a global pandemic. This participant was part of a larger pilot study, and the case serves as a description of the VR intervention. Methods: The participant engaged in a weekly 50-minute psychotherapy Zoom session for 4 weeks, in which a modified behavioral activation protocol was administered using a VR headset to simulate activities. Data on mood ratings, homework compliance, and headset use were obtained from the headset. Acceptability, tolerability, and depression symptoms were obtained using self-report rating scales. Results: The intervention was feasible, acceptable, and tolerable, as reported by this participant. The participant?s depressive symptoms decreased by five-points on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 over a month, with a beginning score of 10 (moderate depression) and a final score of 5 (mild depression). Conclusions: The implications of these findings for future research are discussed. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04268316; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04268316 UR - https://mental.jmir.org/2020/11/e24331 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/24331 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33031046 ID - info:doi/10.2196/24331 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ko, Junho AU - Jang, Seong-Wook AU - Lee, Taek Hyo AU - Yun, Han-Kyung AU - Kim, Sang Yoon PY - 2020/10/28 TI - Effects of Virtual Reality and Non?Virtual Reality Exercises on the Exercise Capacity and Concentration of Users in a Ski Exergame: Comparative Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e16693 VL - 8 IS - 4 KW - exergame KW - virtual reality KW - VR content KW - ski simulation N2 - Background: Recently, ski exergames have been gaining popularity due to the growing interest in health improvement. Conventional studies evaluating the effects of ski exergames only considered exercise capacity and overlooked concentration. Ski exergames consist of a motion platform for exercise and virtual reality (VR) content in the game. The VR content enhances the exercise capacity and concentration of the user by providing a challenging goal. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of VR and non-VR exercises on the exercise capacity and concentration of users in a ski exergame. Methods: To examine the effects of the VR content in ski exergames, we performed 2 experiments, non-VR exercise and VR exercise, where participants exercised on the motion platform. If a user performs an exercise without using any VR content, it is a non-VR exercise. Contrastingly, in the case of VR exercise, a user exercises according to the VR content (a downhill scenario). In addition to the range of motion (ROM) of the ankle and rated perceived exertion (RPE) to assess exercise capacity, we used electroencephalography (EEG) to assess users? concentration. Results: We evaluated the effects of the VR content by comparing the results obtained from VR and non-VR exercises. The ROM of the ankle with VR exercise was wider than that with non-VR exercise. Specifically, ROM of the ankle was 115.71° (SD 17.71°) and 78.50° (SD 20.43°) in VR exercise and non-VR exercise, respectively. The RPE difference between the 2 exercises was not statistically significant. The result of the sensorimotor rhythm waves (which are concentration-related EEG signals) was more favorable for VR exercise than non-VR exercise. The ratios of sensorimotor rhythm wave in EEG were 3.08% and 2.70% in the VR exercise and non-VR exercise, respectively. Conclusions: According to the results of this experiment, higher exercise capability and concentration were achieved with the VR exercise compared with non-VR exercise. The observations confirm that VR content can enhance both exercise capability and concentration of the user. Thus, the ski exergames can be used effectively by those who, in general, do not like exercise but enjoy games. UR - https://games.jmir.org/2020/4/e16693 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/16693 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33112240 ID - info:doi/10.2196/16693 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Szpak, Ancret AU - Michalski, Carlo Stefan AU - Loetscher, Tobias PY - 2020/10/23 TI - Exergaming With Beat Saber: An Investigation of Virtual Reality Aftereffects JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e19840 VL - 22 IS - 10 KW - virtual reality KW - motion sickness KW - exercise KW - sedentary behavior KW - depth perception N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) exergaming has the potential to target sedentary behavior. Immersive environments can distract users from the physical exertion of exercise and can motivate them to continue exergaming. Despite the recent surge in VR popularity, numerous users still experience VR sickness from using head-mounted displays (HMDs). Apart from the commonly assessed self-reported symptoms, depth perception and cognition may also be affected. Considering the potential benefits of VR exergaming, it is crucial to identify the adverse effects limiting its potential and continued uptake. Objective: This study aims to investigate the consequences of playing one of the most popular VR exergames for 10 and 50 min on aspects of vision, cognition, and self-reported VR sickness. Methods: A total of 36 participants played an exergame, called Beat Saber, using an HMD. A repeated measures within-subject design was conducted to assess changes in vision, cognition, and well-being after short (10 min) and long (50 min) durations of VR exposure. We measured accommodation, convergence, decision speed, movement speed, and self-reported sickness at 3 test periods?before VR, immediately after VR, and 40 min after VR (late). Results: Beat Saber was well tolerated, as there were no dropouts due to sickness. For most participants, any immediate aftereffects were short-lived and returned to baseline levels after 40 min of exiting VR. For both short and long exposures, there were changes in accommodation (F1,35=8.424; P=.006) and convergence (F1,35=7.826; P=.008); however, in the late test period, participants returned to baseline levels. Measures on cognition revealed no concern. The total simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ) scores increased immediately after VR (F1,35=26.515; P<.001) and were significantly higher for long compared with short exposures (t35=2.807; P=.03), but there were no differences in exposure duration in the late test period, with scores returning to baseline levels. Although at a group level, participants? sickness levels returned to baseline 40 min after VR exposure, approximately 14% of the participants still reported high levels of sickness in the late test period after playing 50 min of Beat Saber. We also showed that the participants who experienced a high level of sickness after a short exposure were almost certain to experience a high level of symptoms after a longer exposure. Conclusions: Irrespective of the duration of exposure, this study found no strong evidence for adverse symptoms 40 min after exiting VR; however, some individuals still reported high levels of VR sickness at this stage. We recommend that users commit to a waiting period after exiting VR to ensure that any aftereffects have deteriorated. Exergames in HMDs have the potential to encourage people to exercise but are understudied, and the aftereffects of exergaming need to be closely monitored to ensure that VR exergames can reach their full potential. UR - http://www.jmir.org/2020/10/e19840/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/19840 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33095182 ID - info:doi/10.2196/19840 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Amaefule, O. Chimezie AU - Lüdtke, Stefan AU - Kirste, Thomas AU - Teipel, J. Stefan PY - 2020/10/8 TI - Effect of Spatial Disorientation in a Virtual Environment on Gait and Vital Features in Patients with Dementia: Pilot Single-Blind Randomized Control Trial JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e18455 VL - 8 IS - 4 KW - spatial disorientation KW - activity recognition KW - wayfinding KW - wearable sensors KW - dementia KW - virtual reality KW - older adults N2 - Background: Orientation deficits are among the most devastating consequences of early dementia. Digital navigation devices could overcome these deficits if adaptable to the user?s needs (ie, provide situation-aware, proactive navigation assistance). To fulfill this task, systems need to automatically detect spatial disorientation from sensors in real time. Ideally, this would require field studies consisting of real-world navigation. However, such field studies can be challenging and are not guaranteed to cover sufficient instances of disorientation due to the large variability of real-world settings and a lack of control over the environment. Objective: Extending a foregoing field study, we aim to evaluate the feasibility of using a sophisticated virtual reality (VR) setup, which allows a more controlled observation of disorientation states and accompanying behavioral and physiological parameters in cognitively healthy older people and people with dementia. Methods: In this feasibility study, we described the experimental design and pilot outcomes of an ongoing study aimed at investigating the effect of disorientation on gait and selected physiological features in a virtual laboratory. We transferred a real-world navigation task to a treadmill-based virtual system for gait analysis. Disorientation was induced by deliberately manipulating landmarks in the VR projection. Associated responses in motion behavior and physiological parameters were recorded by sensors. Primary outcomes were variations in motion and physiological parameters, frequency of disorientation, and questionnaire-derived usability estimates (immersion and perceived control of the gait system) for our population of interest. At this time, the included participants were 9 cognitively healthy older participants [5/9 women, 4/9 men; mean age 70 years, SD 4.40; Mini?Mental State Examination (MMSE) mean 29, SD 0.70) and 4 participants with dementia (2/4 women, 2/4 men; mean age 78 years, SD 2.30 years; MMSE mean 20.50, SD 7.54). Recruitment is ongoing, with the aim of including 30 cognitively healthy older participants and 20 participants with dementia. Results: All 13 participants completed the experiment. Patients? route was adapted by shortening it relative to the original route. Average instances of disorientation were 21.40, 36.50, and 37.50 for the cognitively healthy older control, cognitively healthy older experimental participants, and participants with dementia, respectively. Questionnaire outcomes indicated that participants experienced adequate usability and immersion; 4.30 for presence, 3.73 for involvement, and 3.85 for realism of 7 possible points, indicating a good overall ability to cope with the experiment. Variations were also observed in motion and physiological parameters during instances of disorientation. Conclusions: This study presents the first feasibility outcomes of a study investigating the viability of using a sophisticated VR setup, based on an earlier real-world navigation study, to study spatial disorientation among cognitively healthy older people and people with dementia. Preliminary outcomes give confidence to the notion that our setup can be used to assess motion and physiological markers of disorientation, even in people with cognitive decline. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04134806 UR - https://games.jmir.org/2020/4/e18455 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/18455 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33030436 ID - info:doi/10.2196/18455 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Chavez, Johnson Laura AU - Kelleher, Kelly AU - Slesnick, Natasha AU - Holowacz, Eugene AU - Luthy, Ellison AU - Moore, Laura AU - Ford, Jodi PY - 2020/9/24 TI - Virtual Reality Meditation Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Feasibility JO - JMIR Ment Health SP - e18244 VL - 7 IS - 9 KW - virtual reality KW - meditation KW - homelessness KW - stress N2 - Background: Homelessness among youth is devastating, with high rates of substance use disorders and mental health comorbidity. Mindfulness-based interventions that include meditation and mindfulness skills training reduce stress and symptoms of anxiety or depression. However, engaging high-risk youth in interventions is challenging. Virtual reality is a more flexible platform for delivering meditation and may be appealing to youth. Objective: The study objectives were to evaluate the feasibility of delivering virtual reality meditation and of collecting outcome measures, including anxiety and physiologic stress. Methods: A sample of 30 youth experiencing homelessness was enrolled in the study. Youth were randomized to receive 10 minutes of one of three interventions: (1) virtual reality meditation, (2) audio meditation (through a web-based platform), or (3) virtual reality imagery of historical pictures and text. Subjects who consented to the study attended two research visits. The first visit collected survey measures of demographics, mental health, and substance use, and oriented subjects to the intervention platforms. The second visit (1-3 days later) delivered the intervention and collected pre and post outcome measures of anxiety and physiologic stress (salivary cortisol). Changes in anxiety and cortisol at the second visit were compared across groups using a linear regression model in which the primary analysis compared virtual reality meditation to audio meditation and secondary analyses compared virtual reality meditation to virtual reality imagery. Results: Anxiety scores decreased in all groups, with a larger reduction among the virtual reality meditation group (difference=10.8) compared to the web-based meditation or virtual reality images groups (difference=5.8 and 5.0, respectively). After controlling for baseline values, there were no significant group differences in changes in anxiety scores or cortisol levels. In comparing virtual reality meditation and audio meditation, the effect size for anxiety was moderate (Cohen d=0.58) while the effect size for cortisol was small (Cohen d=0.08). Conclusions: Preliminary results suggest that virtual reality meditation has a moderate benefit for anxiety but not physiologic stress. Future research is needed to confirm these results in a larger sample and to investigate whether the effects are sustained or increase with repeated use of virtual reality mediation. Virtual reality meditation appears feasible to deliver among homeless youth and merits further study. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04004520; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04004520 UR - http://mental.jmir.org/2020/9/e18244/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/18244 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32969834 ID - info:doi/10.2196/18244 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Chen, Feng-Qin AU - Leng, Yu-Fei AU - Ge, Jian-Feng AU - Wang, Dan-Wen AU - Li, Cheng AU - Chen, Bin AU - Sun, Zhi-Ling PY - 2020/9/15 TI - Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Nursing Education: Meta-Analysis JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e18290 VL - 22 IS - 9 KW - virtual reality KW - nursing education KW - meta-analysis N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) is the use of computer technology to create an interactive three-dimensional (3D) world, which gives users a sense of spatial presence. In nursing education, VR has been used to help optimize teaching and learning processes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of VR in nursing education in the areas of knowledge, skills, satisfaction, confidence, and performance time. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of VR in nursing education based on the Cochrane methodology. An electronic literature search using the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), up to December 2019 was conducted to identify studies that reported the effectiveness of VR on knowledge, skills, satisfaction, confidence, and performance time. The study selection and data extraction were carried out by two independent reviewers. The methodological quality of the selected studies was determined using the Cochrane criteria for risk-of-bias assessment. Results: A total of 12 studies, including 821 participants, were selected for the final analysis. We found that VR was more effective than the control conditions in improving knowledge (standard mean difference [SMD]=0.58, 95% CI 0.41-0.75, P<.001, I2=47%). However, there was no difference between VR and the control conditions in skills (SMD=0.01, 95% CI ?0.24 to 0.26, P=.93, I2=37%), satisfaction (SMD=0.01, 95% CI ?0.79 to 0.80, P=.99, I2=86%), confidence (SMD=0.00, 95% CI ?0.28 to 0.27, P=.99, I2=0%), and performance time (SMD=?0.55, 95% CI ?2.04 to 0.94, P=.47, I2=97%). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that VR can effectively improve knowledge in nursing education, but it was not more effective than other education methods in areas of skills, satisfaction, confidence, and performance time. Further rigorous studies with a larger sample size are warranted to confirm these results. UR - http://www.jmir.org/2020/9/e18290/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/18290 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32930664 ID - info:doi/10.2196/18290 ER - TY - JOUR AU - LaPiana, Nina AU - Duong, Alvin AU - Lee, Alex AU - Alschitz, Leon AU - Silva, L. Rafael M. AU - Early, Jody AU - Bunnell, Aaron AU - Mourad, Pierre PY - 2020/9/2 TI - Acceptability of a Mobile Phone?Based Augmented Reality Game for Rehabilitation of Patients With Upper Limb Deficits from Stroke: Case Study JO - JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol SP - e17822 VL - 7 IS - 2 KW - augmented reality KW - stroke KW - upper limb rehabilitation KW - gamification KW - motor rehabilitation KW - motivation KW - participation N2 - Background: Upper limb functional deficits are common after stroke and result from motor weakness, ataxia, spasticity, spatial neglect, and poor stamina. Past studies employing a range of commercial gaming systems to deliver rehabilitation to stroke patients provided short-term efficacy but have not yet demonstrated whether or not those games are acceptable, that is, motivational, comfortable, and engaging, which are all necessary for potential adoption and use by patients. Objective: The goal of the study was to assess the acceptability of a smartphone-based augmented reality game as a means of delivering stroke rehabilitation for patients with upper limb motor function loss. Methods: Patients aged 50 to 70 years, all of whom experienced motor deficits after acute ischemic stroke, participated in 3 optional therapy sessions using augmented reality therapeutic gaming over the course of 1 week, targeting deficits in upper extremity strength and range of motion. After completion of the game, we administered a 16-item questionnaire to the patients to assess the game?s acceptability; 8 questions were answered by rating on a scale from 1 (very negative experience) to 5 (very positive experience); 8 questions were qualitative. Results: Patients (n=5) completed a total of 23 out of 45 scheduled augmented reality game sessions, with patient fatigue as the primary factor for uncompleted sessions. Each patient consented to 9 potential game sessions and completed a mean of 4.6 (SE 1.3) games. Of the 5 patients, 4 (80%) completed the questionnaire at the end of their final gaming session. Of note, patients were motivated to continue to the end of a given gaming session (mean 4.25, 95% CI 3.31-5.19), to try other game-based therapies (mean 3.75, 95% CI 2.81-4.69), to do another session (mean 3.50, 95% CI 2.93-4.07), and to perform other daily rehabilitation exercises (mean 3.25, 95% CI 2.76-3.74). In addition, participants gave mean scores of 4.00 (95% CI 2.87-5.13) for overall experience; 4.25 (95% CI 3.31-5.19) for comfort; 3.25 (95% CI 2.31-4.19) for finding the study fun, enjoyable, and engaging; and 3.50 (95% CI 2.52-4.48) for believing the technology could help them reach their rehabilitation goals. For each of the 4 patients, their reported scores were statistically significantly higher than those generated by a random sampling of values (patient 1: P=.04; patient 2: P=.04; patient 4: P=.004; patient 5: P=.04). Conclusions: Based on the questionnaire scores, the patients with upper limb motor deficits following stroke who participated in our case study found our augmented reality game motivating, comfortable, engaging, and tolerable. Improvements in augmented reality technology motivated by this case study may one day allow patients to work with improved versions of this therapy independently in their own home. We therefore anticipate that smartphone-based augmented reality gaming systems may eventually provide useful postdischarge self-treatment as a supplement to professional therapy for patients with upper limb deficiencies from stroke. UR - http://rehab.jmir.org/2020/2/e17822/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/17822 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32876580 ID - info:doi/10.2196/17822 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lange, Ann-Kathrin AU - Koch, Jana AU - Beck, Anastasia AU - Neugebauer, Till AU - Watzema, Frauke AU - Wrona, J. Kamil AU - Dockweiler, Christoph PY - 2020/9/1 TI - Learning With Virtual Reality in Nursing Education: Qualitative Interview Study Among Nursing Students Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Model JO - JMIR Nursing SP - e20249 VL - 3 IS - 1 KW - virtual reality KW - edutainment KW - serious games KW - education KW - health care KW - gamification KW - anatomy KW - digital game?based learning KW - nursing KW - nursing informatics N2 - Background: Digital games?based learning is a method of using digital games to impart knowledge. Virtual reality (VR) programs are a practical application of this method. Due to demographic changes, the nursing profession will become increasingly important. These VR applications can be of use in training nurses for future professional challenges they may encounter. The continuous development of VR applications enables trainees to encounter simulated real life effectively and to experience increasingly concrete situations. This can be of great importance in nursing education, since 3-dimensionality enables a better visualization of many fields of activity and can prevent potential future errors. In addition to this learning effect, VR applications also bring an element of fun to learning. Objective: The aim of this qualitative research effort is to observe the degree of acceptance of VR applications by nursing students in Germany. Various factors, including social influences, performance expectations, and effort expectations, are taken into consideration. Methods: With a qualitative cohort study, the acceptance of nursing students towards VR applications in anatomy teaching was determined. The 12 participants were first asked to fill out a quantitative questionnaire on their sociodemographic characteristics and the extent to which they valued and liked using technology. The participants were then allowed to test the VR application themselves and were finally asked about their experience in a qualitative interview. For the collection of data and the analysis of results, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology was used in this study. Results: Overall, the study shows that the interviewed persons rated the VR application quite positively. The greatest influence in this was the personal attitude towards technology; the higher this affinity is, the more useful the VR application appears. Social influences can also increase the participant?s own acceptance if peers have a positive attitude towards such applications. The study shows that the trainees' motivation to learn was increased by using VR. We believe this is because each trainee could learn individually and the VR application was perceived as an enjoyable activity. Nevertheless, the cost factor of implementing VR applications in nursing training is currently still an obstacle, as not every institution has such financial capacities. Conclusions: The extent to which the use of VR applications in the training of nursing staff is justified depends on the degree of personal acceptance. The collected results give good practice-oriented insight into the attitude of trainees towards VR. Many of the interviewed persons saw benefits in the use of VR technologies. As VR applications are constantly developing, it is necessary to conduct further studies on VR applications in nursing education and to include other possible disciplines in which these applications can be helpful. UR - https://nursing.jmir.org/2020/1/e20249/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/20249 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34345791 ID - info:doi/10.2196/20249 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Petersen, Ding Jindong AU - Larsen, Ladekjær Eva AU - la Cour, Karen AU - von Bülow, Cecilie AU - Skouboe, Malene AU - Christensen, Reffstrup Jeanette AU - Waldorff, Boch Frans PY - 2020/8/26 TI - Motion-Based Technology for People With Dementia Training at Home: Three-Phase Pilot Study Assessing Feasibility and Efficacy JO - JMIR Ment Health SP - e19495 VL - 7 IS - 8 KW - dementia KW - motion-based technology KW - virtual reality KW - telerehabilitation KW - physical training KW - physical and mental function N2 - Background: Persons with dementia tend to be vulnerable to mobility challenges and hence face a greater risk of fall and subsequent fractures, morbidity, and mortality. Motion-based technologies (MBTs), also called sensor-based technologies or virtual reality, have the potential for assisting physical exercise and training as a part of a disease management and rehabilitation program, but little is known about its' use for people with dementia. Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of MBT physical training at home for people with dementia. Methods: A 3-phase pilot study: (1) baseline start-up, (2) 15 weeks of group training at a local care center twice a week, and (3) 12 weeks of group training reduced to once a week, supplemented with individual MBT training twice a week at home. A total of 26 people with dementia from a municipality in Southern Denmark were eligible and agreed to participate in this study. Three withdrew from the study, leaving 23 participants for the final analysis. Feasibility was measured by the percentage of participants who trained with MBT at home, and their completion rate of total scheduled MBT sessions. Efficacy was evaluated by physical function, measured by Sit-to-Stand (STS), Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG), 6-minute Walk Test (6MW), and 10-meter Dual-task Walking Test (10MDW); cognitive function was measured by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire (NPI-Q); and European Quality of Life 5 dimensions questionnaire (EQOL5) was used for measuring quality of life. Descriptive statistics were applied accordingly. Wilcoxon signed-rank and rank-sum tests were applied to explore significant differences within and between the groups. Results: As much as 12 of 23 participants (52%) used the supplemental MBT training at home. Among them, 6 (50%) completed 75% or more scheduled sessions, 3 completed 25% or less, and 3 completed between 25% and 75% of scheduled sessions. For physical and cognitive function tests, supplementing with MBT training at home showed a tendency of overall stabilization of scores among the group of participants who actively trained with MBT; especially, the 10MDW test even showed a significant improvement from 9.2 to 7.1 seconds (P=.03). We found no positive effect on EQOL5 tests. Conclusions: More than half of the study population with dementia used MBT training at home, and among them, half had an overall high adherence to the home training activity. Physical function tended to remain stable or even improved among high-adherence MBT individuals. We conclude that MBT training at home may be feasible for some individuals with dementia. Further research is warranted. UR - http://mental.jmir.org/2020/8/e19495/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/19495 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32845243 ID - info:doi/10.2196/19495 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Shen, Jiabin AU - Xiang, Henry AU - Luna, John AU - Grishchenko, Alice AU - Patterson, Jeremy AU - Strouse, V. Robert AU - Roland, Maxwell AU - Lundine, P. Jennifer AU - Koterba, H. Christine AU - Lever, Kimberly AU - Groner, I. Jonathan AU - Huang, Yungui AU - Lin, Deborah En-Ju PY - 2020/8/25 TI - Virtual Reality?Based Executive Function Rehabilitation System for Children With Traumatic Brain Injury: Design and Usability Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e16947 VL - 8 IS - 3 KW - traumatic brain injury KW - virtual reality KW - neurological rehabilitation KW - executive function KW - cognitive rehabilitation N2 - Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) poses a significant threat to children?s health. Cognitive rehabilitation for pediatric TBI has the potential to improve the quality of life following the injury. Virtual reality (VR) can provide enriched cognitive training in a life-like but safe environment. However, existing VR applications for pediatric TBIs have primarily focused on physical rehabilitation. Objective: This study aims to design and develop an integrative hardware and software VR system to provide rehabilitation of executive functions (EF) for children with TBI, particularly in 3 core EF: inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Methods: The VR training system was developed by an interdisciplinary team with expertise in best practices of VR design, developmental psychology, and pediatric TBI rehabilitation. Pilot usability testing of this novel system was conducted among 10 healthy children and 4 children with TBIs. Results: Our VR-based interactive cognitive training system was developed to provide assistive training on core EF following pediatric TBI. Pilot usability testing showed adequate user satisfaction ratings for both the hardware and software components of the VR system. Conclusions: This project designed and tested a novel VR-based system for executive function rehabilitation that is specifically adapted to children following TBI. UR - http://games.jmir.org/2020/3/e16947/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/16947 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32447275 ID - info:doi/10.2196/16947 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Brown, Poppy AU - Waite, Felicity AU - Lambe, Sinéad AU - Rosebrock, Laina AU - Freeman, Daniel PY - 2020/8/20 TI - Virtual Reality Cognitive Therapy in Inpatient Psychiatric Wards: Protocol for a Qualitative Investigation of Staff and Patient Views Across Multiple National Health Service Sites JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e20300 VL - 9 IS - 8 KW - virtual reality KW - therapy KW - inpatient psychiatric care KW - implementation N2 - Background: Patients in psychiatric wards typically have very limited access to individual psychological therapy. Inpatients often have significant time available, and an important transition back to everyday life to prepare for?but historically, there have been few trained therapists available on wards for the delivery of evidence-based therapy. Automated virtual reality (VR) therapy may be one route to increase the provision of powerful psychological treatments in psychiatric hospitals. The gameChange automated VR cognitive therapy is targeted at helping patients overcome anxious avoidance and re-engage in everyday situations (such as walking down the street, taking a bus, or going to a shop). This treatment target may fit well for many patients preparing for discharge. However, little is known about how VR therapy may be viewed in this setting. Objective: The objectives of the study are to explore psychiatric hospital staff and patients? initial expectations of VR therapy, to gather patient and staff views of an automated VR cognitive therapy (gameChange) after briefly experiencing it, and to identify potential differences across National Health Service (NHS) mental health trusts for implementation. Guided by an implementation framework, the knowledge gained from this study will be used to assess the feasibility of VR treatment adoption into psychiatric hospitals. Methods: Focus groups will be conducted with NHS staff and patients in acute psychiatric wards at 5 NHS mental health trusts across England. Staff and patients will be interviewed in separate groups. Individual interviews will also be conducted when preferred by a participant. Within each of the 5 trusts, 1 to 2 wards will be visited. A total of 8-15 staff and patients per ward will be recruited, with a minimum total of 50 staff and patients recruited across all sites. Focus group questions have been derived from the nonadoption, abandonment, and challenges to the scale-up, spread, and sustainability (NASSS) framework. Focus groups will discuss expectations of VR therapy before participants are given the opportunity to briefly try the gameChange VR therapy. Questions will then focus on opinions about the therapy and investigate feasibility of adoption, with particular consideration given to site specific issues. A thematic analysis will be conducted. Results: As of May 15, 2020, 1 patient focus group has been conducted. Conclusions: The study will provide unique insight from patients and staff into the potential for implementing automated VR therapy in psychiatric wards. Perspectives will be captured both on the use of immersive technology hardware and therapy-specific issues in such settings. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/20300 UR - http://www.researchprotocols.org/2020/8/e20300/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/20300 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32667897 ID - info:doi/10.2196/20300 ER - TY - JOUR AU - van der Veen, M. Susanne AU - Stamenkovic, Alexander AU - Applegate, E. Megan AU - Leitkam, T. Samuel AU - France, R. Christopher AU - Thomas, S. James PY - 2020/8/19 TI - Effects of Avatar Perspective on Joint Excursions Used to Play Virtual Dodgeball: Within-Subject Comparative Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e18888 VL - 8 IS - 3 KW - virtual reality KW - avatar perspective KW - reaching KW - joint excursion KW - exergaming KW - exercise rehabilitation KW - head mounted display N2 - Background: Visual representation of oneself is likely to affect movement patterns. Prior work in virtual dodgeball showed greater excursion of the ankles, knees, hips, spine, and shoulder occurs when presented in the first-person perspective compared to the third-person perspective. However, the mode of presentation differed between the two conditions such that a head-mounted display was used to present the avatar in the first-person perspective, but a 3D television (3DTV) display was used to present the avatar in the third-person. Thus, it is unknown whether changes in joint excursions are driven by the visual display (head-mounted display versus 3DTV) or avatar perspective during virtual gameplay. Objective: This study aimed to determine the influence of avatar perspective on joint excursion in healthy individuals playing virtual dodgeball using a head-mounted display. Methods: Participants (n=29, 15 male, 14 female) performed full-body movements to intercept launched virtual targets presented in a game of virtual dodgeball using a head-mounted display. Two avatar perspectives were compared during each session of gameplay. A first-person perspective was created by placing the center of the displayed content at the bridge of the participant?s nose, while a third-person perspective was created by placing the camera view at the participant?s eye level but set 1 m behind the participant avatar. During gameplay, virtual dodgeballs were launched at a consistent velocity of 30 m/s to one of nine locations determined by a combination of three different intended impact heights and three different directions (left, center, or right) based on subject anthropometrics. Joint kinematics and angular excursions of the ankles, knees, hips, lumbar spine, elbows, and shoulders were assessed. Results: The change in joint excursions from initial posture to the interception of the virtual dodgeball were averaged across trials. Separate repeated-measures ANOVAs revealed greater excursions of the ankle (P=.010), knee (P=.001), hip (P=.0014), spine (P=.001), and shoulder (P=.001) joints while playing virtual dodgeball in the first versus third-person perspective. Aligning with the expectations, there was a significant effect of impact height on joint excursions. Conclusions: As clinicians develop treatment strategies in virtual reality to shape motion in orthopedic populations, it is important to be aware that changes in avatar perspective can significantly influence motor behavior. These data are important for the development of virtual reality assessment and treatment tools that are becoming increasingly practical for home and clinic-based rehabilitation. UR - http://games.jmir.org/2020/3/e18888/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/18888 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32812885 ID - info:doi/10.2196/18888 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Abdi, Sarah AU - de Witte, Luc AU - Hawley, Mark PY - 2020/8/11 TI - Emerging Technologies With Potential Care and Support Applications for Older People: Review of Gray Literature JO - JMIR Aging SP - e17286 VL - 3 IS - 2 KW - artificial intelligence KW - internet of things KW - mobile phone KW - robotics KW - emerging technologies KW - older people KW - care and support N2 - Background: The number of older people with unmet care and support needs is increasing substantially due to the challenges facing the formal and informal care systems. Emerging technological developments have the potential to address some of the care and support challenges of older people. However, limited work has been done to identify emerging technological developments with the potential to meet the care and support needs of the aging population. Objective: This review aimed to gain an overview of emerging technologies with potential care and support applications for older people, particularly for those living at home. Methods: A scoping gray literature review was carried out by using the databases of 13 key organizations, hand searching reference lists of included documents, using funding data, and consulting technology experts. A narrative synthesis approach was used to analyze and summarize the findings of the literature review. Results: A total of 39 documents were included in the final analysis. From the analysis, 8 emerging technologies were identified that could potentially be used to meet older people?s needs in various care and support domains. These emerging technologies were (1) assistive autonomous robots; (2) self-driving vehicles; (3) artificial intelligence?enabled health smart apps and wearables; (4) new drug release mechanisms; (5) portable diagnostics; (6) voice-activated devices; (7) virtual, augmented, and mixed reality; and (8) intelligent homes. These emerging technologies were at different levels of development, with some being trialed for care applications, whereas others being in the early phases of development. However, only a few documents mentioned including older people during the process of designing and developing these technologies. Conclusions: This review has identified key emerging technologies with the potential to contribute to the support and care needs of older people. However, to increase the adoption of these technologies by older people, there is a need to involve them and other stakeholders, such as formal and informal carers, in the process of designing and developing these technologies. UR - http://aging.jmir.org/2020/2/e17286/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/17286 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32780020 ID - info:doi/10.2196/17286 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Hennessy, White Rebecca AU - Rumble, Deanna AU - Christian, Mike AU - Brown, A. David AU - Trost, Zina PY - 2020/8/10 TI - A Graded Exposure, Locomotion-Enabled Virtual Reality App During Walking and Reaching for Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain: Cohort Gaming Design JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e17799 VL - 8 IS - 3 KW - virtual reality KW - chronic low back pain KW - walking KW - rehabilitation KW - virtual reality exposure therapy N2 - Background: Chronic low back pain (cLBP) can interfere with daily activities, and individuals with elevated pain-related fear (also known as kinesiophobia or the fear of injury due to movement) can develop worse long-term disability. Graded exposure (GEXP) protocols use successive participation in avoided activities to help individuals overcome fearful movement appraisals and encourage activity. We sought to develop a series of GEXP virtual reality (VR) walking and reaching scenarios to increase the exposure and engagement of people with high kinesiophobia and cLBP. Objective: This study aims to (1) determine GEXP content validity of the VR application and (2) determine the feasibility of individuals with cLBP performing locomotion-enabled physical activities. Methods: We recruited 13 individuals with cLBP and high pain-related fear to experience six VR modules, which provide progressive movement exposure over three sessions in a 1 week period. At session 1, participants ranked each module by likelihood to avoid and assigned an expected pain and concern for harming their back rating to each module. Participants provided a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) after experiencing each module. To test feasibility, we administered the system usability scale (SUS) and treatment evaluation inventory (TEI) following the final session. In addition, we measured pain and pain-related fear at baseline and follow-up. Results: The 12 participants who completed the study period assigned higher avoidance (P=.002), expected pain (P=.002), and expected concern (P=.002) for session 3 modules compared with session 1 modules. RPE significantly increased from session 1 (mean 14.8, SD 2.3) to session 3 (mean 16.8, SD 2.2; P=.009). The VR application showed positive feasibility for individuals with cLBP through acceptable SUS (mean 76.7, SD 13.0) and TEI (mean 32.5, SD 4.9) scores. Neither pain (P=.20) nor pain-related fear (P=.58) changed significantly across sessions. Conclusions: The GEXP VR modules provided progressive exposure to physical challenges, and participants found the VR application acceptable and usable as a potential treatment option. Furthermore, the lack of significant change for pain and pain-related fear reflects that participants were able to complete the modules safely. UR - http://games.jmir.org/2020/3/e17799/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/17799 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32773381 ID - info:doi/10.2196/17799 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Tong, Xin AU - Gromala, Diane AU - Kiaei Ziabari, Pegah Seyedeh AU - Shaw, D. Christopher PY - 2020/8/7 TI - Designing a Virtual Reality Game for Promoting Empathy Toward Patients With Chronic Pain: Feasibility and Usability Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e17354 VL - 8 IS - 3 KW - virtual reality KW - serious games KW - empathy KW - chronic pain KW - game design N2 - Background: Many researchers have been evaluating how digital media may impact the emotional and perspective taking aspects of empathy in both clinical and nonclinical settings. Despite the growing interest in using virtual reality (VR) and VR games to motivate empathy, few studies have focused on empathy for people who live with chronic pain. Objective: Chronic pain affects, by conservative estimates, 1 in 5 people in industrialized countries. Despite this prevalence, public awareness of chronic pain was remarkably low until the recent opioid crisis; as a result, stigma remains a problem frequently faced by people who live with this condition. To address this, the VR game AS IF was developed to increase nonpatients? empathy toward the growing number of people who live with long-term chronic pain. On the basis of our prior work, we overhauled our approach, designed and built a VR prototype and evaluated it, and offered design suggestions for future research. Methods: We introduced the design features of the VR game AS IF and described the study we devised to evaluate its effectiveness. We adopted a mixed methods approach and compared the empathy-related outcomes in both pre- and posttesting. A total of 19 participants were recruited. Results: The findings of this study suggest that the VR game was effective in improving implicit and explicit empathy as well as its emotional and perspective taking aspects. More specifically, for the Empathy Scale, the total pretest scores (mean 47.33, SD 4.24) and posttest scores (mean 59.22, SD 4.33) did not reach statistical significance (P=.08). However, we did find differences in the subscales. The kindness subscale showed a statistically significant increase in the posttest score (mean 15.61, SD 2.85) compared with the pretest score (mean 17.06, SD 2.65;P=.001). For the Willingness to Help Scale, a significant increase was observed from a t test analysis (P<.001) of scores before (mean 7.17, SD 2.28) and after (mean 8.33, SD 2.03) the gameplay. The effect size for this analysis was large (d=?1.063). Conclusions: The contributions of this research are as follows: AS IF provides a promising approach for designing VR games to motivate people?s empathy toward patients with chronic pain, the study evaluates the potential effectiveness of such a VR approach, and the general design suggestions devised from this study could shed light on future VR game systems. UR - http://games.jmir.org/2020/3/e17354/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/17354 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32763883 ID - info:doi/10.2196/17354 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Andrade Ferreira, Duarte Luis AU - Ferreira, Henrique AU - Cavaco, Sofia AU - Cameirão, Mónica AU - i Badia, Bermúdez Sergi PY - 2020/8/5 TI - User Experience of Interactive Technologies for People With Dementia: Comparative Observational Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e17565 VL - 8 IS - 3 KW - dementia KW - technology KW - interaction KW - psychomotor performance KW - equipment safety KW - costs and cost analysis KW - user-computer interface N2 - Background: Serious games (SGs) are used as complementary approaches to stimulate patients with dementia. However, many of the SGs use out-of-the-shelf technologies that may not always be suitable for such populations, as they can lead to negative behaviors, such as anxiety, fatigue, and even cybersickness. Objective: This study aims to evaluate how patients with dementia interact and accept 5 out-of-the-shelf technologies while completing 10 virtual reality tasks. Methods: A total of 12 participants diagnosed with dementia (mean age 75.08 [SD 8.07] years, mean Mini-Mental State Examination score 17.33 [SD 5.79], and mean schooling 5.55 [SD 3.30]) at a health care center in Portugal were invited to participate in this study. A within-subject experimental design was used to allow all participants to interact with all technologies, such as HTC VIVE, head-mounted display (HMD), tablet, mouse, augmented reality (AR), leap motion (LM), and a combination of HMD with LM. Participants? performance was quantified through behavioral and verbal responses, which were captured through video recordings and written notes. Results: The findings of this study revealed that the user experience using technology was dependent on the patient profile; the patients had a better user experience when they use technologies with direct interaction configuration as opposed to indirect interaction configuration in terms of assistance required (P=.01) and comprehension (P=.01); the participants did not trigger any emotional responses when using any of the technologies; the participants? performance was task-dependent; the most cost-effective technology was the mouse, whereas the least cost-effective was AR; and all the technologies, except for one (HMD with LM), were not exposed to external hazards. Conclusions: Most participants were able to perform tasks using out-of-the-shelf technologies. However, there is no perfect technology, as they are not explicitly designed to address the needs and skills of people with dementia. Here, we propose a set of guidelines that aim to help health professionals and engineers maximize user experience when using such technologies for the population with dementia. UR - http://games.jmir.org/2020/3/e17565/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/17565 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32755894 ID - info:doi/10.2196/17565 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Goldenhersch, Emilio AU - Thrul, Johannes AU - Ungaretti, Joaquín AU - Rosencovich, Nicolas AU - Waitman, Cristian AU - Ceberio, Rodriguez Marcelo PY - 2020/7/29 TI - Virtual Reality Smartphone-Based Intervention for Smoking Cessation: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial on Initial Clinical Efficacy and Adherence JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e17571 VL - 22 IS - 7 KW - smoking cessation KW - nicotine dependence KW - craving KW - virtual reality KW - mindfulness KW - digital therapy KW - mHealth KW - mobile phone N2 - Background: Obstacles to current tobacco cessation programs include limited access and adherence to effective interventions. Digital interventions offer a great opportunity to overcome these difficulties, yet virtual reality has not been used as a remote and self-administered tool to help increase adherence and effectiveness of digital interventions for tobacco cessation. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate participant adherence and smoking cessation outcomes in a pilot randomized controlled trial of the digital intervention Mindcotine (MindCotine Inc) using a self-administered treatment of virtual reality combined with mindfulness. Methods: A sample of 120 participants was recruited in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina (mean age 43.20 years, SD 9.50; 57/120, 47.5% female). Participants were randomly assigned to a treatment group (TG), which received a self-assisted 21-day program based on virtual reality mindful exposure therapy (VR-MET) sessions, daily surveys, and online peer-to-peer support moderated by psychologists, or a control group (CG), which received the online version of the smoking cessation manual from the Argentine Ministry of Health. Follow-up assessments were conducted by online surveys at postintervention and 90-day follow-up. The primary outcome was self-reported abstinence at postintervention, with missing data assumed as still smoking. Secondary outcomes included sustained abstinence at 90-day follow-up, adherence to the program, and readiness to quit. Results: Follow-up rates at day 1 were 93% (56/60) for the TG and 100% (60/60) for the CG. At postintervention, the TG reported 23% (14/60) abstinence on that day compared with 5% (3/60) in the CG. This difference was statistically significant (?21=8.3; P=.004). The TG reported sustained abstinence of 33% (20/60) at 90 days. Since only 20% (12/60) of participants in the CG completed the 90-day follow-up, we did not conduct a statistical comparison between groups at this follow-up time point. Among participants still smoking at postintervention, the TG was significantly more ready to quit compared to the CG (TG: mean 7.71, SD 0.13; CG: mean 7.16, SD 0.13; P=.005). A total of 41% (23/56) of participants completed the treatment in the time frame recommended by the program. Conclusions: Results provide initial support for participant adherence to and efficacy of Mindcotine and warrant testing the intervention in a fully powered randomized trial. However, feasibility of trial follow-up assessment procedures for control group participants needs to be improved. Further research is needed on the impact of VR-MET on long-term outcomes. Trial Registration: ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN50586181; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN50586181 UR - http://www.jmir.org/2020/7/e17571/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/17571 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32723722 ID - info:doi/10.2196/17571 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Xu, Wenge AU - Liang, Hai-Ning AU - He, Qiuyu AU - Li, Xiang AU - Yu, Kangyou AU - Chen, Yuzheng PY - 2020/7/27 TI - Results and Guidelines From a Repeated-Measures Design Experiment Comparing Standing and Seated Full-Body Gesture-Based Immersive Virtual Reality Exergames: Within-Subjects Evaluation JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e17972 VL - 8 IS - 3 KW - exergames KW - immersive virtual reality KW - standing exergame KW - seated exergame KW - exercising N2 - Background: Although full-body seated exercises have been studied in a wide range of settings (ie, homes, hospitals, and daycare centers), they have rarely been converted to seated exergames. In addition, there is an increasing number of studies on immersive virtual reality (iVR) full-body gesture-based standing exergames, but the suitability and usefulness of seated exergames remain largely unexplored. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the difference between playing a full-body gesture-based iVR standing exergame and seated exergame in terms of gameplay performance, intrinsic motivation, and motion sickness. Methods: A total of 52 participants completed the experiment. The order of the game mode (standing and sitting) was counterbalanced. Gameplay performance was evaluated by action or gesture completion time and the number of missed gestures. Exertion was measured by the average heart rate (HR) percentage (AvgHR%), increased HR%, calories burned, and the Borg 6-20 questionnaire. Intrinsic motivation was assessed with the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI), whereas motion sickness was assessed via the Motion Sickness Assessment Questionnaire (MSAQ). In addition, we measured the fear of falling using a 10-point Likert scale questionnaire. Results: Players missed more gestures in the seated exergame than in the standing exergame, but the overall miss rate was low (2.3/120, 1.9%). The analysis yielded significantly higher AvgHR%, increased HR%, calories burned, and Borg 6-20 rating of perceived exertion values for the seated exergame (all P<.001). The seated exergame was rated significantly higher on peripheral sickness (P=.02) and sopite-related sickness (MSAQ) (P=.004) than the standing exergame. The score of the subscale ?value/usefulness? from IMI was reported to be higher for the seated exergame than the standing exergame. There was no significant difference between the seated exergame and standing exergame in terms of intrinsic motivation (interest/enjoyment, P=.96; perceived competence, P=.26; pressure/tension, P=.42) and the fear of falling (P=.25). Conclusions: Seated iVR full-body gesture-based exergames can be valuable complements to standing exergames. Seated exergames have the potential to lead to higher exertion, provide higher value to players, and be more applicable in small spaces compared with standing exergames. However, gestures for seated exergames need to be designed carefully to minimize motion sickness, and more time should be given to users to perform gestures in seated exergames compared with standing exergames. UR - http://games.jmir.org/2020/3/e17972/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/17972 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32716004 ID - info:doi/10.2196/17972 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Cheng, Ya-Wen Vivian AU - Huang, Chiu-Mieh AU - Liao, Jung-Yu AU - Hsu, Hsiao-Pei AU - Wang, Shih-Wen AU - Huang, Su-Fei AU - Guo, Jong-Long PY - 2020/7/23 TI - Combination of 3-Dimensional Virtual Reality and Hands-On Aromatherapy in Improving Institutionalized Older Adults? Psychological Health: Quasi-Experimental Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e17096 VL - 22 IS - 7 KW - three-dimensional KW - virtual reality KW - aromatherapy KW - older adult KW - happiness KW - stress KW - sleep quality KW - meditation KW - life satisfaction N2 - Background: In Taiwan, which has one of the most rapidly aging populations in the world, it is becoming increasingly critical to promote successful aging strategies that are effective, easily usable, and acceptable to institutionalized older adults. Although many practitioners and professionals have explored aromatherapy and identified its psychological benefits, the effectiveness of combining 3-dimensional (3D) virtual reality and hands-on aromatherapy remains unknown. Objective: A quasi-experimental trial was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of this combination in lowering perceived stress and promoting happiness, sleep quality, meditation experience, and life satisfaction among institutionalized older adults in Taiwan. Methods: A total of 60 institutionalized elderly participants either received the combined intervention or were in a control group. Weekly 2-hour sessions were implemented over 9 weeks. The outcome variables were happiness, perceived stress, sleep quality, meditation experience, and life satisfaction, which were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Results: Generalized estimating equation (GEE) analyses indicated that the experimental group showed significant post-intervention improvements in terms of scores for happiness, perceived stress, sleep quality, meditation experience, and life satisfaction (n=48; all P<.001). Another GEE analysis showed that the significant improvements in the 5 outcome variables persisted in participants aged 80 years and older (n=35; all P<.001). Conclusions: This is the first trial to explore the effectiveness of a combination of 3D virtual reality and hands-on aromatherapy in improving older adults? psychological health. The results are promising for the promotion of psychological health in institutionalized older adults. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04324216; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04324216. UR - http://www.jmir.org/2020/7/e17096/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/17096 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32706660 ID - info:doi/10.2196/17096 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ahmadpour, Naseem AU - Weatherall, David Andrew AU - Menezes, Minal AU - Yoo, Soojeong AU - Hong, Hanyang AU - Wong, Gail PY - 2020/7/17 TI - Synthesizing Multiple Stakeholder Perspectives on Using Virtual Reality to Improve the Periprocedural Experience in Children and Adolescents: Survey Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e19752 VL - 22 IS - 7 KW - virtual reality KW - periprocedural anxiety KW - children KW - adolescents KW - stakeholder perspective KW - design KW - VR KW - pediatrics KW - patient experience KW - app KW - eHealth N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) technology is a powerful tool for augmenting patient experience in pediatric settings. Incorporating the needs and values of stakeholders in the design of VR apps in health care can contribute to better outcomes and meaningful experiences for patients. Objective: We used a multiperspective approach to investigate how VR apps can be designed to improve the periprocedural experiences of children and adolescents, particularly those with severe anxiety. Methods: This study included a focus group (n=4) and a survey (n=56) of clinicians. Semistructured interviews were conducted with children and adolescents in an immunization clinic (n=3) and perioperative setting (n=65) and with parents and carers in an immunization clinic (n=3) and perioperative setting (n=35). Results: Qualitative data were examined to determine the experience and psychological needs and intervention and design strategies that may contribute to better experiences for children in three age groups (4-7, 8-11, and 12-17 years). Quantitative data were used to identify areas of priority for future VR interventions. Conclusions: We propose a set of ten design considerations for the creation of future VR experiences for pediatric patients. Enhancing patient experience may be achieved by combining multiple VR solutions through a holistic approach considering the roles of clinicians and carers and the temporality of the patient?s experience. These situations require personalized solutions to fulfill the needs of pediatric patients before and during the medical procedure. In particular, communication should be placed at the center of preprocedure solutions, while emotional goals can be embedded into a procedure-focused VR app to help patients shift their focus in a meaningful way to build skills to manage their anxiety. UR - http://www.jmir.org/2020/7/e19752/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/19752 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32706671 ID - info:doi/10.2196/19752 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Saredakis, Dimitrios AU - Keage, AD Hannah AU - Corlis, Megan AU - Loetscher, Tobias PY - 2020/6/26 TI - Using Virtual Reality to Improve Apathy in Residential Aged Care: Mixed Methods Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e17632 VL - 22 IS - 6 KW - reminiscence KW - head-mounted display KW - apathy KW - cognitive aging KW - dementia KW - residential facilities KW - virtual reality N2 - Background: Apathy is a common symptom in neurological disorders, including dementia, and is associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline, reduced quality of life, and high caregiver burden. There is a lack of effective pharmacological treatments for apathy, and nonpharmacological interventions are a preferred first-line approach to treatment. Virtual reality (VR) using head-mounted displays (HMDs) is being successfully used in exposure- and distraction-based therapies; however, there is limited research on using HMDs for symptoms of neurological disorders. Objective: This feasibility study aimed to assess whether VR using HMDs could be used to deliver tailored reminiscence therapy and examine the willingness to participate, response rates to measures, time taken to create tailored content, and technical problems. In addition, this study aimed to explore the immediate effects between verbal fluency and apathy after exposure to VR. Methods: A mixed methods study was conducted in a sample of older adults residing in aged care, and 17 participants were recruited. Apathy was measured using the Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES), and verbal fluency was used as a proxy measure of improvements in apathy and debriefing interviews to assess feedback from participants. Side effects that can occur from using HMDs were also measured. Results: We recruited participants from a high socioeconomic status setting with a high education level, and the participation rate was 85% (17/20); most responses to measures were positive. Access to a wide range of freely available content and the absence of technical difficulties made the delivery of a VR reminiscence intervention highly feasible. Participants had improved semantic scores (t14=?3.27; P=.006) but not phonemic fluency scores (t14=0.55; P=.59) immediately after the intervention. Those with higher levels of apathy demonstrated the greatest cognitive improvements after a VR reminiscence experience, which was indicated by a strong positive relationship between the AES and semantic verbal fluency change scores postminus pre-VR (r=0.719; 95% CI 0.327 to 0.900; P=.003). All participants enjoyed the experience despite 35% (6/17) of participants experiencing temporary side effects. Conclusions: This study provides initial evidence that it is feasible to use VR with HMDs for therapy to treat symptoms of apathy in older adults in residential aged care. However, there is a need to closely monitor the side effects of HMD use in older adults. Further research is needed using an active control group to compare the use of VR with traditional forms of reminiscence therapy. UR - http://www.jmir.org/2020/6/e17632/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/17632 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32469314 ID - info:doi/10.2196/17632 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Grethlein, David AU - Winston, Koplin Flaura AU - Walshe, Elizabeth AU - Tanner, Sean AU - Kandadai, Venk AU - Ontañón, Santiago PY - 2020/6/18 TI - Simulator Pre-Screening of Underprepared Drivers Prior to Licensing On-Road Examination: Clustering of Virtual Driving Test Time Series Data JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e13995 VL - 22 IS - 6 KW - simulated driving assessment KW - on-road exam KW - machine learning KW - adolescent KW - child KW - support vector machines KW - humans KW - accidents, traffic KW - cause of death KW - licensure KW - automobile driving KW - motor vehicle KW - motor vehicles N2 - Background: A large Midwestern state commissioned a virtual driving test (VDT) to assess driving skills preparedness before the on-road examination (ORE). Since July 2017, a pilot deployment of the VDT in state licensing centers (VDT pilot) has collected both VDT and ORE data from new license applicants with the aim of creating a scoring algorithm that could predict those who were underprepared. Objective: Leveraging data collected from the VDT pilot, this study aimed to develop and conduct an initial evaluation of a novel machine learning (ML)?based classifier using limited domain knowledge and minimal feature engineering to reliably predict applicant pass/fail on the ORE. Such methods, if proven useful, could be applicable to the classification of other time series data collected within medical and other settings. Methods: We analyzed an initial dataset that comprised 4308 drivers who completed both the VDT and the ORE, in which 1096 (25.4%) drivers went on to fail the ORE. We studied 2 different approaches to constructing feature sets to use as input to ML algorithms: the standard method of reducing the time series data to a set of manually defined variables that summarize driving behavior and a novel approach using time series clustering. We then fed these representations into different ML algorithms to compare their ability to predict a driver?s ORE outcome (pass/fail). Results: The new method using time series clustering performed similarly compared with the standard method in terms of overall accuracy for predicting pass or fail outcome (76.1% vs 76.2%) and area under the curve (0.656 vs 0.682). However, the time series clustering slightly outperformed the standard method in differentially predicting failure on the ORE. The novel clustering method yielded a risk ratio for failure of 3.07 (95% CI 2.75-3.43), whereas the standard variables method yielded a risk ratio for failure of 2.68 (95% CI 2.41-2.99). In addition, the time series clustering method with logistic regression produced the lowest ratio of false alarms (those who were predicted to fail but went on to pass the ORE; 27.2%). Conclusions: Our results provide initial evidence that the clustering method is useful for feature construction in classification tasks involving time series data when resources are limited to create multiple, domain-relevant variables. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2020/6/e13995 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/13995 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32554384 ID - info:doi/10.2196/13995 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Krohn, Stephan AU - Tromp, Johanne AU - Quinque, M. Eva AU - Belger, Julia AU - Klotzsche, Felix AU - Rekers, Sophia AU - Chojecki, Paul AU - de Mooij, Jeroen AU - Akbal, Mert AU - McCall, Cade AU - Villringer, Arno AU - Gaebler, Michael AU - Finke, Carsten AU - Thöne-Otto, Angelika PY - 2020/4/27 TI - Multidimensional Evaluation of Virtual Reality Paradigms in Clinical Neuropsychology: Application of the VR-Check Framework JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e16724 VL - 22 IS - 4 KW - virtual reality KW - neuropsychology KW - cognition KW - research design UR - https://www.jmir.org/2020/4/e16724 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/16724 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32338614 ID - info:doi/10.2196/16724 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Brown, Theresa AU - Nauman Vogel, Emily AU - Adler, Sarah AU - Bohon, Cara AU - Bullock, Kim AU - Nameth, Katherine AU - Riva, Giuseppe AU - Safer, L. Debra AU - Runfola, D. Cristin PY - 2020/4/23 TI - Bringing Virtual Reality From Clinical Trials to Clinical Practice for the Treatment of Eating Disorders: An Example Using Virtual Reality Cue Exposure Therapy JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e16386 VL - 22 IS - 4 KW - virtual reality KW - exposure therapy KW - eating disorders KW - translational research KW - technological innovation UR - http://www.jmir.org/2020/4/e16386/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/16386 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32324145 ID - info:doi/10.2196/16386 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Liaw, Ying Sok AU - Ooi, Win Sim AU - Rusli, Bin Khairul Dzakirin AU - Lau, Ching Tang AU - Tam, San Wilson Wai AU - Chua, Ling Wei PY - 2020/4/8 TI - Nurse-Physician Communication Team Training in Virtual Reality Versus Live Simulations: Randomized Controlled Trial on Team Communication and Teamwork Attitudes JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e17279 VL - 22 IS - 4 KW - interprofessional education KW - team training KW - nurse-physician communication KW - virtual reality KW - simulation N2 - Background: Interprofessional team training is needed to improve nurse-physician communication skills that are lacking in clinical practice. Using simulations has proven to be an effective learning approach for team training. Yet, it has logistical constraints that call for the exploration of virtual environments in delivering team training. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate a team training program using virtual reality vs conventional live simulations on medical and nursing students? communication skill performances and teamwork attitudes. Methods: In June 2018, the authors implemented nurse-physician communication team training using communication tools. A randomized controlled trial study was conducted with 120 undergraduate medical and nursing students who were randomly assigned to undertake team training using virtual reality or live simulations. The participants from both groups were tested on their communication performances through team-based simulation assessments. Their teamwork attitudes were evaluated using interprofessional attitude surveys that were administered before, immediately after, and 2 months after the study interventions. Results: The team-based simulation assessment revealed no significant differences in the communication performance posttest scores (P=.29) between the virtual and simulation groups. Both groups reported significant increases in the interprofessional attitudes posttest scores from the baseline scores, with no significant differences found between the groups over the 3 time points. Conclusions: Our study outcomes did not show an inferiority of team training using virtual reality when compared with live simulations, which supports the potential use of virtual reality to substitute conventional simulations for communication team training. Future studies can leverage the use of artificial intelligence technology in virtual reality to replace costly human-controlled facilitators to achieve better scalability and sustainability of team-based training in interprofessional education. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04330924; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04330924 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2020/4/e17279 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/17279 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32267235 ID - info:doi/10.2196/17279 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Miloff, Alexander AU - Carlbring, Per AU - Hamilton, William AU - Andersson, Gerhard AU - Reuterskiöld, Lena AU - Lindner, Philip PY - 2020/3/24 TI - Measuring Alliance Toward Embodied Virtual Therapists in the Era of Automated Treatments With the Virtual Therapist Alliance Scale (VTAS): Development and Psychometric Evaluation JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e16660 VL - 22 IS - 3 KW - alliance KW - virtual reality KW - exposure therapy KW - automated treatment KW - psychometric KW - embodiment KW - virtual therapist KW - virtual coach KW - avatar KW - usability KW - presence KW - empathy N2 - Background: Automated virtual reality exposure therapies (VRETs) are self-help treatments conducted by oneself and supported by a virtual therapist embodied visually and/or with audio feedback. This simulates many of the nonspecific relational elements and common factors present in face-to-face therapy and may be a means of improving adherence to and efficacy of self-guided treatments. However, little is known about alliance toward the virtual therapist, despite alliance being an important predictor of treatment outcome. Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the first alliance instrument developed for use with embodied virtual therapists in an automated treatment format?the Virtual Therapist Alliance Scale (VTAS)?by (1) assessing its psychometric properties, (2) verifying the dimensionality of the scale, and (3) determining the predictive ability of the scale with treatment outcome. Methods: A psychometric evaluation and exploratory factor analysis of the VTAS was conducted using data from two samples of spider-fearful patients treated with VRET and the help of an embodied, voice-based virtual therapist (n=70). Multiple regression models and bivariate correlations were used to assess the VTAS relationship with treatment outcome, according to self-reported fear and convergence with presence and user-friendliness process measures. Results: The VTAS showed a sound two-factor solution composed of a primary factor covering task, goal, and copresence; adequate internal consistency; and good convergent validity, including moderate correlation (r=.310, P=.01) with outcomes over follow-up. Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that alliance toward a virtual therapist is a significant predictor of treatment outcome, favors the importance of a task-goal over bond-factor, and should be explored in studies with larger sample sizes and in additional forms of embodiment. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2020/3/e16660 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/16660 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32207690 ID - info:doi/10.2196/16660 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Bossenbroek, Rineke AU - Wols, Aniek AU - Weerdmeester, Joanneke AU - Lichtwarck-Aschoff, Anna AU - Granic, Isabela AU - van Rooij, W. Marieke M. J. PY - 2020/3/24 TI - Efficacy of a Virtual Reality Biofeedback Game (DEEP) to Reduce Anxiety and Disruptive Classroom Behavior: Single-Case Study JO - JMIR Ment Health SP - e16066 VL - 7 IS - 3 KW - anxiety KW - disruptive behavior KW - single-case study KW - applied game KW - serious games KW - special education KW - attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) KW - autism spectrum disorder (ASD) KW - adolescents N2 - Background: Many adolescents in special education are affected by anxiety in addition to their behavioral problems. Anxiety leads to substantial long-term problems and may underlie disruptive behaviors in the classroom as a result of the individual?s inability to tolerate anxiety-provoking situations. Thus, interventions in special needs schools that help adolescents cope with anxiety and, in turn, diminish disruptive classroom behaviors are needed. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a virtual reality biofeedback game, DEEP, on daily levels of state-anxiety and disruptive classroom behavior in a clinical sample. In addition, the study also aimed to examine the duration of the calm or relaxed state after playing DEEP. Methods: A total of 8 adolescents attending a special secondary school for students with behavioral and psychiatric problems participated in a single-case experimental ABAB study. Over a 4-week period, participants completed 6 DEEP sessions. In addition, momentary assessments (ie, 3 times a day) of self-reported state-anxiety and teacher-reported classroom behavior were collected throughout all A and B phases. Results: From analyzing the individual profiles, it was found that 6 participants showed reductions in anxiety, and 5 participants showed reductions in disruptive classroom behaviors after the introduction of DEEP. On a group level, results showed a small but significant reduction of anxiety (d=?0.29) and a small, nonsignificant reduction of disruptive classroom behavior (d=?0.16) on days when participants played DEEP. Moreover, it was found that the calm or relaxed state of participants after playing DEEP lasted for about 2 hours on average. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the potential of the game, DEEP, as an intervention for anxiety and disruptive classroom behavior in a special school setting. Future research is needed to fully optimize and personalize DEEP as an intervention for the heterogeneous special school population. UR - http://mental.jmir.org/2020/3/e16066/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/16066 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32207697 ID - info:doi/10.2196/16066 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Seabrook, Elizabeth AU - Kelly, Ryan AU - Foley, Fiona AU - Theiler, Stephen AU - Thomas, Neil AU - Wadley, Greg AU - Nedeljkovic, Maja PY - 2020/3/18 TI - Understanding How Virtual Reality Can Support Mindfulness Practice: Mixed Methods Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e16106 VL - 22 IS - 3 KW - virtual reality KW - mindfulness KW - emotion KW - pilot projects KW - acceptability KW - evaluation N2 - Background: Regular mindfulness practice has been demonstrated to be beneficial for mental health, but mindfulness can be challenging to adopt, with environmental and personal distractors often cited as challenges. Virtual reality (VR) may address these challenges by providing an immersive environment for practicing mindfulness and by supporting the user to orient attention to the present moment within a tailored virtual setting. However, there is currently a limited understanding of the ways in which VR can support or hinder mindfulness practice. Such an understanding is required to design effective VR apps while ensuring that VR-supported mindfulness is acceptable to end users. Objective: This study aimed to explore how VR can support mindfulness practice and to understand user experience issues that may affect the acceptability and efficacy of VR mindfulness for users in the general population. Methods: A sample of 37 participants from the general population trialed a VR mindfulness app in a controlled laboratory setting. The VR app presented users with an omnidirectional video of a peaceful forest environment with a guided mindfulness voiceover that was delivered by a male narrator. Scores on the State Mindfulness Scale, Simulator Sickness Questionnaire, and single-item measures of positive and negative emotion and arousal were measured pre- and post-VR for all participants. Qualitative feedback was collected through interviews with a subset of 19 participants. The interviews sought to understand the user experience of mindfulness practice in VR. Results: State mindfulness (P<.001; Cohen d=1.80) and positive affect (P=.006; r=.45) significantly increased after using the VR mindfulness app. No notable changes in negative emotion, subjective arousal, or symptoms of simulator sickness were observed across the sample. Participants described the user experience as relaxing, calming, and peaceful. Participants suggested that the use of VR helped them to focus on the present moment by using visual and auditory elements of VR as attentional anchors. The sense of presence in the virtual environment (VE) was identified by participants as being helpful to practicing mindfulness. Interruptions to presence acted as distractors. Some uncomfortable experiences were discussed, primarily in relation to video fidelity and the weight of the VR headset, although these were infrequent and minor. Conclusions: This study suggests that an appropriately designed VR app can support mindfulness practice by enhancing state mindfulness and inducing positive affect. VR may help address the challenges of practicing mindfulness by creating a sense of presence in a tailored VE; by allowing users to attend to visual and auditory anchors of their choice; and by reducing the scope of the content in users? mind-wandering. VR has the unique capability to combine guided mindfulness practice with tailored VEs that lend themselves to support individuals to focus attention on the present moment. UR - http://www.jmir.org/2020/3/e16106/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/16106 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32186519 ID - info:doi/10.2196/16106 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Katz, Daniel AU - Shah, Ronak AU - Kim, Elizabeth AU - Park, Chang AU - Shah, Anjan AU - Levine, Adam AU - Burnett, Garrett PY - 2020/3/12 TI - Utilization of a Voice-Based Virtual Reality Advanced Cardiac Life Support Team Leader Refresher: Prospective Observational Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e17425 VL - 22 IS - 3 KW - video game KW - experimental game KW - virtual reality KW - advanced cardiac life support N2 - Background: The incidence of cardiac arrests per year in the United States continues to increase, yet in-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates significantly vary between hospitals. Current methods of training are expensive, time consuming, and difficult to scale, which necessitates improvements in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) training. Virtual reality (VR) has been proposed as an alternative or adjunct to high-fidelity simulation (HFS) in several environments. No evaluations to date have explored the ability of a VR program to examine both technical and behavioral skills and demonstrate a cost comparison. Objective: This study aimed to explore the utility of a voice-based VR ACLS team leader refresher as compared with HFS. Methods: This prospective observational study performed at an academic institution consisted of 25 postgraduate year 2 residents. Participants were randomized to HFS or VR training and then crossed groups after a 2-week washout. Participants were graded on technical and nontechnical skills. Participants also completed self-assessments about the modules. Proctors were assessed for fatigue and task saturation, and cost analysis based on local economic data was performed. Results: A total of 23 of 25 participants were included in the scoring analysis. Fewer participants were familiar with VR compared with HFS (9/25, 36% vs 25/25, 100%; P<.001). Self-reported satisfaction and utilization scores were similar; however, significantly more participants felt HFS provided better feedback: 99 (IQR 89-100) vs 79 (IQR 71-88); P<.001. Technical scores were higher in the HFS group; however, nontechnical scores for decision making and communication were not significantly different between modalities. VR sessions were 21 (IQR 19-24) min shorter than HFS sessions, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration task load index scores for proctors were lower in each category, and VR sessions were estimated to be US $103.68 less expensive in a single-learner, single-session model. Conclusions: Utilization of a VR-based team leader refresher for ACLS skills is comparable with HFS in several areas, including learner satisfaction. The VR module was more cost-effective and was easier to proctor; however, HFS was better at delivering feedback to participants. Optimal education strategies likely contain elements of both modalities. Further studies are needed to examine the utility of VR-based environments at scale. UR - http://www.jmir.org/2020/3/e17425/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/17425 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32163038 ID - info:doi/10.2196/17425 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ahmadpour, Naseem AU - Keep, Melanie AU - Janssen, Anna AU - Rouf, Saiyara Anika AU - Marthick, Michael PY - 2020/1/31 TI - Design Strategies for Virtual Reality Interventions for Managing Pain and Anxiety in Children and Adolescents: Scoping Review JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e14565 VL - 8 IS - 1 KW - virtual reality KW - distraction KW - pain KW - anxiety KW - children KW - adolescents KW - design N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) technology has been explored in the health sector as a novel tool for supporting treatment side effects, including managing pain and anxiety. VR has recently become more available with the launch of low-cost devices and apps. Objective: This study aimed to provide an updated review of the research into VR use for pain and anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing medical procedures. Specifically, we wanted to gain an understanding of the techniques and goals used in selecting or designing VR apps in this context. Methods: We performed a scoping review. To identify relevant studies, we searched three electronic databases. Two authors screened the titles and abstracts for relevance and eligibility criteria. Results: Overall, 1386 articles published between 2013 and 2018 were identified. In total 18 articles were included in the review, with 7 reporting significant reduction in pediatric pain or anxiety, 3 testing but finding no significant impact of the VR apps employed, and the rest not conducting any test of significance. We identified 9 articles that were based on VR apps specifically designed and tailored for pediatric patients. The findings were analyzed to develop a holistic model and describe the product, experience, and intervention aspects that need to be considered in designing such medical VR apps. Conclusions: VR has been demonstrated to be a viable choice for managing pain and anxiety in a range of medical treatments. However, commercial products lack diversity and meaningful design strategies are limited beyond distraction techniques. We propose future VR interventions to explore skill-building goals in apps characterized by dynamic feedback to the patient and experiential and product qualities that enable them to be an active participant in managing their own care. To achieve this, design must be part of the development. UR - http://games.jmir.org/2020/1/e14565/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/14565 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32012042 ID - info:doi/10.2196/14565 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Fowler, A. Christopher AU - Ballistrea, M. Lisa AU - Mazzone, E. Kerry AU - Martin, M. Aaron AU - Kaplan, Howard AU - Kip, E. Kevin AU - Ralston, Katherine AU - Murphy, L. Jennifer AU - Winkler, L. Sandra PY - 2019/10/30 TI - Virtual Reality as a Therapy Adjunct for Fear of Movement in Veterans With Chronic Pain: Single-Arm Feasibility Study JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e11266 VL - 3 IS - 4 KW - chronic pain KW - virtual reality KW - Veterans KW - pain management KW - rehabilitation KW - fear of movement KW - kinesiophobia KW - exposure therapy KW - distraction therapy N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) has demonstrated efficacy for distraction from pain-related thoughts and exposure to feared movements. Little empirical VR research has focused on chronic pain management. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of VR as an adjunctive intervention for Veterans with chronic pain. We designed a hierarchy ranging from low-intensity pain distraction to high-intensity movement-based exposure for this purpose. VR apps were mapped onto the hierarchy. Methods: Sixteen Veterans receiving inpatient chronic pain rehabilitation participated in daily VR sessions over a 3-week period. Trajectories across the distraction-to-exposure hierarchy and Veteran-reported intensity ratings were described and evaluated over time. Minimum clinically important differences (MCIDs), pre-post effect sizes, and 95% confidence intervals were examined for fear of movement using the Fear of Daily Activities Questionnaire (FDAQ) and Pain Outcomes Questionnaire-VA (POQ-VA; fear scale). This approach was applied to secondary outcomes: POQ-VA (pain intensity, interference, negative affect), Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and Patient-Specific Functioning Scale (PSFS). Session attendance, completion, and VR experiences were described. Results: Ten of 14 Veterans (71%) who participated in three or more VR sessions completed the distraction-to-exposure hierarchy. Only three trajectories emerged more than once. Due to high completion rates, Veterans that completed the hierarchy could self-select nonhierarchy apps. Veterans rated all hierarchy levels (low, medium, high) near medium intensity. Self-selected activities were rated as high intensity. For kinesiophobia, six Veterans (38%) exceeded the MCID on the FDAQ and a small effect size improvement was observed (Cohen d=?0.35). The confidence interval (95% CI ?0.71 to 0.01) indicated the possibility of a null effect. The POQ-VA fear scale yielded no effect (Cohen d=0.06, 95% CI ?0.43 to 0.54). For secondary outcomes, Veterans exceeding MCID were calculated with complete data: pain intensity (1/15, 7%), pain catastrophizing (5/14, 36%), and patient-specific functioning (10/15, 67%). Effect sizes were large for patient-specific functioning (Cohen d=1.14, 95% CI 0.50-1.78), medium for mobility interference (Cohen d=?0.56, 95% CI ?0.96 to ?0.16), and small for pain intensity (Cohen d=?0.40, 95% CI ?0.69 to ?0.12) and catastrophizing (Cohen d=?0.41, 95% CI ?0.79 to ?0.02). No effects were observed for interference in daily activities (Cohen d=0.10, 95% CI ?0.27 to 0.47) and negative affect (Cohen d=0.07, 95% CI ?0.26 to 0.40). Veterans attended 85.2% (98/108) of VR sessions and completed 95% (93/96) of sessions attended. Twenty-minute sessions were rated as too short. No significant adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Findings support the feasibility of VR as an adjunct for Veterans with chronic pain. However, the hierarchy will require modification, as evidenced by homogeneous intensity ratings. Veteran-selected activities presented the highest intensity ratings, largest outcome effect size (PSFS), and MCID. This highlights the important role of utilizing Veteran stakeholders in hierarchy modification, design of VR interventions, and outcome selection. UR - http://formative.jmir.org/2019/4/e11266/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/11266 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31670696 ID - info:doi/10.2196/11266 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Shorey, Shefaly AU - Ang, Emily AU - Yap, John AU - Ng, Debby Esperanza AU - Lau, Tiang Siew AU - Chui, Kong Chee PY - 2019/10/29 TI - A Virtual Counseling Application Using Artificial Intelligence for Communication Skills Training in Nursing Education: Development Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e14658 VL - 21 IS - 10 KW - artificial intelligence KW - communication KW - learning KW - nursing education KW - patients KW - technology KW - virtual reality N2 - Background: The ability of nursing undergraduates to communicate effectively with health care providers, patients, and their family members is crucial to their nursing professions as these can affect patient outcomes. However, the traditional use of didactic lectures for communication skills training is ineffective, and the use of standardized patients is not time- or cost-effective. Given the abilities of virtual patients (VPs) to simulate interactive and authentic clinical scenarios in secured environments with unlimited training attempts, a virtual counseling application is an ideal platform for nursing students to hone their communication skills before their clinical postings. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and test the use of VPs to better prepare nursing undergraduates for communicating with real-life patients, their family members, and other health care professionals during their clinical postings. Methods: The stages of the creation of VPs included preparation, design, and development, followed by a testing phase before the official implementation. An initial voice chatbot was trained using a natural language processing engine, Google Cloud?s Dialogflow, and was later visualized into a three-dimensional (3D) avatar form using Unity 3D. Results: The VPs included four case scenarios that were congruent with the nursing undergraduates? semesters? learning objectives: (1) assessing the pain experienced by a pregnant woman, (2) taking the history of a depressed patient, (3) escalating a bleeding episode of a postoperative patient to a physician, and (4) showing empathy to a stressed-out fellow final-year nursing student. Challenges arose in terms of content development, technological limitations, and expectations management, which can be resolved by contingency planning, open communication, constant program updates, refinement, and training. Conclusions: The creation of VPs to assist in nursing students? communication skills training may provide authentic learning environments that enhance students? perceived self-efficacy and confidence in effective communication skills. However, given the infancy stage of this project, further refinement and constant enhancements are needed to train the VPs to simulate real-life conversations before the official implementation. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2019/10/e14658 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/14658 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31663857 ID - info:doi/10.2196/14658 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Dutra, McCarl Lauren AU - Nonnemaker, James AU - Bradfield, Brian AU - Taylor, Nathaniel AU - Guillory, Jamie AU - Feld, Ashley AU - Kim, Annice PY - 2019/10/23 TI - Antismoking Advertisements and Price Promotions and Their Association With the Urge to Smoke and Purchases in a Virtual Convenience Store: Randomized Experiment JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e14143 VL - 21 IS - 10 KW - cigarette smoking KW - advertisement KW - craving KW - tobacco products KW - commerce KW - consumer behavior N2 - Background: Point of sale (POS) advertising is associated with smoking initiation, current smoking, and relapse among former smokers. Price promotion bans and antismoking advertisements (ads) are 2 possible interventions for combating POS advertising. Objective: The purpose of this analysis was to determine the influence of antismoking ads and promotions on urges to smoke and tobacco purchases. Methods: This analysis examined exposure to graphic (graphic images depicting physical consequences of tobacco use) and supportive (pictures of and supportive messages from former smokers) antismoking ads and promotions in a virtual convenience store as predictors of urge to smoke and buying tobacco products among 1200 current cigarette smokers and 800 recent quitters recruited via a Web-based panel (analytical n=1970). We constructed linear regression models for urge to smoke and logistic regression models for the odds of purchasing tobacco products, stratified by smoking status. Results: The only significant finding was a significant negative relationship between exposure to supportive antismoking ads and urge to smoke among current smokers (beta coefficient=?5.04, 95% CI ?9.85 to ?0.22; P=.04). There was no significant relationship between graphic antismoking ads and urge to smoke among current smokers (coefficient=?3.77, 95% CI ?8.56 to 1.02; P=.12). Neither relationship was significant for recent quitters (graphic: coefficient=?3.42, 95% CI ?8.65 to 1.81; P=.15 or supportive: coefficient=?3.82, 95% CI ?8.99 to 1.36; P=.20). There were no significant differences in urge to smoke by exposure to promotions for current smokers (coefficient=?1.06, 95% CI ?4.53 to 2.41; P=.55) or recent quitters (coefficient=1.76, 95% CI ?2.07 to 5.59; P=.37). There were also no differences in tobacco purchases by exposure to graphic (current smokers: coefficient=0.93, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.29; P=.66 and recent quitters: coefficient=0.73, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.19; P=.20) or supportive (current smokers: coefficient=1.05, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.46; P=.78 and recent quitters: coefficient=0.73, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.18; P=.20) antismoking ads or price promotions (current smokers: coefficient=1.09, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.38; P=.49 and recent quitters: coefficient=0.90, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.31; P=.60). Conclusions: The results of this analysis support future research on the ability of supportive antismoking ads to reduce urges to smoke among current cigarette smokers. Research on urges to smoke has important tobacco control implications, given the relationship between urge to smoke and smoking cigarettes, time to next smoke, and amount smoked. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2019/10/e14143 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/14143 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31647468 ID - info:doi/10.2196/14143 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ravindran, Vijay AU - Osgood, Monica AU - Sazawal, Vibha AU - Solorzano, Rita AU - Turnacioglu, Sinan PY - 2019/9/30 TI - Virtual Reality Support for Joint Attention Using the Floreo Joint Attention Module: Usability and Feasibility Pilot Study JO - JMIR Pediatr Parent SP - e14429 VL - 2 IS - 2 KW - autism spectrum disorder KW - interpersonal skills KW - virtual reality, instructional N2 - Background: Advances in virtual reality (VR) technology offer new opportunities to design supports for the core behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that promote progress toward optimal outcomes. Floreo has developed a novel mobile VR platform that pairs a user receiving instruction on target skills with an adult monitor. Objective: The primary objective of this pilot study was to explore the feasibility of using Floreo?s Joint Attention Module in school-aged children with autism in a special education setting. A secondary objective was to explore a novel joint attention measure designed for use with school-aged children and to observe whether there was a suggestion of change in joint attention skills from preintervention to postintervention. Methods: A total of 12 participants (age range: 9 to 16 years) received training with the Joint Attention Module for 14 sessions over 5 weeks. Results: No serious side effects were reported, and no participants dropped out of the study because of undesirable side effects. On the basis of monitor data, 95.4% (126/132) of the time participants tolerated the headset, 95.4% (126/132) of the time participants seemed to enjoy using Floreo?s platform, and 95.5% (128/134) of the time the VR experience was reported as valuable. In addition, scoring of the joint attention measure suggested a positive change in participant skills related to the total number of interactions, use of eye contact, and initiation of interactions. Conclusions: The study results suggest that Floreo?s Joint Attention Module is safe and well tolerated by students with ASD, and preliminary data also suggest that its use is related to improvements in fundamental joint attention skills. UR - http://pediatrics.jmir.org/2019/2/e14429/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/14429 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31573921 ID - info:doi/10.2196/14429 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Slattery, W. Brian AU - Haugh, Stephanie AU - O'Connor, Laura AU - Francis, Kady AU - Dwyer, P. Christopher AU - O'Higgins, Siobhán AU - Egan, Jonathan AU - McGuire, E. Brian PY - 2019/07/17 TI - An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Modalities Used to Deliver Electronic Health Interventions for Chronic Pain: Systematic Review With Network Meta-Analysis JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e11086 VL - 21 IS - 7 KW - eHealth KW - mHealth KW - digital health KW - Virtual Reality KW - chronic pain KW - systematic review KW - network meta-analysis N2 - Background: Electronic health (eHealth) is the use of information and communication technology in the context of health care and health research. Recently, there has been a rise in the number of eHealth modalities and the frequency with which they are used to deliver technology-assisted self-management interventions for people living with chronic pain. However, there has been little or no research directly comparing these eHealth modalities. Objective: The aim of this systematic review with a network meta-analysis (NMA) is to compare the effectiveness of eHealth modalities in the context of chronic pain. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (N>20 per arm) that investigated interventions for adults with chronic pain, delivered via an eHealth modality, were included. Included studies were categorized into their primary node of delivery. Data were extracted on the primary outcome, pain interference, and secondary outcomes, pain severity, psychological distress, and health-related quality of life. Pairwise meta-analyses were undertaken where possible, and an NMA was conducted to generate indirect comparisons and rankings of modalities for reducing pain interference. Results: The search returned 18,470 studies with 18,349 being excluded (duplicates=2310; title and abstract=16,039). Of the remaining papers, 30 studies with 5394 randomized participants were included in the review. Rankings tentatively indicated that modern eHealth modalities are the most effective, with a 43% chance that mobile apps delivered the most effective interventions, followed by a 34% chance that interventions delivered via virtual reality were the most effective. Conclusions: This systematic review with an NMA generated comparisons between eHealth modalities previously not compared to determine which delivered the most effective interventions for the reduction of pain interference in chronic pain patients. There are limitations with this review, in particular, the underrepresented nature of some eHealth modalities included in the analysis. However, in the event that the review is regularly updated, a clear ranking of eHealth modalities for the reduction of pain interference will emerge. UR - https://www.jmir.org/2019/7/e11086/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/11086 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31317869 ID - info:doi/10.2196/11086 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Schleider, Lee Jessica AU - Mullarkey, C. Michael AU - Weisz, R. John PY - 2019/07/09 TI - Virtual Reality and Web-Based Growth Mindset Interventions for Adolescent Depression: Protocol for a Three-Arm Randomized Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e13368 VL - 8 IS - 7 KW - mental health KW - depression KW - virtual reality KW - adolescence KW - ehealth N2 - Background: Depression is the leading cause of disability in youth, with a global economic burden of US >$210 billion annually. However, up to 70% of youth with depression do not receive services. Even among those who do access treatment, 30% to 65% fail to respond and many dropout prematurely, demonstrating a need for more potent, accessible interventions. In a previous trial, a single-session Web-based growth mindset (GM) intervention significantly reduced depressive symptoms in high-symptom adolescents; however, this intervention did not benefit adolescents uniformly. For instance, the intervention reduced depression in adolescents who reported post intervention increases in perceived control, but it did not lead to significant depression reductions in adolescents who reported no significant post intervention increases in perceived control. Objective: The goal of this project is to test the acceptability and efficacy of a novel, single-session, virtual reality (VR) depression intervention?the VR Personality Project?teaching GM, the belief that personal attributes are malleable rather than fixed. The VR Personality Project was designed to systematically target and increase adolescents? perceived control by offering a more immersive, engaging, user-directed intervention experience than the Web-based intervention can provide. By targeting an identified predictor of intervention response, the VR Personality Project may lead to larger reductions in depressive symptoms than existing Web-based mindset interventions. Methods: Adolescents with elevated depressive symptoms or a recent history of depression (N=159; ages 12 to 16 years) will be randomized to one of 3 intervention conditions: the VR Personality Project; the Web-based GM intervention tested previously; or an active, Web-based control. Adolescents and their parents will report on the adolescents? depression symptoms, perceived control, and related domains of functioning at preintervention, postintervention, and at 3- and 9-month follow-up assessments. Results: We predict that the VR and Web-based mindset interventions will both lead to larger reductions in adolescent symptoms than the control intervention. Additionally, we predict that the VR-based single session intervention will lead to larger reductions in depression than the online mindset intervention and that these symptom reductions will be mediated by increases in adolescents? perceived control from pre- to postintervention. Conclusions: The results may suggest an efficient strategy for reducing adolescent depressive symptoms: One that is mechanism-targeted, relatively affordable (less than US $200 for a commercially available VR headset, a fraction of the cost of long-term psychotherapy) and potentially engaging to adolescents experiencing mood-related distress. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT0385881; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03858881 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/78C3roDgA). International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/13368 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2019/7/e13368/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/13368 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31290406 ID - info:doi/10.2196/13368 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Hu, Xiao-Su AU - Nascimento, D. Thiago AU - Bender, C. Mary AU - Hall, Theodore AU - Petty, Sean AU - O?Malley, Stephanie AU - Ellwood, P. Roger AU - Kaciroti, Niko AU - Maslowski, Eric AU - DaSilva, F. Alexandre PY - 2019/06/28 TI - Feasibility of a Real-Time Clinical Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence Framework for Pain Detection and Localization From the Brain JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e13594 VL - 21 IS - 6 KW - pain KW - spectroscopy, near-infrared KW - virtual reality KW - artificial intelligence N2 - Background: For many years, clinicians have been seeking for objective pain assessment solutions via neuroimaging techniques, focusing on the brain to detect human pain. Unfortunately, most of those techniques are not applicable in the clinical environment or lack accuracy. Objective: This study aimed to test the feasibility of a mobile neuroimaging-based clinical augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) framework, CLARAi, for objective pain detection and also localization direct from the patient?s brain in real time. Methods: Clinical dental pain was triggered in 21 patients by hypersensitive tooth stimulation with 20 consecutive descending cold stimulations (32°C-0°C). We used a portable optical neuroimaging technology, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, to gauge their cortical activity during evoked acute clinical pain. The data were decoded using a neural network (NN)?based AI algorithm to classify hemodynamic response data into pain and no-pain brain states in real time. We tested the performance of several networks (NN with 7 layers, 6 layers, 5 layers, 3 layers, recurrent NN, and long short-term memory network) upon reorganized data features on pain diction and localization in a simulated real-time environment. In addition, we also tested the feasibility of transmitting the neuroimaging data to an AR device, HoloLens, in the same simulated environment, allowing visualization of the ongoing cortical activity on a 3-dimensional brain template virtually plotted on the patients? head during clinical consult. Results: The artificial neutral network (3-layer NN) achieved an optimal classification accuracy at 80.37% (126,000/156,680) for pain and no pain discrimination, with positive likelihood ratio (PLR) at 2.35. We further explored a 3-class localization task of left/right side pain and no-pain states, and convolutional NN-6 (6-layer NN) achieved highest classification accuracy at 74.23% (1040/1401) with PLR at 2.02. Conclusions: Additional studies are needed to optimize and validate our prototype CLARAi framework for other pains and neurologic disorders. However, we presented an innovative and feasible neuroimaging-based AR/AI concept that can potentially transform the human brain into an objective target to visualize and precisely measure and localize pain in real time where it is most needed: in the doctor?s office. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR1-10.2196/13594 UR - https://www.jmir.org/2019/6/e13594/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/13594 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31254336 ID - info:doi/10.2196/13594 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Liran, Omer AU - Dasher, Robert AU - Kaeochinda, Kevin PY - 2019/06/20 TI - Using Virtual Reality to Improve Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence in the Treatment of HIV: Open-Label Repeated Measure Study JO - Interact J Med Res SP - e13698 VL - 8 IS - 2 KW - HAART KW - technology KW - virtual reality KW - medication adherence KW - viral load KW - education N2 - Background: Nonadherence to HIV medications is a serious unsolved problem and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the HIV-positive population. Although treatment efficacy is high if compliance is greater than 90%, about 40% of people with HIV do not meet this threshold. Objective: This study aimed to test a novel approach to improve medication adherence by using a low-cost virtual reality (VR) experience to educate people with HIV about their illness. We hypothesized that people with HIV would be more likely to be compliant with the treatment following the 7-minute experience and, therefore, should have decreasing viral load (VL), increasing cluster of differentiation 4+ (CD4+) cell counts, and improved self-reported adherence. Methods: We showed the VR experience to 107 participants with HIV at a county hospital in Los Angeles, California. Participants were asked to self-report how often they take their medications on a Likert-scale. The self-reported question (SRQ) was given before and at least 2 weeks after the VR experience. We also compared VL and CD4+ cell counts before and on average 101 days after the experience. VL and CD4+ were obtained per the clinic?s standard care protocol. Two-tailed paired t tests were performed on the initial and follow-up SRQ scores, VL, and CD4+. We restricted the CD4+ analysis to participants who had a pre-CD4+ below normal (defined as 500 cells/mm3). To reduce the possibility that VL were trending down and CD4+ were trending up regardless of the VR experience, 2 serial VL and CD4+ obtained before the experience were also compared and analyzed. Immediately following the VR experience, participants were given a 4-question Likert-type postexperience questionnaire (PEQ) that assessed their opinions about the experience. Results: SRQ scores improved from pre to post experience with high significance (P<.001). VL decreased from pre to post experience by 0.38 log10 copies/mL (95% CI 0.06-0.70; P=.02). In contrast, the 2 serial VL obtained before the experience showed no statistically significant changes. There was also a statistically significant increase in CD4+ (95% CI ?3.4 to ?54.3 cells/mm3; P=.03). Analysis of the PEQ revealed that VR was comfortable for almost all of the participants and that most participants believed the experience to be educational and that it would improve their medication adherence. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the low-cost VR experience caused an increased rate of antiretroviral therapy adherence that resulted in a decrease of VL and an increase of CD4+. Further studies are required to explore the duration of this effect and whether these results are generalizable to other treatment settings and populations. UR - http://www.i-jmr.org/2019/2/e13698/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/13698 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31223117 ID - info:doi/10.2196/13698 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Faric, Nu?a AU - Yorke, Eleanor AU - Varnes, Laura AU - Newby, Katie AU - Potts, WW Henry AU - Smith, Lee AU - Hon, Adrian AU - Steptoe, Andrew AU - Fisher, Abigail PY - 2019/06/17 TI - Younger Adolescents? Perceptions of Physical Activity, Exergaming, and Virtual Reality: Qualitative Intervention Development Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e11960 VL - 7 IS - 2 KW - exercise KW - obesity KW - video games KW - adolescent KW - adolescence KW - sports KW - health KW - leisure activities KW - virtual reality N2 - Background: Novel strategies to promote physical activity (PA) in adolescence are required. The vEngage study aims to test whether a virtual reality (VR) exergaming intervention can engage younger adolescents (aged 13 to 15 years) with PA. Objective: This study aimed to gather adolescents? views of using VR to encourage PA and identify the key features they would like to see in a VR exergaming intervention via interviews. Methods: Participants were recruited through 2 schools in London, United Kingdom. Semistructured interviews were conducted with adolescents about their views on PA and what might work to increase PA, technology, knowledge and experience of VR, and desired features in a VR exergaming intervention. Data were analyzed using Framework Analysis. Results: A total of 31 participants aged between 13 and 15 years (58% female, 62% from nonwhite ethnicities) participated in this interview study. The vast majority had no awareness of government PA recommendations but felt they should be more thoroughly informed. All participants were positive about the use of VR in PA promotion. Rewards, increasing challenges, and a social or multiplayer aspect were identified by participants as crucial aspects to include in a VR exercise game. Barriers were related to cost of high-end systems. Being able to exercise at home was very appealing. VR exergaming was viewed as a way to overcome multiple perceived social and cultural barriers to PA, particularly for girls. Conclusions: Key elements that should be incorporated into a VR game for health intervention were identified and described. These also included the use of rewards, novelty and enjoyment in immersive game play, multiplayer options, and real-world elements, as well as continual updates and new challenge levels. The use of VR to promote PA in adolescents is promising, but some barriers were raised. UR - http://games.jmir.org/2019/2/e11960/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/11960 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31210135 ID - info:doi/10.2196/11960 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ose, Osborg Solveig AU - Færevik, Hilde AU - Kaasbøll, Jannike AU - Lindgren, Martin AU - Thaulow, Kristin AU - Antonsen, Stig AU - Burkeland, Olav PY - 2019/6/10 TI - Exploring the Potential for Use of Virtual Reality Technology in the Treatment of Severe Mental Illness Among Adults in Mid-Norway: Collaborative Research Between Clinicians and Researchers JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e13633 VL - 3 IS - 2 KW - virtual reality KW - severe mental illness KW - collaborative research KW - technology KW - social work N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) technology is not currently used in the treatment of severe mental health illness in Norway. Objective: We aimed to explore the potential of VR as a treatment for severe mental health illness in Norway, through collaborative research between clinicians and researchers. Methods: A collaborative research team was established, comprising researchers, the manager at a district psychiatric center, and the manager of the local municipal mental health service. An all-day workshop with eight clinicians?four from specialist mental health services and four from municipal mental health services?was conducted. The clinicians watched three different VR movies and after each one, they answered predefined questions designed to reflect their immediate thoughts about VR?s potential use in clinical practice. At the end of the workshop, two focus group interviews, each with four clinicians from each service level, were conducted. Results: VR technology in specialist services might be a new tool for the treatment of severe mental health illness. In municipal mental health services, VR might particularly be useful in systematic social training that would otherwise take a very long time to complete. Conclusions: We found substantial potential for the use of VR in the treatment of severe mental health illness in specialist and municipal mental health services. One of the uses of VR technology with the greatest potential was helping individuals who had isolated themselves and needed training in social skills and everyday activity to enable them to have more active social lives. VR could also be used to simulate severe mental illness to provide a better understanding of how the person with severe mental illness experiences their situation. UR - http://formative.jmir.org/2019/2/e13633/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/13633 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31199315 ID - info:doi/10.2196/13633 ER - @Article{info:doi/10.2196/11517, author="Otkhmezuri, Boris and Boffo, Marilisa and Siriaraya, Panote and Matsangidou, Maria and Wiers, W. Reinout and Mackintosh, Bundy and Ang, Siang Chee and Salemink, Elske", title="Believing Is Seeing: A Proof-of-Concept Semiexperimental Study on Using Mobile Virtual Reality to Boost the Effects of Interpretation Bias Modification for Anxiety", journal="JMIR Ment Health", year="2019", month="Feb", day="21", volume="6", number="2", pages="e11517", keywords="anxiety", keywords="emotional reactivity", keywords="interpretation bias", keywords="cognitive bias modification", keywords="virtual reality", keywords="head mounted display", keywords="immersion", keywords="presence", abstract="Background: Cognitive Bias Modification of Interpretations (CBM-I) is a computerized intervention designed to change negatively biased interpretations of ambiguous information, which underlie and reinforce anxiety. The repetitive and monotonous features of CBM-I can negatively impact training adherence and learning processes. Objective: This proof-of-concept study aimed to examine whether performing a CBM-I training using mobile virtual reality technology (virtual reality Cognitive Bias Modification of Interpretations [VR-CBM-I]) improves training experience and effectiveness. Methods: A total of 42 students high in trait anxiety completed 1 session of either VR-CBM-I or standard CBM-I training for performance anxiety. Participants' feelings of immersion and presence, emotional reactivity to a stressor, and changes in interpretation bias and state anxiety, were assessed. Results: The VR-CBM-I resulted in greater feelings of presence (P<.001, d=1.47) and immersion (P<.001, $\eta$p2=0.74) in the training scenarios and outperformed the standard training in effects on state anxiety (P<.001, $\eta$p2=0.3) and emotional reactivity to a stressor (P=.03, $\eta$p2=0.12). Both training varieties successfully increased the endorsement of positive interpretations (P<.001, drepeated measures [drm]=0.79) and decreased negative ones. (P<.001, drm=0.72). In addition, changes in the emotional outcomes were correlated with greater feelings of immersion and presence. Conclusions: This study provided first evidence that (1) the putative working principles underlying CBM-I trainings can be translated into a virtual environment and (2) virtual reality holds promise as a tool to boost the effects of CMB-I training for highly anxious individuals while increasing users' experience with the training application. ", doi="10.2196/11517", url="http://mental.jmir.org/2019/2/e11517/", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30789353" } TY - JOUR AU - Said Yekta-Michael, Sareh AU - Schüppen, André AU - Gaebler, Johannes Arnim AU - Ellrich, Jens AU - Koten, Willem Jan PY - 2019/01/23 TI - Expertise Modulates Students? Perception of Pain From a Self-Perspective: Quasi-Experimental Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e10885 VL - 21 IS - 1 KW - medical education KW - virtual reality KW - questionnaires KW - physician N2 - Background: Perception of stimuli presented in a virtual dentistry environment affects regions of the brain that are related to pain perception. Objective: We investigated whether neural correlates of virtual pain perception are affected by education in dentistry. Methods: In this functional magnetic resonance imaging study, a sample of 20 dental students and 20 age-matched controls viewed and listened to video clips presenting a dental treatment from the first?person perspective. An anxiety questionnaire was used to assess the level of dental anxiety. Neural correlates of pain perception were investigated through classic general linear model analysis and in-house classification methods. Results: Dental students and naïve controls exhibited similar anxiety levels for invasive stimuli. Invasive dentistry scenes evoked a less affective component of pain in dental students compared with naïve controls (P<.001). Reduced affective pain perception went along with suppressed brain activity in pain matrix regions including the insula, anterior cingulate cortex, and basal ganglia. Furthermore, a substantial reduction of brain activity was observed in motor-related regions, particularly the supplementary motor area, premotor cortex, and basal ganglia. Within this context, a classifier analysis based on neural activity in the nucleus lentiformis could identify dental students and controls on the individual subject level in 85% of the cases (34 out of 40 participants, sensitivity=90%, specificity=80%). Conclusions: Virtual dental treatment activates pain-related brain regions in controls. By contrast, dental students suppress affective and motor-related aspects of pain. We speculate that dental students learn to control motoric aspects of pain perception during their education because it is a prerequisite for the professional manual treatment of patients. We discuss that a specific set of learning mechanisms might affect perceived self-efficacy of dental students, which in turn might reduce their affective component of pain perception. UR - http://www.jmir.org/2019/1/e10885/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/10885 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30674449 ID - info:doi/10.2196/10885 ER - TY - JOUR AU - McNish, Nicole Reika AU - Chembrammel, Pramod AU - Speidel, Christopher Nathaniel AU - Lin, Jwchun Julian AU - López-Ortiz, Citlali PY - 2019/01/14 TI - Rehabilitation for Children With Dystonic Cerebral Palsy Using Haptic Feedback in Virtual Reality: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e11470 VL - 8 IS - 1 KW - cerebral palsy KW - child KW - dystonia KW - motor skills KW - muscle spasticity KW - randomized controlled trial KW - rehabilitation KW - robotics KW - sensory feedback KW - virtual reality N2 - Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common developmental motor disorder in children. Individuals with CP demonstrate abnormal muscle tone and motor control. Within the population of children with CP, between 4% and 17% present dystonic symptoms that may manifest as large errors in movement tasks, high variability in movement trajectories, and undesired movements at rest. These symptoms of dystonia typically worsen with physical intervention exercises. Objective: The aim of this study is to establish the effect of haptic feedback in a virtual reality (VR) game intervention on movement outcomes of children with dystonic CP. Methods: The protocol describes a randomized controlled trial that uses a VR game-based intervention incorporating fully automated robotic haptic feedback. The study consists of face-to-face assessments of movement before, after, and 1 month following the completion of the 6-session game-based intervention. Children with dystonic CP, aged between 7 and 17 years, will be recruited for this study through posted fliers and laboratory websites along with a group of typically developing (TD) children in the same age range. We anticipate to recruit a total of 68 participants, 34 each with CP and TD. Both groups of children will be randomly allocated into an intervention or control group using a blocked randomization method. The primary outcome measure will be the smoothness index of the interaction force with the robot and of the accelerometry signals of sensors placed on the upper limb segments. Secondary outcomes include a battery of clinical tests and a quantitative measure of spasticity. Assessors administering clinical measures will be blinded. All sessions will be administered on-site by research personnel. Results: The trial has not started and is pending local institutional review board approval. Conclusions: Movement outcomes will be examined for changes in muscle activation and clinical measures in children with dystonic CP and TD children. Paired t tests will be conducted on movement outcomes for both groups of children independently. Positive and negative results will be reported and addressed. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03744884; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03744884 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/74RSvmbZP) International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/11470 UR - https://www.researchprotocols.org/2019/1/e11470/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/11470 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31344678 ID - info:doi/10.2196/11470 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Dunn, Amy AU - Patterson, Jeremy AU - Biega, F. Charmaine AU - Grishchenko, Alice AU - Luna, John AU - Stanek, R. Joseph AU - Strouse, Robert PY - 2019/01/09 TI - A Novel Clinician-Orchestrated Virtual Reality Platform for Distraction During Pediatric Intravenous Procedures in Children With Hemophilia: Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e10902 VL - 7 IS - 1 KW - anxiety KW - distraction KW - hemophilia KW - intravenous KW - mobile phone KW - needle KW - pediatric KW - virtual reality N2 - Background: Needles are frequently required for routine medical procedures. Children with severe hemophilia require intensive intravenous (IV) therapy to treat and prevent life-threatening bleeding and undergo hundreds of IV procedures. Fear of needle-related procedures may lead to avoidance of future health care and poor clinical outcomes. Virtual reality (VR) is a promising distraction technique during procedures, but barriers to commercially available VR platforms for pediatric health care purposes have prevented widespread use. Objective: We hypothesized that we could create a VR platform that would be used for pediatric hemophilia care, allow clinician orchestration, and be safe and feasible to use for distraction during IV procedures performed as part of complex health care. Methods: We created a VR platform comprising wireless, adjustable, disposable headsets and a suite of remotely orchestrated VR games. The platform was customized for a pediatric hemophilia population that required hands-free navigation to allow access to a child?s hands or arms for procedures. A hemophilia nurse observing the procedure performed orchestration. The primary endpoint of the trial was safety. Preliminary feasibility and usability of the platform were assessed in a single-center, randomized clinical trial from June to December 2016. Participants were children with hemophilia aged 6-18 years. After obtaining informed consent, 25 patients were enrolled and randomized. Each subject, 1 caregiver, and 1 hemophilia nurse orchestrator assessed the degree of preprocedural nervousness or anxiety with an anchored, combined modified visual analog (VAS)/FACES scale. Each participant then underwent a timed IV procedure with either VR or standard of care (SOC) distraction. Each rater assessed the distraction methods using the VAS/FACES scale at the completion of the IV procedure, with questions targeting usability, engagement, impact on procedural anxiety, impact on procedural pain, and likability of the distraction technique. Participants, caregivers, and nurses also rated how much they would like to use VR for future procedures. To compare the length of procedure time between the groups, Mann-Whitney test was used. Results: Of the 25 enrolled children, 24 were included in the primary analysis. No safety concerns or VR sickness occurred. The median procedure time was 10 (range 1-31) minutes in the VR group and was comparable to 9 (range 3-20) minutes in the SOC group (P=.76). Patients in both the groups reported a positive influence of distraction on procedural anxiety and pain. Overall, in 80% (34/45) of the VR evaluations, children, caregivers, and nurses reported that they would like to use VR for future procedures. Conclusions: We demonstrated that an orchestrated, VR environment could be developed and safely used during pediatric hemophilia care for distraction during IV interventions. This platform has the potential to improve patient experience during medical procedures. Trial Registration: Clinical Trials.gov NCT03507582; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03507582 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/73G75upA3) UR - https://games.jmir.org/2019/1/e10902/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/10902 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30626567 ID - info:doi/10.2196/10902 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Bakker, Aafke AU - Janssen, Lindy AU - Noordam, Cees PY - 2018/12/13 TI - Home to Hospital Live Streaming With Virtual Reality Goggles: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Experiences of Hospitalized Children JO - JMIR Pediatr Parent SP - e10 VL - 1 IS - 2 KW - experiences KW - hospitalization KW - mobile phone KW - livestream KW - pediatrics KW - qualitative analysis KW - videoconferencing KW - virtual reality N2 - Background: Being separated from home and relatives is a major stressor for children and adolescents when hospitalized. Children long for a manner to be distracted, pleasured, and socially connected during hospitalization. Different technological devices have been applied in health care to answer those needs. Both virtual reality (VR) and videoconferencing have proven their value in hospital wards and pediatrics. VisitU combines these 2 technologies innovatively. VisitU is a recently launched VR product enabling users to be virtually at home during hospitalization. Objective: This study aims to explore the experiences of hospitalized patients with the VR intervention of VisitU in addition to standard care. Methods: Over a 3-month period, a purposive sample of 10 patients hospitalized in the Radboudumc Amalia Children?s Hospital was included in this qualitative study. Semistructured interviews were performed, one before and one after the use of the VR device. Patients were asked open-ended questions concerning their experiences with VisitU on practical, cognitive, emotional, and social domains. The interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. Atlas.ti was used to support the qualitative analysis. Furthermore, the inductive thematic analysis was done according to the 6-step procedure described by Braun and Clarke. Results: The following 6 main themes were the result of the qualitative analysis: ?Being hospitalized,? ?Expectations of VisitU,? ?VisitU in use,? ?VisitU, the benefits,? ?The impact of VisitU,? and ?Barriers when using VisitU.? The way VisitU was used by patients varied. The main benefits of VisitU were being somewhere else, being at home, and facilitating social connection. Limitations were experienced on the technical abilities, physical side effects, and complexity of use. Despite that, patients were positive about VisitU and unanimous in the view that they would like to use it again and advise other patients to use it. Conclusions: This study shows the positive experiences of pediatric patients with VR live streaming. VisitU brings together the needs of patients and possibilities of VR and videoconferencing; it offers patients a way out of the hospital. Nevertheless, practical and technical obstacles must be overcome and side effects are an area of further research. UR - http://pediatrics.jmir.org/2018/2/e10/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/pediatrics.9576 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31518293 ID - info:doi/10.2196/pediatrics.9576 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Oing, Theodore AU - Prescott, Julie PY - 2018/11/07 TI - Implementations of Virtual Reality for Anxiety-Related Disorders: Systematic Review JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e10965 VL - 6 IS - 4 KW - virtual reality KW - virtual reality exposure therapy KW - phobic disorders KW - anxiety disorders N2 - Background: Although traditional forms of therapy for anxiety-related disorders (eg, cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT) have been effective, there have been long-standing issues with these therapies that largely center around the costs and risks associated with the components comprising the therapeutic process. To treat certain types of specific phobias, sessions may need to be held in public, therefore risking patient confidentiality and the occurrence of uncontrollable circumstances (eg, weather and bystander behavior) or additional expenses such as travel to reach a destination. To address these issues, past studies have implemented virtual reality (VR) technologies for virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) to provide an immersive, interactive experience that can be conducted privately and inexpensively. The versatility of VR allows various environments and scenarios to be generated while giving therapists control over variables that would otherwise be impossible in a natural setting. Although the outcomes from these studies have been generally positive despite the limitations of legacy VR systems, it is necessary to review these studies to identify how modern VR systems can and should improve to treat disorders in which anxiety is a key symptom, including specific phobias, posttraumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and paranoid ideations. Objective: The aim of this review was to establish the efficacy of VR-based treatment for anxiety-related disorders as well as to outline how modern VR systems need to address the shortcomings of legacy VR systems. Methods: A systematic search was conducted for any VR-related, peer-reviewed articles focused on the treatment or assessment of anxiety-based disorders published before August 31, 2017, within the ProQuest Central, PsycINFO, and PsycARTICLES databases. References from these articles were also evaluated. Results: A total of 49 studies met the inclusion criteria from an initial pool of 2419 studies. These studies were a mix of case studies focused solely on VRET, experimental studies comparing the efficacy of VRET with various forms of CBT (eg, in vivo exposure, imaginal exposure, and exposure group therapy), and studies evaluating the usefulness of VR technology as a diagnostic tool for paranoid ideations. The majority of studies reported positive findings in favor of VRET despite the VR technology?s limitations. Conclusions: Although past studies have demonstrated promising and emerging efficacy for the use of VR as a treatment and diagnostic tool for anxiety-related disorders, it is clear that VR technology as a whole needs to improve to provide a completely immersive and interactive experience that is capable of blurring the lines between the real and virtual world. UR - http://games.jmir.org/2018/4/e10965/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/10965 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30404770 ID - info:doi/10.2196/10965 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Garrett, Bernie AU - Taverner, Tarnia AU - Gromala, Diane AU - Tao, Gordon AU - Cordingley, Elliott AU - Sun, Crystal PY - 2018/10/17 TI - Virtual Reality Clinical Research: Promises and Challenges JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e10839 VL - 6 IS - 4 KW - virtual reality KW - clinical research KW - VR standards KW - VR theory KW - VR immersion KW - VR presence N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) therapy has been explored as a novel therapeutic approach for numerous health applications, in which three-dimensional virtual environments can be explored in real time. Studies have found positive outcomes for patients using VR for clinical conditions such as anxiety disorders, addictions, phobias, posttraumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, stroke rehabilitation, and for pain management. Objective: This work aims to highlight key issues in the implementation of clinical research for VR technologies. Methods: A discussion paper was developed from a narrative review of recent clinical research in the field, and the researchers? own experiences in conducting VR clinical research with chronic pain patients. Results: Some of the key issues in implementing clinical VR research include theoretical immaturity, a lack of technical standards, the problems of separating effects of media versus medium, practical in vivo issues, and costs. Conclusions: Over the last decade, some significant successes have been claimed for the use of VR. Nevertheless, the implementation of clinical VR research outside of the laboratory presents substantial clinical challenges. It is argued that careful attention to addressing these issues in research design and pilot studies are needed in order to make clinical VR research more rigorous and improve the clinical significance of findings. UR - http://games.jmir.org/2018/4/e10839/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/10839 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30333096 ID - info:doi/10.2196/10839 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Applegate, E. Megan AU - France, R. Christopher AU - Russ, W. David AU - Leitkam, T. Samuel AU - Thomas, S. James PY - 2018/09/10 TI - Determining Physiological and Psychological Predictors of Time to Task Failure on a Virtual Reality Sørensen Test in Participants With and Without Recurrent Low Back Pain: Exploratory Study JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e10522 VL - 6 IS - 3 KW - fatigue KW - low back pain KW - Sørensen test KW - trunk mass KW - virtual reality N2 - Background: Sørensen trunk extension endurance test performance predicts the development of low back pain and is a strong discriminator of those with and without low back pain. Performance may greatly depend on psychological factors, such as kinesiophobia, self-efficacy, and motivation. Virtual reality video games have been used in people with low back pain to encourage physical activity that would otherwise be avoided out of fear of pain or harm. Accordingly, we developed a virtual reality video game to assess the influence of immersive gaming on the Sørensen test performance. Objective: The objective of our study was to determine the physiological and psychological predictors of time to task failure (TTF) on a virtual reality Sørensen test in participants with and without a history of recurrent low back pain. Methods: We recruited 24 individuals with a history of recurrent low back pain and 24 sex-, age-, and body mass index?matched individuals without a history of low back pain. Participants completed a series of psychological measures, including the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale, Pain Resilience Scale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, and a self-efficacy measure. The maximal isometric strength of trunk and hip extensors and TTF on a virtual reality Sørensen test were measured. Electromyography of the erector spinae, gluteus maximus, and biceps femoris was recorded during the strength and endurance trials. Results: A two-way analysis of variance revealed no significant difference in TTF between groups (P=.99), but there was a trend for longer TTF in females on the virtual reality Sørensen test (P=.06). Linear regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of TTF in each group. In healthy participants, the normalized median power frequency slope of erector spinae (beta=.450, P=.01), biceps femoris (beta=.400, P=.01), and trunk mass (beta=?.32, P=.02) predicted TTF. In participants with recurrent low back pain, trunk mass (beta=?.67, P<.001), Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (beta=?.43, P=.01), and self-efficacy (beta=.35, P=.03) predicted TTF. Conclusions: Trunk mass appears to be a consistent predictor of performance. Kinesiophobia appears to negatively influence TTF for those with a history of recurrent low back pain, but does not influence healthy individuals. Self-efficacy is associated with better performance in individuals with a history of recurrent low back pain, whereas a less steep median power frequency slope of the trunk and hip extensors is associated with better performance in individuals without a history of low back pain. UR - http://games.jmir.org/2018/3/e10522/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/10522 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30201604 ID - info:doi/10.2196/10522 ER - 3/e10522/", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30201604" } TY - JOUR AU - O?Sullivan, Benjamin AU - Alam, Fahad AU - Matava, Clyde PY - 2018/07/16 TI - Creating Low-Cost 360-Degree Virtual Reality Videos for Hospitals: A Technical Paper on the Dos and Don?ts JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e239 VL - 20 IS - 7 KW - 360-degree video KW - VR KW - virtual reality KW - video production KW - anesthetic preparation KW - preoperative anxiety KW - preoperative preparation UR - http://www.jmir.org/2018/7/e239/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/jmir.9596 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30012545 ID - info:doi/10.2196/jmir.9596 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Jerdan, W. Shaun AU - Grindle, Mark AU - van Woerden, C. Hugo AU - Kamel Boulos, N. Maged PY - 2018/07/06 TI - Head-Mounted Virtual Reality and Mental Health: Critical Review of Current Research JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e14 VL - 6 IS - 3 KW - virtual reality KW - well-being KW - behavior change N2 - Background: eHealth interventions are becoming increasingly used in public health, with virtual reality (VR) being one of the most exciting recent developments. VR consists of a three-dimensional, computer-generated environment viewed through a head-mounted display. This medium has provided new possibilities to adapt problematic behaviors that affect mental health. VR is no longer unaffordable for individuals, and with mobile phone technology being able to track movements and project images through mobile head-mounted devices, VR is now a mobile tool that can be used at work, home, or on the move. Objective: In line with recent advances in technology, in this review, we aimed to critically assess the current state of research surrounding mental health. Methods: We compiled a table of 82 studies that made use of head-mounted devices in their interventions. Results: Our review demonstrated that VR is effective in provoking realistic reactions to feared stimuli, particularly for anxiety; moreover, it proved that the immersive nature of VR is an ideal fit for the management of pain. However, the lack of studies surrounding depression and stress highlight the literature gaps that still exist. Conclusions: Virtual environments that promote positive stimuli combined with health knowledge could prove to be a valuable tool for public health and mental health. The current state of research highlights the importance of the nature and content of VR interventions for improved mental health. While future research should look to incorporate more mobile forms of VR, a more rigorous reporting of VR and computer hardware and software may help us understand the relationship (if any) between increased specifications and the efficacy of treatment. UR - http://games.jmir.org/2018/3/e14/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/games.9226 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29980500 ID - info:doi/10.2196/games.9226 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Chon, Seung-Hun AU - Hilgers, Sabrina AU - Timmermann, Ferdinand AU - Dratsch, Thomas AU - Plum, Sven Patrick AU - Berlth, Felix AU - Datta, Rabi AU - Alakus, Hakan AU - Schlößer, Anton Hans AU - Schramm, Christoph AU - Pinto dos Santos, Daniel AU - Bruns, Christiane AU - Kleinert, Robert PY - 2018/07/04 TI - Web-Based Immersive Patient Simulator as a Curricular Tool for Objective Structured Clinical Examination Preparation in Surgery: Development and Evaluation JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e10693 VL - 6 IS - 3 KW - immersive patient simulator KW - simulator-based curriculum KW - Objective Structured Clinical Examination KW - artificial learning interface N2 - Background: Objective Structured Clinical Examination is a standard method of testing declarative and process knowledge in clinical core competencies. It is desirable that students undergo Objective Structured Clinical Examination training before participating in the exam. However, establishing Objective Structured Clinical Examination training is resource intensive and therefore there is often limited practice time. Web-based immersive patient simulators such as ALICE (Artificial Learning Interface of Clinical Education) can possibly fill this gap as they allow for the training of complex medical procedures at the user?s individual pace and with an adaptable number of repetitions at home. ALICE has previously been shown to positively influence knowledge gain and motivation. Objective: Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a Web-based curriculum that teaches declarative and process knowledge and prepares students for a real Objective Structured Clinical Examination station. Furthermore, we wanted to test the influence of ALICE on knowledge gain and student motivation. Methods: A specific curriculum was developed in order to implement the relevant medical content of 2 surgical Objective Structured Clinical Examination stations into the ALICE simulator framework. A total of 160 medical students were included in the study, where 100 students had access to ALICE and their performance was compared to 60 students in a control group. The simulator performance was validated on different levels and students? knowledge gain and motivation were tested at different points during the study. Results: The curriculum was developed according to the Kern cycle. Four virtual clinical cases were implemented with different teaching methods (structured feedback, keynote speech, group discussion, and debriefing by a real instructor) in order to consolidate declarative and process knowledge. Working with ALICE had significant impact on declarative knowledge gain and Objective Structured Clinical Examination performance. Simulator validation was positive for face, content, construct, and predictive validity. Students showed high levels of motivation and enjoyed working with ALICE. Conclusions: ALICE offers Web-based training for Objective Structured Clinical Examination preparation and can be used as a selective didactic intervention as it has positive effect on knowledge gain and student motivation. UR - http://games.jmir.org/2018/3/e10693/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/10693 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29973333 ID - info:doi/10.2196/10693 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Bernard, Florian AU - Lemée, Jean-Michel AU - Aubin, Ghislaine AU - Ter Minassian, Aram AU - Menei, Philippe PY - 2018/06/26 TI - Using a Virtual Reality Social Network During Awake Craniotomy to Map Social Cognition: Prospective Trial JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e10332 VL - 20 IS - 6 KW - virtual reality KW - neurosurgery KW - social cognition KW - awake surgery N2 - Background: In awake craniotomy, it is possible to temporarily inactivate regions of the brain using direct electrical stimulation, while the patient performs neuropsychological tasks. If the patient shows decreased performance in a given task, the neurosurgeon will not remove these regions, so as to maintain all brain functions. Objective: The objective of our study was to describe our experience of using a virtual reality (VR) social network during awake craniotomy and discuss its future applications for perioperative mapping of nonverbal language, empathy, and theory of mind. Methods: This was a single-center, prospective, unblinded trial. During wound closure, different VR experiences with a VR headset were proposed to the patient. This project sought to explore interactions with the neuropsychologist?s avatar in virtual locations using a VR social network as an available experience. Results: Three patients experienced VR. Despite some limitations due to patient positioning during the operation and the limitation of nonverbal cues inherent to the app, the neuropsychologist, as an avatar, could communicate with the patient and explore gesture communication while wearing a VR headset. Conclusions: With some improvements, VR social networks can be used in the near future to map social cognition during awake craniotomy. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03010943; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03010943 (Archived at WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/70CYDil0P) UR - http://www.jmir.org/2018/6/e10332/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/10332 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29945859 ID - info:doi/10.2196/10332 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Clus, Damien AU - Larsen, Erik Mark AU - Lemey, Christophe AU - Berrouiguet, Sofian PY - 2018/04/27 TI - The Use of Virtual Reality in Patients with Eating Disorders: Systematic Review JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e157 VL - 20 IS - 4 KW - virtual reality exposure therapy KW - feeding and eating disorders KW - binge-eating disorder KW - anorexia nervosa KW - bulimia nervosa N2 - Background: Patients with eating disorders are characterized by pathological eating habits and a tendency to overestimate their weight and body shape. Virtual reality shows promise for the evaluation and management of patients with eating disorders. This technology, when accepted by this population, allows immersion in virtual environments, assessment, and therapeutic approaches, by exposing users to high-calorie foods or changes in body shape. Objective: To better understand the value of virtual reality, we conducted a review of the literature, including clinical studies proposing the use of virtual reality for the evaluation and management of patients with eating disorders. Methods: We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science up to April 2017. We created the list of keywords based on two domains: virtual reality and eating disorders. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses to identify, select, and critically appraise relevant research while minimizing bias. Results: The initial database searches identified 311 articles, 149 of which we removed as duplicates. We analyzed the resulting set of 26 unique studies that met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 8 studies were randomized controlled trials, 13 were nonrandomized studies, and 5 were clinical trials with only 1 participant. Most articles focused on clinical populations (19/26, 73%), with the remainder reporting case-control studies (7/26, 27%). Most of the studies used visual immersive equipment (16/26, 62%) with a head-mounted display (15/16, 94%). Two main areas of interest emerged from these studies: virtual work on patients? body image (7/26, 27%) and exposure to virtual food stimuli (10/26, 38%). Conclusions: We conducted a broad analysis of studies on the use of virtual reality in patients with eating disorders. This review of the literature showed that virtual reality is an acceptable and promising therapeutic tool for patients with eating disorders. UR - http://www.jmir.org/2018/4/e157/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/jmir.7898 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29703715 ID - info:doi/10.2196/jmir.7898 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lewinski, A. Allison AU - Anderson, A. Ruth AU - Vorderstrasse, A. Allison AU - Fisher, B. Edwin AU - Pan, Wei AU - Johnson, M. Constance PY - 2018/02/21 TI - Type 2 Diabetes Education and Support in a Virtual Environment: A Secondary Analysis of Synchronously Exchanged Social Interaction and Support JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e61 VL - 20 IS - 2 KW - type 2 diabetes KW - social interaction KW - self-management KW - virtual reality KW - social support N2 - Background: Virtual environments (VEs) facilitate interaction and support among individuals with chronic illness, yet the characteristics of these VE interactions remain unknown. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe social interaction and support among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who interacted in a VE. Methods: Data included VE-mediated synchronous conversations and text-chat and asynchronous emails and discussion board posts from a study that facilitated interaction among individuals with T2D and diabetes educators (N=24) in 2 types of sessions: education and support. Results: VE interactions consisted of communication techniques (how individuals interact in the VE), expressions of self-management (T2D-related topics), depth (personalization of topics), and breadth (number of topics discussed). Individuals exchanged support more often in the education (723/1170, 61.79%) than in the support (406/1170, 34.70%) sessions or outside session time (41/1170, 3.50%). Of all support exchanges, 535/1170 (45.73%) were informational, 377/1170 (32.22%) were emotional, 217/1170 (18.55%) were appraisal, and 41/1170 (3.50%) were instrumental. When comparing session types, education sessions predominately provided informational support (357/723, 49.4%), and the support sessions predominately provided emotional (159/406, 39.2%) and informational (159/406, 39.2%) support. Conclusions: VE-mediated interactions resemble those in face-to-face environments, as individuals in VEs engage in bidirectional exchanges with others to obtain self-management education and support. Similar to face-to-face environments, individuals in the VE revealed personal information, sought information, and exchanged support during the moderated education sessions and unstructured support sessions. With this versatility, VEs are able to contribute substantially to support for those with diabetes and, very likely, other chronic diseases. UR - http://www.jmir.org/2018/2/e61/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/jmir.9390 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29467118 ID - info:doi/10.2196/jmir.9390 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Salisbury, P. Joseph AU - Keshav, U. Neha AU - Sossong, D. Anthony AU - Sahin, T. Ned PY - 2018/01/23 TI - Concussion Assessment With Smartglasses: Validation Study of Balance Measurement Toward a Lightweight, Multimodal, Field-Ready Platform JO - JMIR Mhealth Uhealth SP - e15 VL - 6 IS - 1 KW - postural balance KW - wearable technology KW - accelerometry KW - mild traumatic brain injury N2 - Background: Lightweight and portable devices that objectively measure concussion-related impairments could improve injury detection and critical decision-making in contact sports and the military, where brain injuries commonly occur but remain underreported. Current standard assessments often rely heavily on subjective methods such as symptom self-reporting. Head-mounted wearables, such as smartglasses, provide an emerging platform for consideration that could deliver the range of assessments necessary to develop a rapid and objective screen for brain injury. Standing balance assessment, one parameter that may inform a concussion diagnosis, could theoretically be performed quantitatively using current off-the-shelf smartglasses with an internal accelerometer. However, the validity of balance measurement using smartglasses has not been investigated. Objective: This study aimed to perform preliminary validation of a smartglasses-based balance accelerometer measure (BAM) compared with the well-described and characterized waist-based BAM. Methods: Forty-two healthy individuals (26 male, 16 female; mean age 23.8 [SD 5.2] years) participated in the study. Following the BAM protocol, each subject performed 2 trials of 6 balance stances while accelerometer and gyroscope data were recorded from smartglasses (Glass Explorer Edition). Test-retest reliability and correlation were determined relative to waist-based BAM as used in the National Institutes of Health?s Standing Balance Toolbox. Results: Balance measurements obtained using a head-mounted wearable were highly correlated with those obtained through a waist-mounted accelerometer (Spearman rho, ?=.85). Test-retest reliability was high (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC2,1=0.85, 95% CI 0.81-0.88) and in good agreement with waist balance measurements (ICC2,1=0.84, 95% CI 0.80-0.88). Considering the normalized path length magnitude across all 3 axes improved interdevice correlation (?=.90) while maintaining test-retest reliability (ICC2,1=0.87, 95% CI 0.83-0.90). All subjects successfully completed the study, demonstrating the feasibility of using a head-mounted wearable to assess balance in a healthy population. Conclusions: Balance measurements derived from the smartglasses-based accelerometer were consistent with those obtained using a waist-mounted accelerometer. Additional research is necessary to determine to what extent smartglasses-based accelerometry measures can detect balance dysfunction associated with concussion. However, given the potential for smartglasses to perform additional concussion-related assessments in an integrated, wearable platform, continued development and validation of a smartglasses-based balance assessment is warranted. This approach could lead to a wearable platform for real-time assessment of concussion-related impairments that could be further augmented with telemedicine capabilities to integrate professional clinical guidance. Smartglasses may be superior to fully immersive virtual reality headsets for this application, given their lighter weight and reduced likelihood of potential safety concerns. UR - http://mhealth.jmir.org/2018/1/e15/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/mhealth.8478 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29362210 ID - info:doi/10.2196/mhealth.8478 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Keller, Sophie Michelle AU - Park, J. Hannah AU - Cunningham, Elena Maria AU - Fouladian, Eleazar Joshua AU - Chen, Michelle AU - Spiegel, Ross Brennan Mason PY - 2017/12/19 TI - Public Perceptions Regarding Use of Virtual Reality in Health Care: A Social Media Content Analysis Using Facebook JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e419 VL - 19 IS - 12 KW - social media KW - virtual reality KW - qualitative research N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) technology provides an immersive environment that enables users to have modified experiences of reality. VR is increasingly used to manage patients with pain, disability, obesity, neurologic dysfunction, anxiety, and depression. However, public opinion regarding the use of VR in health care has not been explored. Understanding public opinion of VR is critical to ensuring effective implementation of this emerging technology. Objective: This study aimed to examine public opinion about health care VR using social listening, a method that allows for the exploration of unfiltered views of topics discussed on social media and online forums. Methods: In March 2016, NBC News produced a video depicting the use of VR for patient care. The video was repackaged by NowThis, a social media news website, and distributed on Facebook by Upworthy, a news aggregator, yielding 4.3 million views and 2401 comments. We used Microsoft Excel Power Query and ATLAS.ti software (version 7.5, Scientific Software Development) to analyze the comments using content analysis and categorized the comments around first-, second-, and third-order concepts. We determined self-identified gender from the user?s Facebook page and performed sentiment analysis of the language to analyze whether the perception of VR differed by gender using a Pearson?s chi-square test. Results: Out of the 1614 analyzable comments, 1021 (63.26%) were attributed to female Facebook users, 572 (35.44%) to male users, and 21 (1.30%) to users of unknown gender. There were 1197 comments coded as expressing a positive perception about VR (74.16%), 251 coded as expressing a negative perception and/or concern (15.56%), and 560 coded as neutral (34.70%). Informants identified 20 use cases for VR in health care, including the use of VR for pain and stress reduction; bed-bound individuals; women during labor; and patients undergoing chemotherapy, dialysis, radiation, or imaging procedures. Negative comments expressed concerns about radiation, infection risk, motion sickness, and the ubiquity of and overall dependence on technology. There was a statistically significant association between the language valence of the Facebook post and the gender of the Facebook user; men were more likely to post negative perceptions about the use of VR for health care, whereas women were more likely to post positive perceptions (P<.001). Conclusions: Most informants expressed positive perceptions about the use of VR in a wide range of health care settings. However, many expressed concerns that should be acknowledged and addressed as health care VR continues to evolve. Our results provide guidance in determining where further research on the use of VR in patient care is needed, and offer a formal opportunity for public opinion to shape the VR research agenda. UR - http://www.jmir.org/2017/12/e419/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/jmir.7467 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29258975 ID - info:doi/10.2196/jmir.7467 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Perry, Suzanne AU - Bridges, M. Susan AU - Zhu, Frank AU - Leung, Keung W. AU - Burrow, F. Michael AU - Poolton, Jamie AU - Masters, SW Rich PY - 2017/12/12 TI - Getting to the Root of Fine Motor Skill Performance in Dentistry: Brain Activity During Dental Tasks in a Virtual Reality Haptic Simulation JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e371 VL - 19 IS - 12 KW - simulation KW - fNIRS KW - functional near-infrared spectroscopy KW - spectroscopy, near-infrared KW - virtual reality KW - psychomotor skills training KW - dentistry KW - education, medical N2 - Background: There is little evidence considering the relationship between movement-specific reinvestment (a dimension of personality which refers to the propensity for individuals to consciously monitor and control their movements) and working memory during motor skill performance. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) measuring oxyhemoglobin demands in the frontal cortex during performance of virtual reality (VR) psychomotor tasks can be used to examine this research gap. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the potential relationship between the propensity to reinvest and blood flow to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortices of the brain. A secondary aim was to determine the propensity to reinvest and performance during 2 dental tasks carried out using haptic VR simulators. Methods: We used fNIRS to assess oxygen demands in 24 undergraduate dental students during 2 dental tasks (clinical, nonclinical) on a VR haptic simulator. We used the Movement-Specific Reinvestment Scale questionnaire to assess the students? propensity to reinvest. Results: Students with a high propensity for movement-specific reinvestment displayed significantly greater oxyhemoglobin demands in an area associated with working memory during the nonclinical task (Spearman correlation, rs=.49, P=.03). Conclusions: This small-scale study suggests that neurophysiological differences are evident between high and low reinvesters during a dental VR task in terms of oxyhemoglobin demands in an area associated with working memory. UR - http://www.jmir.org/2017/12/e371/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/jmir.8046 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29233801 ID - info:doi/10.2196/jmir.8046 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Canidate, Shantrel AU - Hart, Mark PY - 2017/12/01 TI - The Use of Avatar Counseling for HIV/AIDS Health Education: The Examination of Self-Identity in Avatar Preferences JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e365 VL - 19 IS - 12 KW - technology KW - distance education KW - learning KW - avatars N2 - Background: The number of adults using the Internet to obtain health information is on the rise. An estimated 66% of the adults reportedly use the Internet to obtain health information related to a specific disease (ie, human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, HIV/AIDS). Previous research has demonstrated that health information seekers use the Internet to seek answers to stigma-laden questions from health avatars. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify patterns in the choice of avatar among health information seekers (patients or public health workers) using the Internet to obtain HIV/AIDS information and to describe the demographic characteristics (age, gender, and ethnicity) of health information seekers to determine whether they preferred an avatar that was similar to their own gender and ethnicity. Methods: The Rural South Public Health Training Center (RSPHTC) partnered with the New York State Department of Health to create the HIV/AIDS Avatar project. The avatar project was created to serve as an educational resource for public health workers by providing relevant and accurate information about HIV/AIDS. First, the user was instructed to choose one of the 8 avatars that voiced responses to 100 common questions and answers about HIV/AIDS. Next, the website gave users the option to complete a brief 3-question demographic survey. Finally, the demographic characteristics of each user were compared with the chosen avatar to determine whether they preferred an avatar that was similar to their own gender and ethnicity. Results: The avatar project website was loaded with 800 videos that included the answers to the top 100 questions about HIV/AIDS voiced by 8 avatars. A total of 1119 Web-based health information seekers completed the demographic survey upon accessing the website. Of these, 55.14% (617/1119) users were female. A total of 49.96% (559/1119) users were aged between 30 and 49 years. The ethnicity of the user and the avatar was found to have the strongest connection. All the users choose the female avatar matching their own ethnicity, followed by the male avatar. Additionally, the white female avatar was chosen the most by all users regardless of the age group or gender. Conclusions: Web-based health information seekers using the Internet to access medical research information may feel more comfortable receiving the answers to HIV stigma-laden questions from avatars, rather than receiving information directly from a health care provider. Additionally, providers seeking to utilize avatars to deliver interventions in health care settings may benefit from offering individuals choices in how they receive health information. Having the ability to choose whom you seek information from may lead to an increase in knowledge and awareness and could motivate HIV-positive individuals to seek care. UR - http://www.jmir.org/2017/12/e365/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/jmir.6740 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29196281 ID - info:doi/10.2196/jmir.6740 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Perry, Yael AU - Werner-Seidler, Aliza AU - Calear, Alison AU - Mackinnon, Andrew AU - King, Catherine AU - Scott, Jan AU - Merry, Sally AU - Fleming, Theresa AU - Stasiak, Karolina AU - Christensen, Helen AU - Batterham, J. Philip PY - 2017/11/02 TI - Preventing Depression in Final Year Secondary Students: School-Based Randomized Controlled Trial JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e369 VL - 19 IS - 11 KW - prevention KW - depression KW - adolescent KW - digital cognitive behavior therapy N2 - Background: Depression often emerges for the first time during adolescence. There is accumulating evidence that universal depression prevention programs may have the capacity to reduce the impact of depression when delivered in the school environment. Objective: This trial investigated the effectiveness of SPARX-R, a gamified online cognitive behavior therapy intervention for the prevention of depression relative to an attention-matched control intervention delivered to students prior to facing a significant stressor?final secondary school exams. It was hypothesized that delivering a prevention intervention in advance of a stressor would reduce depressive symptoms relative to the control group. Methods: A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in 10 government schools in Sydney, Australia. Participants were 540 final year secondary students (mean 16.7 [SD 0.51] years), and clusters at the school level were randomly allocated to SPARX-R or the control intervention. Interventions were delivered weekly in 7 modules, each taking approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete. The primary outcome was symptoms of depression as measured by the Major Depression Inventory. Intention-to-treat analyses were performed. Results: Compared to controls, participants in the SPARX-R condition (n=242) showed significantly reduced depression symptoms relative to the control (n=298) at post-intervention (Cohen d=0.29) and 6 months post-baseline (d=0.21) but not at 18 months post-baseline (d=0.33). Conclusions: This is the first trial to demonstrate a preventive effect on depressive symptoms prior to a significant and universal stressor in adolescents. It demonstrates that an online intervention delivered in advance of a stressful experience can reduce the impact of such an event on the potential development or exacerbation of depression. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12614000316606; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=365986 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/ 6u7ou1aI9) UR - http://www.jmir.org/2017/11/e369/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/jmir.8241 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29097357 ID - info:doi/10.2196/jmir.8241 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Mizdrak, Anja AU - Waterlander, Elzeline Wilma AU - Rayner, Mike AU - Scarborough, Peter PY - 2017/10/09 TI - Using a UK Virtual Supermarket to Examine Purchasing Behavior Across Different Income Groups in the United Kingdom: Development and Feasibility Study JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e343 VL - 19 IS - 10 KW - food KW - diet KW - public health KW - United Kingdom KW - socioeconomic status N2 - Background: The majority of food in the United Kingdom is purchased in supermarkets, and therefore, supermarket interventions provide an opportunity to improve diets. Randomized controlled trials are costly, time-consuming, and difficult to conduct in real stores. Alternative approaches of assessing the impact of supermarket interventions on food purchases are needed, especially with respect to assessing differential impacts on population subgroups. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of using the United Kingdom Virtual Supermarket (UKVS), a three-dimensional (3D) computer simulation of a supermarket, to measure food purchasing behavior across income groups. Methods: Participants (primary household shoppers in the United Kingdom with computer access) were asked to conduct two shopping tasks using the UKVS and complete questionnaires on demographics, food purchasing habits, and feedback on the UKVS software. Data on recruitment method and rate, completion of study procedure, purchases, and feedback on usability were collected to inform future trial protocols. Results: A total of 98 participants were recruited, and 46 (47%) fully completed the study procedure. Low-income participants were less likely to complete the study (P=.02). Most participants found the UKVS easy to use (38/46, 83%) and reported that UKVS purchases resembled their usual purchases (41/46, 89%). Conclusions: The UKVS is likely to be a useful tool to examine the effects of nutrition interventions using randomized controlled designs. Feedback was positive from participants who completed the study and did not differ by income group. However, retention was low and needs to be addressed in future studies. This study provides purchasing data to establish sample size requirements for full trials using the UKVS. UR - http://www.jmir.org/2017/10/e343/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/jmir.7982 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28993301 ID - info:doi/10.2196/jmir.7982 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Eijlers, Robin AU - Legerstee, S. Jeroen AU - Dierckx, Bram AU - Staals, M. Lonneke AU - Berghmans, Johan AU - van der Schroeff, P. Marc AU - Wijnen, MH Rene AU - Utens, MWJ Elisabeth PY - 2017/09/11 TI - Development of a Virtual Reality Exposure Tool as Psychological Preparation for Elective Pediatric Day Care Surgery: Methodological Approach for a Randomized Controlled Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e174 VL - 6 IS - 9 KW - virtual reality KW - pediatric KW - anxiety KW - surgery KW - anesthesia KW - intervention KW - exposure KW - randomized controlled trial N2 - Background: Preoperative anxiety in children is highly prevalent and is associated with adverse outcomes. Existing psychosocial interventions to reduce preoperative anxiety are often aimed at distraction and are of limited efficacy. Gradual exposure is a far more effective way to reduce anxiety. Virtual reality (VR) provides a unique opportunity to gradually expose children to all aspects of the operating theater. Objective: The aims of our study are (1) to develop a virtual reality exposure (VRE) tool to prepare children psychologically for surgery; and (2) to examine the efficacy of the VRE tool in a randomized controlled trial (RCT), in which VRE will be compared to care as usual (CAU). Methods: The VRE tool is highly realistic and resembles the operating room environment accurately. With this tool, children will not only be able to explore the operating room environment, but also get accustomed to general anesthesia procedures. The PREoperative Virtual reality Intervention to Enhance Wellbeing (PREVIEW) study will be conducted. In this single-blinded RCT, 200 consecutive patients (aged 4 to 12 years) undergoing elective day care surgery for dental, oral, or ear-nose-throat problems, will be randomly allocated to the preoperative VRE intervention or CAU. The primary outcome is change in child state anxiety level between baseline and induction of anesthesia. Secondary outcome measures include child?s postoperative anxiety, emergence delirium, postoperative pain, use of analgesics, health care use, and pre- and postoperative parental anxiety. Results: The VRE tool has been developed. Participant recruitment began March 2017 and is expected to be completed by September 2018. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first RCT evaluating the effect of a VRE tool to prepare children for surgery. The VRE intervention is expected to significantly diminish preoperative anxiety, postoperative pain, and the use of postoperative analgesics in pediatric patients. The tool could create a less stressful experience for both children and their parents, in line with the modern emphasis on patient- and family-centered care. Trial Registration: Netherlands Trial Registry: NTR6116; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=6116 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6ryke7aep) UR - http://www.researchprotocols.org/2017/9/e174/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/resprot.7617 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28893727 ID - info:doi/10.2196/resprot.7617 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Ballester, Rubio Belén AU - Nirme, Jens AU - Camacho, Irene AU - Duarte, Esther AU - Rodríguez, Susana AU - Cuxart, Ampar AU - Duff, Armin AU - Verschure, F.M.J Paul PY - 2017/08/07 TI - Domiciliary VR-Based Therapy for Functional Recovery and Cortical Reorganization: Randomized Controlled Trial in Participants at the Chronic Stage Post Stroke JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e15 VL - 5 IS - 3 KW - stroke KW - movement disorder KW - recovery of function, neuroplasticity KW - transcranial magnetic stimulation KW - physical therapy KW - hemiparesis KW - computer applications software N2 - Background: Most stroke survivors continue to experience motor impairments even after hospital discharge. Virtual reality-based techniques have shown potential for rehabilitative training of these motor impairments. Here we assess the impact of at-home VR-based motor training on functional motor recovery, corticospinal excitability and cortical reorganization. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of home-based VR-based motor rehabilitation on (1) cortical reorganization, (2) corticospinal tract, and (3) functional recovery after stroke in comparison to home-based occupational therapy. Methods: We conducted a parallel-group, controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of domiciliary VR-based therapy with occupational therapy in inducing motor recovery of the upper extremities. A total of 35 participants with chronic stroke underwent 3 weeks of home-based treatment. A group of subjects was trained using a VR-based system for motor rehabilitation, while the control group followed a conventional therapy. Motor function was evaluated at baseline, after the intervention, and at 12-weeks follow-up. In a subgroup of subjects, we used Navigated Brain Stimulation (NBS) procedures to measure the effect of the interventions on corticospinal excitability and cortical reorganization. Results: Results from the system?s recordings and clinical evaluation showed significantly greater functional recovery for the experimental group when compared with the control group (1.53, SD 2.4 in Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory). However, functional improvements did not reach clinical significance. After the therapy, physiological measures obtained from a subgroup of subjects revealed an increased corticospinal excitability for distal muscles driven by the pathological hemisphere, that is, abductor pollicis brevis. We also observed a displacement of the centroid of the cortical map for each tested muscle in the damaged hemisphere, which strongly correlated with improvements in clinical scales. Conclusions: These findings suggest that, in chronic stages, remote delivery of customized VR-based motor training promotes functional gains that are accompanied by neuroplastic changes. Trial Registration: International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number NCT02699398 (Archived by ClinicalTrials.gov at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02699398?term=NCT02699398&rank=1) UR - http://games.jmir.org/2017/3/e15/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/games.6773 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28784593 ID - info:doi/10.2196/games.6773 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Cikajlo, Imre AU - Cizman Staba, Ursa AU - Vrhovac, Suzana AU - Larkin, Frances AU - Roddy, Mark PY - 2017/06/05 TI - A Cloud-Based Virtual Reality App for a Novel Telemindfulness Service: Rationale, Design and Feasibility Evaluation JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e108 VL - 6 IS - 6 KW - Virtual reality KW - headset KW - Samsung KW - psychology KW - mindfulness KW - telepsychology KW - telehealth technology KW - telemedicine N2 - Background: Worldwide, there has been a marked increase in stress and anxiety, also among patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Access to psychology services is limited, with some estimates suggesting that over 50% of sufferers are not accessing the existing services available to them for reasons such as inconvenience, embarrassment, or stigmatization concerns around mental health. Health service providers have increasingly been turning to drug-free therapies, such as mindfulness programs, as complementary treatments. Objective: Virtual reality (VR) as a new delivery method for meditation-based stress and anxiety reduction therapy offers configurable environments and privacy protection. Our objective was to design a serious learning-meditation environment and to test the feasibility of the developed telemindfulness approach based on cloud technologies. Methods: We developed a cloud-based system, which consisted of a Web interface for the mindfulness instructor and remote clients, who had 3D VR headsets. The mindfulness instructor could communicate over the Web interface with the participants using the headset. Additionally, the Web app enabled group sessions in virtual rooms, 360-degree videos, and real interactions or standalone meditation. The mindfulness program was designed as an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course specifically for the developed virtual environments. The program was tested with four employees and four patients with TBI. The effects were measured with psychometric tests, the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Patients also carried out the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). An additional objective evaluation has also been carried out by tracking head motion. Additionally, the power spectrum analyses of similar tasks between sessions were tested. Results: The patients achieved a higher level of life satisfaction during the study (SWLS: mean 23.0, SD 1.8 vs mean 18.3, SD 3.9) and a slight increase of the MAAS score (mean 3.4, SD 0.6 vs mean 3.3, SD 0.4). Particular insight into the MAAS items revealed that one patient had a lower MAAS score (mean 2.3). Employees showed high MAAS scores (mean 4.3, SD 0.7) and although their SWLS dropped to mean 26, their SWLS was still high (mean 27.3, SD 2.8). The power spectrum showed that the employees had a considerable reduction in high-frequency movements less than 0.34 Hz, particularly with the 360-degree video. As expected, the patients demonstrated a gradual decrease of high-frequency movements while sitting during the mindfulness practices in the virtual environment. Conclusions: With such a small sample size, it is too early to make any specific conclusions, but the presented results may accelerate the use of innovative technologies and challenge new ideas in research and development in the field of mindfulness/telemindfulness. UR - http://www.researchprotocols.org/2017/6/e108/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/resprot.6849 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28583904 ID - info:doi/10.2196/resprot.6849 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Siebert, N. Johan AU - Ehrler, Frederic AU - Gervaix, Alain AU - Haddad, Kevin AU - Lacroix, Laurence AU - Schrurs, Philippe AU - Sahin, Ayhan AU - Lovis, Christian AU - Manzano, Sergio PY - 2017/05/29 TI - Adherence to AHA Guidelines When Adapted for Augmented Reality Glasses for Assisted Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e183 VL - 19 IS - 5 KW - resuscitation KW - emergency medicine KW - pediatrics KW - biomedical technologies KW - equipment and supplies KW - eyeglasses N2 - Background: The American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are nowadays recognized as the world?s most authoritative resuscitation guidelines. Adherence to these guidelines optimizes the management of critically ill patients and increases their chances of survival after cardiac arrest. Despite their availability, suboptimal quality of CPR is still common. Currently, the median hospital survival rate after pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest is 36%, whereas it falls below 10% for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Among emerging information technologies and devices able to support caregivers during resuscitation and increase adherence to AHA guidelines, augmented reality (AR) glasses have not yet been assessed. In order to assess their potential, we adapted AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) guidelines for AR glasses. Objective: The study aimed to determine whether adapting AHA guidelines for AR glasses increased adherence by reducing deviation and time to initiation of critical life-saving maneuvers during pediatric CPR when compared with the use of PALS pocket reference cards. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups of voluntary pediatric residents, comparing AR glasses to PALS pocket reference cards during a simulation-based pediatric cardiac arrest scenario?pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT). The primary outcome was the elapsed time in seconds in each allocation group, from onset of pVT to the first defibrillation attempt. Secondary outcomes were time elapsed to (1) initiation of chest compression, (2) subsequent defibrillation attempts, and (3) administration of drugs, as well as the time intervals between defibrillation attempts and drug doses, shock doses, and number of shocks. All these outcomes were assessed for deviation from AHA guidelines. Results: Twenty residents were randomized into 2 groups. Time to first defibrillation attempt (mean: 146 s) and adherence to AHA guidelines in terms of time to other critical resuscitation endpoints and drug dose delivery were not improved using AR glasses. However, errors and deviations were significantly reduced in terms of defibrillation doses when compared with the use of the PALS pocket reference cards. In a total of 40 defibrillation attempts, residents not wearing AR glasses used wrong doses in 65% (26/40) of cases, including 21 shock overdoses >100 J, for a cumulative defibrillation dose of 18.7 Joules per kg. These errors were reduced by 53% (21/40, P<.001) and cumulative defibrillation dose by 37% (5.14/14, P=.001) with AR glasses. Conclusions: AR glasses did not decrease time to first defibrillation attempt and other critical resuscitation endpoints when compared with PALS pocket cards. However, they improved adherence and performance among residents in terms of administering the defibrillation doses set by AHA. UR - http://www.jmir.org/2017/5/e183/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/jmir.7379 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28554878 ID - info:doi/10.2196/jmir.7379 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Garrett, Bernie AU - Taverner, Tarnia AU - McDade, Paul PY - 2017/05/11 TI - Virtual Reality as an Adjunct Home Therapy in Chronic Pain Management: An Exploratory Study JO - JMIR Med Inform SP - e11 VL - 5 IS - 2 KW - pain management KW - chronic illness KW - therapeutics KW - medical informatics N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) therapy has been successfully used as an adjunct therapy for the management of acute pain in adults and children, and evidence of potential efficacy in other health applications is growing. However, minimal research exists on the value of VR as an intervention for chronic pain. Objective: This case series examined the value of VR to be used as an adjunctive therapy for chronic pain patients in their own homes. Methods: An exploratory approach using a case series and personal interviews was used. Ten chronic pain patients received VR therapy for 30 min on alternate days for 1 month. Pre- and postexposure (immediately afterwards, 3 h, and at 24 h) pain assessment was recorded using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and weekly using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and Self-completed Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs pain scale (S-LANSS). Terminal semistructured personal interviews with the patients were also undertaken. Results: Of the 8 patients who completed the study, 5 of them reported that pain was reduced during the VR experience but no overall treatment difference in pain scores postexposure was observed. VR was not associated with any serious adverse events, although 60% of patients reported some cybersickness during some of the experiences. Conclusions: Of note is that the majority of these study participants reported a reduction in pain while using the VR but with highly individualized responses. One patient also reported some short-term improved mobility following VR use. Some evidence was found for the short-term efficacy of VR in chronic pain but no evidence for persistent benefits. UR - http://medinform.jmir.org/2017/2/e11/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/medinform.7271 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28495661 ID - info:doi/10.2196/medinform.7271 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Provoost, Simon AU - Lau, Ming Ho AU - Ruwaard, Jeroen AU - Riper, Heleen PY - 2017/05/09 TI - Embodied Conversational Agents in Clinical Psychology: A Scoping Review JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e151 VL - 19 IS - 5 KW - eHealth KW - review KW - embodied conversational agent KW - human computer interaction KW - clinical psychology KW - mental disorders KW - intelligent agent KW - health behavior N2 - Background: Embodied conversational agents (ECAs) are computer-generated characters that simulate key properties of human face-to-face conversation, such as verbal and nonverbal behavior. In Internet-based eHealth interventions, ECAs may be used for the delivery of automated human support factors. Objective: We aim to provide an overview of the technological and clinical possibilities, as well as the evidence base for ECA applications in clinical psychology, to inform health professionals about the activity in this field of research. Methods: Given the large variety of applied methodologies, types of applications, and scientific disciplines involved in ECA research, we conducted a systematic scoping review. Scoping reviews aim to map key concepts and types of evidence underlying an area of research, and answer less-specific questions than traditional systematic reviews. Systematic searches for ECA applications in the treatment of mood, anxiety, psychotic, autism spectrum, and substance use disorders were conducted in databases in the fields of psychology and computer science, as well as in interdisciplinary databases. Studies were included if they conveyed primary research findings on an ECA application that targeted one of the disorders. We mapped each study?s background information, how the different disorders were addressed, how ECAs and users could interact with one another, methodological aspects, and the study?s aims and outcomes. Results: This study included N=54 publications (N=49 studies). More than half of the studies (n=26) focused on autism treatment, and ECAs were used most often for social skills training (n=23). Applications ranged from simple reinforcement of social behaviors through emotional expressions to sophisticated multimodal conversational systems. Most applications (n=43) were still in the development and piloting phase, that is, not yet ready for routine practice evaluation or application. Few studies conducted controlled research into clinical effects of ECAs, such as a reduction in symptom severity. Conclusions: ECAs for mental disorders are emerging. State-of-the-art techniques, involving, for example, communication through natural language or nonverbal behavior, are increasingly being considered and adopted for psychotherapeutic interventions in ECA research with promising results. However, evidence on their clinical application remains scarce. At present, their value to clinical practice lies mostly in the experimental determination of critical human support factors. In the context of using ECAs as an adjunct to existing interventions with the aim of supporting users, important questions remain with regard to the personalization of ECAs? interaction with users, and the optimal timing and manner of providing support. To increase the evidence base with regard to Internet interventions, we propose an additional focus on low-tech ECA solutions that can be rapidly developed, tested, and applied in routine practice. UR - http://www.jmir.org/2017/5/e151/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/jmir.6553 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28487267 ID - info:doi/10.2196/jmir.6553 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Lewinski, A. Allison AU - Anderson, A. Ruth AU - Vorderstrasse, A. Allison AU - Fisher, B. Edwin AU - Pan, Wei AU - Johnson, M. Constance PY - 2017/04/24 TI - Analyzing Unstructured Communication in a Computer-Mediated Environment for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Research Protocol JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e65 VL - 6 IS - 4 KW - diabetes type 2 KW - social support KW - adults KW - Internet KW - peer support KW - self-management KW - mixed methods KW - social interaction KW - secondary analysis N2 - Background: Individuals with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk for comorbidities such as heart disease, lower limb amputations, stroke, and renal failure. Multiple factors influence development of complications in a person living with type 2 diabetes; however, an individual?s self-management behaviors may delay the onset of, or lessen the severity of, these complications. Social support provides personal, informal advice and knowledge that helps individuals initiate and sustain self-management and adherence. Objective: Our aim was to gain an understanding of type 2 diabetes social interaction in a virtual environment, one type of computer-mediated environment (CME), and the social support characteristics that increase and sustain self-management in adults living with chronic illness. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of longitudinal data collected in a CME study, Second Life Impacts Diabetes Education & Self-Management (1R21-LM010727-01). This virtual environment replicated a real-life community where 6 months of naturalistic synchronous voice conversations, emails, and text chats were recorded among participants and providers. This analysis uses a mixed-methods approach to explore and compare qualitative and quantitative findings. This analysis is guided by two theories: Strong/Weak Ties Theory and Social Penetration Theory. Qualitative data will be analyzed using content analysis, and we will complete descriptive statistics on the quantified variables (eg, average number of ties). Institutional review board approval was obtained in June 2016. Results: This study is in progress. Conclusions: Interventions provided through virtual environments are a promising solution to increasing self-management practices. However, little is known of the depth, breadth, and quality of social support that is exchanged and how interaction supports self-management and relates to health outcomes. This study will provide knowledge that will help guide clinical practice and policy to enhance social support for chronic illness via the Internet. UR - http://www.researchprotocols.org/2017/4/e65/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/resprot.7442 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28438726 ID - info:doi/10.2196/resprot.7442 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Creutzfeldt, Johan AU - Hedman, Leif AU - Felländer-Tsai, Li PY - 2016/12/16 TI - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training by Avatars: A Qualitative Study of Medical Students? Experiences Using a Multiplayer Virtual World JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e22 VL - 4 IS - 2 KW - avatars KW - cardiopulmonary resuscitation KW - educational technology KW - medical students KW - experiences KW - multiplayer virtual worlds KW - patient simulation KW - virtual learning environments N2 - Background: Emergency medical practices are often team efforts. Training for various tasks and collaborations may be carried out in virtual environments. Although promising results exist from studies of serious games, little is known about the subjective reactions of learners when using multiplayer virtual world (MVW) training in medicine. Objective: The objective of this study was to reach a better understanding of the learners? reactions and experiences when using an MVW for team training of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Methods: Twelve Swedish medical students participated in semistructured focus group discussions after CPR training in an MVW with partially preset options. The students? perceptions and feelings related to use of this educational tool were investigated. Using qualitative methodology, discussions were analyzed by a phenomenological data-driven approach. Quality measures included negotiations, back-and-forth reading, triangulation, and validation with the informants. Results: Four categories characterizing the students? experiences could be defined: (1) Focused Mental Training, (2) Interface Diverting Focus From Training, (3) Benefits of Practicing in a Group, and (4) Easy Loss of Focus When Passive. We interpreted the results, compared them to findings of others, and propose advantages and risks of using virtual worlds for learning. Conclusions: Beneficial aspects of learning CPR in a virtual world were confirmed. To achieve high participant engagement and create good conditions for training, well-established procedures should be practiced. Furthermore, students should be kept in an active mode and frequent feedback should be utilized. It cannot be completely ruled out that the use of virtual training may contribute to erroneous self-beliefs that can affect later clinical performance. UR - http://games.jmir.org/2016/2/e22/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/games.6448 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27986645 ID - info:doi/10.2196/games.6448 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Thomas, S. James AU - France, R. Christopher AU - Applegate, E. Megan AU - Leitkam, T. Samuel AU - Pidcoe, E. Peter AU - Walkowski, Stevan PY - 2016/09/15 TI - Effects of Visual Display on Joint Excursions Used to Play Virtual Dodgeball JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e16 VL - 4 IS - 2 KW - virtual reality KW - avatar presentation KW - joint kinematics N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) interventions hold great potential for rehabilitation as commercial systems are becoming more affordable and can be easily applied to both clinical and home settings. Objective: In this study, we sought to determine how differences in the VR display type can influence motor behavior, cognitive load, and participant engagement. Methods: Movement patterns of 17 healthy young adults (8 female, 9 male) were examined during games of Virtual Dodgeball presented on a three-dimensional television (3DTV) and a head-mounted display (HMD). The participant?s avatar was presented from a third-person perspective on a 3DTV and from a first-person perspective on an HMD. Results: Examination of motor behavior revealed significantly greater excursions of the knee (P=.003), hip (P<.001), spine (P<.001), shoulder (P=.001), and elbow (P=.026) during HMD versus 3DTV gameplay, resulting in significant differences in forward (P=.003) and downward (P<.001) displacement of the whole-body center of mass. Analyses of cognitive load and engagement revealed that relative to 3DTV, participants indicated that HMD gameplay resulted in greater satisfaction with overall performance and was less frustrating (P<.001). There were no significant differences noted for mental demand. Conclusions: Differences in visual display type and participant perspective influence how participants perform in Virtual Dodgeball. Because VR use within rehabilitation settings is often designed to help restore movement following orthopedic or neurologic injury, these findings provide an important caveat regarding the need to consider the potential influence of presentation format and perspective on motor behavior. UR - http://games.jmir.org/2016/2/e16/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/games.6476 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27634561 ID - info:doi/10.2196/games.6476 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Mosadeghi, Sasan AU - Reid, William Mark AU - Martinez, Bibiana AU - Rosen, Todd Bradley AU - Spiegel, Ross Brennan Mason PY - 2016/06/27 TI - Feasibility of an Immersive Virtual Reality Intervention for Hospitalized Patients: An Observational Cohort Study JO - JMIR Ment Health SP - e28 VL - 3 IS - 2 KW - virtual reality therapy KW - hospitalization KW - feasibility studies N2 - Background: Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive, realistic, three-dimensional experiences that ?transport? users to novel environments. Because VR is effective for acute pain and anxiety, it may have benefits for hospitalized patients; however, there are few reports using VR in this setting. Objective: The aim was to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of VR in a diverse cohort of hospitalized patients. Methods: We assessed the acceptability and feasibility of VR in a cohort of patients admitted to an inpatient hospitalist service over a 4-month period. We excluded patients with motion sickness, stroke, seizure, dementia, nausea, and in isolation. Eligible patients viewed VR experiences (eg, ocean exploration; Cirque du Soleil; tour of Iceland) with Samsung Gear VR goggles. We then conducted semistructured patient interview and performed statistical testing to compare patients willing versus unwilling to use VR. Results: We evaluated 510 patients; 423 were excluded and 57 refused to participate, leaving 30 participants. Patients willing versus unwilling to use VR were younger (mean 49.1, SD 17.4 years vs mean 60.2, SD 17.7 years; P=.01); there were no differences by sex, race, or ethnicity. Among users, most reported a positive experience and indicated that VR could improve pain and anxiety, although many felt the goggles were uncomfortable. Conclusions: Most inpatient users of VR described the experience as pleasant and capable of reducing pain and anxiety. However, few hospitalized patients in this ?real-world? series were both eligible and willing to use VR. Consistent with the ?digital divide? for emerging technologies, younger patients were more willing to participate. Future research should evaluate the impact of VR on clinical and resource outcomes. ClinicalTrial: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02456987; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02456987 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6iFIMRNh3) UR - http://mental.jmir.org/2016/2/e28/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/mental.5801 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27349654 ID - info:doi/10.2196/mental.5801 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Levac, Danielle AU - Nawrotek, Joanna AU - Deschenes, Emilie AU - Giguere, Tia AU - Serafin, Julie AU - Bilodeau, Martin AU - Sveistrup, Heidi PY - 2016/06/01 TI - Development and Reliability Evaluation of the Movement Rating Instrument for Virtual Reality Video Game Play JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e9 VL - 4 IS - 1 KW - active video games, virtual reality, physical therapy, movement, reliability N2 - Background: Virtual reality active video games are increasingly popular physical therapy interventions for children with cerebral palsy. However, physical therapists require educational resources to support decision making about game selection to match individual patient goals. Quantifying the movements elicited during virtual reality active video game play can inform individualized game selection in pediatric rehabilitation. Objective: The objectives of this study were to develop and evaluate the feasibility and reliability of the Movement Rating Instrument for Virtual Reality Game Play (MRI-VRGP). Methods: Item generation occurred through an iterative process of literature review and sample videotape viewing. The MRI-VRGP includes 25 items quantifying upper extremity, lower extremity, and total body movements. A total of 176 videotaped 90-second game play sessions involving 7 typically developing children and 4 children with cerebral palsy were rated by 3 raters trained in MRI-VRGP use. Children played 8 games on 2 virtual reality and active video game systems. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) determined intra-rater and interrater reliability. Results: Excellent intrarater reliability was evidenced by ICCs of >0.75 for 17 of the 25 items across the 3 raters. Interrater reliability estimates were less precise. Excellent interrater reliability was achieved for far reach upper extremity movements (ICC=0.92 [for right and ICC=0.90 for left) and for squat (ICC=0.80) and jump items (ICC=0.99), with 9 items achieving ICCs of >0.70, 12 items achieving ICCs of between 0.40 and 0.70, and 4 items achieving poor reliability (close-reach upper extremity-ICC=0.14 for right and ICC=0.07 for left) and single-leg stance (ICC=0.55 for right and ICC=0.27 for left). Conclusions: Poor video quality, differing item interpretations between raters, and difficulty quantifying the high-speed movements involved in game play affected reliability. With item definition clarification and further psychometric property evaluation, the MRI-VRGP could inform the content of educational resources for therapists by ranking games according to frequency and type of elicited body movements. UR - http://games.jmir.org/2016/1/e9/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/games.5528 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27251029 ID - info:doi/10.2196/games.5528 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Gamito, Pedro AU - Morais, Diogo AU - Oliveira, Jorge AU - Ferreira Lopes, Paulo AU - Picareli, Felipe Luís AU - Matias, Marcelo AU - Correia, Sara AU - Brito, Rodrigo PY - 2016/05/04 TI - Systemic Lisbon Battery: Normative Data for Memory and Attention Assessments JO - JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol SP - e5 VL - 3 IS - 1 KW - Systemic Lisbon Battery KW - attention KW - memory KW - cognitive assessment KW - virtual reality N2 - Background: Memory and attention are two cognitive domains pivotal for the performance of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). The assessment of these functions is still widely carried out with pencil-and-paper tests, which lack ecological validity. The evaluation of cognitive and memory functions while the patients are performing IADLs should contribute to the ecological validity of the evaluation process. Objective: The objective of this study is to establish normative data from virtual reality (VR) IADLs designed to activate memory and attention functions. Methods: A total of 243 non-clinical participants carried out a paper-and-pencil Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and performed 3 VR activities: art gallery visual matching task, supermarket shopping task, and memory fruit matching game. The data (execution time and errors, and money spent in the case of the supermarket activity) was automatically generated from the app. Results: Outcomes were computed using non-parametric statistics, due to non-normality of distributions. Age, academic qualifications, and computer experience all had significant effects on most measures. Normative values for different levels of these measures were defined. Conclusions: Age, academic qualifications, and computer experience should be taken into account while using our VR-based platform for cognitive assessment purposes. UR - http://rehab.jmir.org/2016/1/e5/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/rehab.4155 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28582246 ID - info:doi/10.2196/rehab.4155 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Zhu, Egui AU - Lilienthal, Anneliese AU - Shluzas, Aquino Lauren AU - Masiello, Italo AU - Zary, Nabil PY - 2015/09/18 TI - Design of Mobile Augmented Reality in Health Care Education: A Theory-Driven Framework JO - JMIR Medical Education SP - e10 VL - 1 IS - 2 KW - augmented reality KW - health care education KW - antibiotics KW - general practitioners KW - learning environment KW - learning theory KW - mobile technology N2 - Background: Augmented reality (AR) is increasingly used across a range of subject areas in health care education as health care settings partner to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice. As the first contact with patients, general practitioners (GPs) are important in the battle against a global health threat, the spread of antibiotic resistance. AR has potential as a practical tool for GPs to combine learning and practice in the rational use of antibiotics. Objective: This paper was driven by learning theory to develop a mobile augmented reality education (MARE) design framework. The primary goal of the framework is to guide the development of AR educational apps. This study focuses on (1) identifying suitable learning theories for guiding the design of AR education apps, (2) integrating learning outcomes and learning theories to support health care education through AR, and (3) applying the design framework in the context of improving GPs? rational use of antibiotics. Methods: The design framework was first constructed with the conceptual framework analysis method. Data were collected from multidisciplinary publications and reference materials and were analyzed with directed content analysis to identify key concepts and their relationships. Then the design framework was applied to a health care educational challenge. Results: The proposed MARE framework consists of three hierarchical layers: the foundation, function, and outcome layers. Three learning theories?situated, experiential, and transformative learning?provide foundational support based on differing views of the relationships among learning, practice, and the environment. The function layer depends upon the learners? personal paradigms and indicates how health care learning could be achieved with MARE. The outcome layer analyzes different learning abilities, from knowledge to the practice level, to clarify learning objectives and expectations and to avoid teaching pitched at the wrong level. Suggestions for learning activities and the requirements of the learning environment form the foundation for AR to fill the gap between learning outcomes and medical learners? personal paradigms. With the design framework, the expected rational use of antibiotics by GPs is described and is easy to execute and evaluate. The comparison of specific expected abilities with the GP personal paradigm helps solidify the GP practical learning objectives and helps design the learning environment and activities. The learning environment and activities were supported by learning theories. Conclusions: This paper describes a framework for guiding the design, development, and application of mobile AR for medical education in the health care setting. The framework is theory driven with an understanding of the characteristics of AR and specific medical disciplines toward helping medical education improve professional development from knowledge to practice. Future research will use the framework as a guide for developing AR apps in practice to validate and improve the design framework. UR - http://mededu.jmir.org/2015/2/e10/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/mededu.4443 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27731839 ID - info:doi/10.2196/mededu.4443 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Aebersold, Michelle AU - Villarruel, Antonia AU - Tschannen, Dana AU - Valladares, Angel AU - Yaksich, Joseph AU - Yeagley, Emily AU - Hawes, Armani PY - 2015/07/21 TI - Using a Virtual Environment to Deliver Evidence-Based Interventions: The Facilitator's Experience JO - JMIR Serious Games SP - e5 VL - 3 IS - 2 KW - Second Life KW - multi-user virtual environments KW - evidence-based interventions KW - community-based organizations N2 - Background: Evidence-based interventions (EBIs) have the potential to maximize positive impact on communities. However, despite the quantity and quality of EBIs for prevention, the need for formalized training and associated training-related expenses, such as travel costs, program materials, and input of personnel hours, pose implementation challenges for many community-based organizations. In this study, the community of inquiry (CoI) framework was used to develop the virtual learning environment to support the adaptation of the ¡Cuídate! (Take Care of Yourself!) Training of Facilitators curriculum (an EBI) to train facilitators from community-based organizations. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of adapting a traditional face-to-face facilitator training program for ¡Cuídate!, a sexual risk reduction EBI for Latino youth, for use in a multi-user virtual environment (MUVE). Additionally, two aims of the study were explored: the acceptability of the facilitator training and the level of the facilitators? knowledge and self-efficacy to implement the training. Methods: A total of 35 facilitators were trained in the virtual environment. We evaluated the facilitators' experience in the virtual training environment and determined if the learning environment was acceptable and supported the acquisition of learning outcomes. To this end, the facilitators were surveyed using a modified community of inquiry survey, with questions specific to the Second Life environment and an open-ended questionnaire. In addition, a comparison to face-to-face training was conducted using survey methods. Results: Results of the community of inquiry survey demonstrated a subscale mean of 23.11 (SD 4.12) out of a possible 30 on social presence, a subscale mean of 8.74 (SD 1.01) out of a possible 10 on teaching presence, and a subscale mean of 16.69 (SD 1.97) out of a possible 20 on cognitive presence. The comparison to face-to-face training showed no significant differences in participants' ability to respond to challenging or sensitive questions (P=.50) or their ability to help participants recognize how Latino culture supports safer sex (P=.32). There was a significant difference in their knowledge of core elements and modules (P<.001). A total of 74% (26/35) of the Second Life participants did agree/strongly agree that they had the skills to deliver the ¡Cuídate! program. Conclusions: The results showed that participants found the Second Life environment to be acceptable to the learners and supported an experience in which learners were able to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to deliver the curriculum. UR - http://games.jmir.org/2015/2/e5/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/games.4293 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26199045 ID - info:doi/10.2196/games.4293 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Kleinert, Robert AU - Wahba, Roger AU - Chang, De-Hua AU - Plum, Patrick AU - Hölscher, H. Arnulf AU - Stippel, L. Dirk PY - 2015/04/08 TI - 3D Immersive Patient Simulators and Their Impact on Learning Success: A Thematic Review JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e91 VL - 17 IS - 4 KW - immersive patient simulators KW - Web-based learning KW - validity KW - immersion KW - procedural knowledge N2 - Background: Immersive patient simulators (IPSs) combine the simulation of virtual patients with a three-dimensional (3D) environment and, thus, allow an illusionary immersion into a synthetic world, similar to computer games. Playful learning in a 3D environment is motivating and allows repetitive training and internalization of medical workflows (ie, procedural knowledge) without compromising real patients. The impact of this innovative educational concept on learning success requires review of feasibility and validity. Objective: It was the aim of this paper to conduct a survey of all immersive patient simulators currently available. In addition, we address the question of whether the use of these simulators has an impact on knowledge gain by summarizing the existing validation studies. Methods: A systematic literature search via PubMed was performed using predefined inclusion criteria (ie, virtual worlds, focus on education of medical students, validation testing) to identify all available simulators. Validation testing was defined as the primary end point. Results: There are currently 13 immersive patient simulators available. Of these, 9 are Web-based simulators and represent feasibility studies. None of these simulators are used routinely for student education. The workstation-based simulators are commercially driven and show a higher quality in terms of graphical quality and/or data content. Out of the studies, 1 showed a positive correlation between simulated content and real content (ie, content validity). There was a positive correlation between the outcome of simulator training and alternative training methods (ie, concordance validity), and a positive coherence between measured outcome and future professional attitude and performance (ie, predictive validity). Conclusions: IPSs can promote learning and consolidation of procedural knowledge. The use of immersive patient simulators is still marginal, and technical and educational approaches are heterogeneous. Academic-driven IPSs could possibly enhance the content quality, improve the validity level, and make this educational concept accessible to all medical students. UR - http://www.jmir.org/2015/4/e91/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/jmir.3492 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25858862 ID - info:doi/10.2196/jmir.3492 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Atwal, Anita AU - Money, Arthur AU - Harvey, Michele PY - 2014/12/18 TI - Occupational Therapists? Views on Using a Virtual Reality Interior Design Application Within the Pre-Discharge Home Visit Process JO - J Med Internet Res SP - e283 VL - 16 IS - 12 KW - occupational therapy KW - pre-discharge home visits KW - virtual reality KW - 3D KW - patient collaboration KW - patient engagement KW - empowerment KW - technology assisted care KW - patient perceptions N2 - Background: A key role of Occupational Therapists (OTs) is to carry out pre-discharge home visits (PHV) and propose appropriate adaptations to the home environment in order to enable patients to function independently after hospital discharge. However, research shows that more than 50% of specialist equipment installed as part of home adaptations is not used by patients. A key reason for this is that decisions about home adaptations are often made without adequate collaboration and consultation with the patient. Consequently, there is an urgent need to seek out new and innovative uses of technology to facilitate patient/practitioner collaboration, engagement, and shared decision making in the PHV process. Virtual reality interior design applications (VRIDAs) primarily allow users to simulate the home environment and visualize changes prior to implementing them. Customized VRIDAs, which also model specialist occupational therapy equipment, could become a valuable tool to facilitate improved patient/practitioner collaboration, if developed effectively and integrated into the PHV process. Objective: The intent of the study was to explore the perceptions of OTs with regard to using VRIDAs as an assistive tool within the PHV process. Methods: Task-oriented interactive usability sessions, utilizing the think-aloud protocol and subsequent semi-structured interviews were carried out with seven OTs who possessed significant experience across a range of clinical settings. Template analysis was carried out on the think-aloud and interview data. Analysis was both inductive and driven by theory, centering around the parameters that impact upon the acceptance, adoption, and use of this technology in practice as indicated by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Results: OTs? perceptions were identified relating to three core themes: (1) perceived usefulness (PU), (2) perceived ease of use (PEoU), and (3) actual use (AU). Regarding PU, OTs believed VRIDAs had promising potential to increase understanding, enrich communication and patient involvement, and improve patient/practitioner shared understanding. However, it was unlikely that VRIDAs would be suitable for use with cognitively impaired patients. For PEoU, all OTs were able to use the software and complete the tasks successfully; however, participants noted numerous specialist equipment items that could be added to the furniture library. AU perceptions were positive regarding use of the application across a range of clinical settings including children/young adults, long-term conditions, neurology, older adults, and social services. However, some ?fine tuning? may be necessary if the application is to be optimally used in practice. Conclusions: Participants perceived the use of VRIDAs in practice would enhance levels of patient/practitioner collaboration and provide a much needed mechanism via which patients are empowered to become more equal partners in decisions made about their care. Further research is needed to explore patient perceptions of VRIDAs, to make necessary customizations accordingly, and to explore deployment of the application in a collaborative patient/practitioner-based context. UR - http://www.jmir.org/2014/12/e283/ UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/jmir.3723 UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25526615 ID - info:doi/10.2196/jmir.3723 ER - TY - JOUR AU - Rosal, C. Milagros AU - Heyden, Robin AU - Mejilla, Roanne AU - Capelson, Roberta AU - Chalmers, A. Karen AU - Rizzo DePaoli, Maria AU - Veerappa, Chetty AU - Wiecha, M. John PY - 2014/10/24 TI - A Virtual World Versus Face-to-Face Intervention Format to Promote Diabetes Self-Management Among African American Women: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial JO - JMIR Res Protoc SP - e54 VL - 3 IS - 4 KW - African Americans KW - clinical trials KW - feasibility KW - health behavior KW - health disparities KW - minority health KW - technology KW - type 2 diabetes KW - virtual systems KW - randomized clinical trial N2 - Background: Virtual world environments have the potential to increase access to diabetes self-management interventions and may lower cost. Objective: We tested the feasibility and comparative effectiveness of a virtual world versus a face-to-face diabetes self-management group intervention. Methods: We recruited African American women with type 2 diabetes to participate in an 8-week diabetes self-management program adapted from Power to Prevent, a behavior-change in-person group program for African Americans with diabetes or pre-diabetes. The program is social cognitive theory?guided, evidence-based, and culturally tailored. Participants were randomized to participate in the program via virtual world (Second Life) or face-to-face, both delivered by a single intervention team. Blinded assessors conducted in-person clinical (HbA1c), behavioral, and psychosocial measurements at baseline and 4-month follow-up. Pre-post differences within and between intervention groups were assessed using t tests and chi-square tests (two-sided and intention-to-treat analyses for all comparisons). Results: Participants (N=89) were an average of 52 years old (SD 10), 60% had ?high school, 82% had household incomes