Virtual reality in training: an experimental study with firefighters

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Narciso, D (Author) Other; Melo, M (Author) Other; Raposo, JV (Author) Other; Cunha, JPS (Author) FEUP; Bessa, M (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Multimedia Tools and Applications

Vol. 79 No. 29-30

Pages: 6227-6245

ISSN: 1380-7501

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 37 Citations

Scopus - 44 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00R-GWM

DOI: 10.1007/s11042-019-08323-4

Abstract (EN): Training with Virtual Reality (VR) can bring several benefits, such as the reduction of costs and risks. We present an experimental study that aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a Virtual Environment (VE) to train firefighters using an innovative approach based on a Real Environment (RE) exercise. To measure the VE's effectiveness we used a Presence Questionnaire (PQ) and participant's cybersickness, stress and fatigue. Results from the PQ showed that participants rated the VE with high spatial presence and moderate realness and immersion. Signs of stress, analyzed from participant's Heart-Rate Variability, were shown in the RE but not in the VE. In the remaining variables, there was only an indicative difference for fatigue in the RE. Therefore, the results suggest that although our training VE was successful in giving participants spatial presence and in not causing cybersickness, its realness and immersion provided were not enough to provoke a similar RE response.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 19