Virtual Worlds, Volume 4, Issue 2 (June 2025) – 6 articles

Effective teleoperation visualization is crucial but challenging for tasks like remote inspection. This study proposes a VR-based teleoperation framework featuring a ‘Virtual Co-Existence Space’ and systematically investigates visualization modalities within it. We compared four interfaces (2D camera feed, 3D point cloud, combined 2D3D, and Augmented Virtuality-AV) for controlling an industrial robot. Twenty-four participants performed inspection tasks while performance (time, collisions, accuracy, photos) and cognitive load (NASA-TLX, pupillometry) were measured. Results revealed distinct trade-offs: 3D imposed the highest cognitive load but enabled precise navigation (low collisions). 2D3D offered the lowest load and highest user comfort but slightly reduced distance accuracy. AV suffered significantly higher collision rates and participant feedback usability issues. 2D showed low physiological load but high subjective effort. No significant differences were found for completion time, distance accuracy, or photo quality. In conclusion, no visualization modality proved universally superior within the proposed framework. The optimal choice is balancing task priorities like navigation safety versus user workload. Hybrid 2D3D shows promise for minimizing load, while AV requires substantial usability refinement for safe deployment. Full article

Introduction: In line with previous research conducted during chemotherapy to explore whether virtual reality (VR) can support patients’ emotional regulation, this study examines the relevance of adding olfactory reinforcement to VR sessions during breast cancer treatment. Methods: An experimental protocol assessed the impact of VR sensoriality in 50 patients over three chemotherapy sessions. Each patient experienced a 10-min immersion in a natural environment under three randomized conditions: Contemplative VR, Participatory VR, Participatory VR with olfactory reinforcement. The sense of presence measured immersion, while anxiety, depression, and emotional state were evaluated using a within-subject design to compare the effects of each VR modality. Results: A reduction in anxiety and depression was observed in patients regardless of the type of VR immersion experienced. The interactive and multimodal nature of VR may support patients in their emotional regulation. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence for the usefulness of olfactory enhancement in VR during chemotherapy sessions in breast cancer patients. The multimodal potential of VR contributes to the reduction of anxiety and depression by inducing a positive emotional experience in a soothing natural environment. The reported results highlight the value of sensorimotor VR, which also stimulates the sense of smell, in improving supportive care. Full article

Arachnophobia is a specific phobia characterized by an intense and persistent fear of spiders, often leading to avoidance behaviors that can significantly impact daily life. Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) offers a controlled, adaptable, and immersive therapeutic environment, allowing for greater personalization, flexibility, and the real-time modulation of exposure parameters. This pilot study employed a quasi-experimental design without a control group to evaluate the efficacy of a gamified VRET intervention for treating arachnophobia. A sample of 25 participants underwent the intervention, with outcomes assessed through a Behavioral Approach Test (BAT) and self-report measures, including the Fear of Spiders Questionnaire (FSQ) and the Spider Phobia Questionnaire (SPQ-15), administered pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at a two-week follow-up. Findings indicate that gamified VRET led to significant reductions in self-reported fear and avoidance behaviors, suggesting its potential as an effective therapeutic tool for arachnophobia. Although some results were not entirely conclusive, the overall improvements observed support further investigation in larger, controlled trials. Full article

Virtual reality has been used for a variety of training and gaming purposes. Recent studies have demonstrated that their use in higher education enhances student engagement and positively impacts student performance. In this study, we implemented 360-degree video in an introductory biology lab at an American university and assessed student attitudes, engagement, and performance through various assessments, as well as overall course performance. For our methods, we implemented 360-degree videos across two academic semesters compared to two academic semesters in the previous year when the only difference between the courses was the use of 360-degree video. Students were extremely positive about virtual reality (74% of students who were surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that they would like to see more 360-degree video use in the lab), had minimal issues handling the technology (only 15.9% had issues or were distracted by the tech), and indicated that engagement with the topic was better with virtual reality (81.3% agreed or strongly agreed with enhanced self-reported engagement with the topic). Student performance was demonstrated to increase in two of the three formative assessments analyzed and in the single summative assessment analyzed; overall course grades in semesters with virtual reality were higher than in semesters without virtual reality. These results suggest that virtual reality in higher education may not only enhance student engagement and performance but also student attitude about the topic. Full article

(1) Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impairs balance and postural control, gait, overall motor function, and mood, and involves the gradual degradation of several physiologic systems. With limited treatments available, physical therapy (PT)-based exercise is the nonpharmacologic measure of choice. There is a growing interest in using virtual reality (VR) gaming when rehabilitating patients with various acute brain injuries and neurological disorders. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine randomized controlled trials comparing VR-based rehabilitation programs versus traditional PT at improving gait and balance. (2) Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched using medical subject headings. Included studies were randomized controlled trials comparing VR intervention versus traditional PT in patients with PD and were published between 2013 and 2025. (3) Results: Eleven studies were reviewed and results in outcome measures (e.g., Berg Balance Scale, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, and the Dynamic Gait Index) were compared between groups. Results of these studies demonstrated that patients receiving VR interventions had similar improvements to those in the traditional PT groups. In several studies, patients receiving VR intervention had superior outcomes. (4) Conclusion: VR is a promising addition to traditional PT and should be considered for patients with PD. Full article

As virtual reality (VR) becomes increasingly integrated into educational settings, understanding preservice teachers’ (PSTs) perceptions and training needs is crucial for effective classroom implementation. Although existing research emphasizes VR’s educational benefits, limited studies have explored how direct, hands-on VR experiences impact PSTs’ intentions to adopt this technology. This mixed-methods study addresses this gap by examining factors influencing PSTs’ willingness to adopt VR and identifying challenges hindering adoption following immersive VR activities using Oculus Quest. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis indicated that perceived usefulness and enjoyment directly influenced PSTs’ intentions to adopt VR, whereas self-efficacy indirectly influenced intentions through perceived usefulness. Qualitative findings revealed that PSTs’ initial reluctance to adopt VR, primarily due to low self-efficacy and limited VR knowledge, decreased after hands-on experiences, leading to increased willingness to integrate VR into their teaching practices. However, concerns regarding VR’s appropriateness for young learners, potential health risks such as motion sickness, and classroom management challenges persisted. These results underscore the need for targeted VR training in teacher education programs, focusing on enhancing PSTs’ perceived benefits, enjoyment, and self-efficacy while addressing pedagogical and health-related barriers. Full article