The Air Force is researching the viability of Virtual Reality (VR) technology as a method to train and treat our service members and civilians. Increasing receptiveness to training and treatment through electronic means is becoming more crucial in our globalized society where the work/home environment may be geographically separated, or personnel may not be physically accessible for training or treatments. Traditionally, computer/lecture-based training and in-person treatment methods have been used as a way to pass on knowledge and assess health in the workforce. While effective for many, introduction of alternative learning methods such as active learning or gamification within a VR environment can provide interactive methods for self-improvement for the users regardless of location (Brame, 2021; Paul, 2021).
As interfaces and VR systems are researched and designed to accomplish training and treatment tasks, purposeful design, and integration of physicality within the virtual environment must be applied. Physical engagement employing various methods, intensities, and durations have been proven to yield cognitive gains and influence emotions of the user (Hilton, 2015 and Kramer 2007). Applying gained knowledge from basic physio-psychological studies to Virtual Environments can enhance and reinforce the interactive audio-visual effects of the environment and increase the learning/treatment experience and retention of the user (Shochat, 2017). Application of physicality within a VR environment enhances the success of the training or treatment by stimulating neuroplasticity, cognitive gains and emotions through physical reinforcement.
Keywords
COGNITIVE,DESIGN,TRAINING
Additional Keywords
physicality, cognitive gains, neuroplasticity, virtual reality, physio-psychological