Effects of 3D virtual reality motionless imagery training program with an avatar

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Virtual Reality Technology

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive environments for various applications.
• Imagery training is a cognitive technique used for skill enhancement.
• The integration of avatars in VR may influence user experience and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of motionless imagery training with an avatar in VR on emotion, cognition, and physiological responses.
• To compare the effects of VR with an avatar versus VR alone in healthy adults.
• To assess changes in emotional states, cognitive functions, and physiological markers.

Main Methods:

• 30 healthy adults (19-35 years) were randomized into an experimental (VR with avatar) or control (VR only) group.
• Both groups underwent a 20-minute intervention session, 3 times per week for 6 weeks.
• Measurements included VR experience questionnaires, emotional states, cognitive tests, and physiological responses (electromyogram).

Main Results:

• The experimental group showed no significant changes in Presence Questionnaire (PQ) or Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), unlike the control group which decreased PQ.
• No significant differences in emotional states were found between groups over time.
• Cognitive tests showed significant time effects, except for delayed recall/recognition in the K-Auditory Verbal Learning Test (K-AVLT).
• The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in left rectus femoris electromyogram (EMG) readings.

Conclusions:

• Imagery training with an avatar in VR shows potential for enhancing cognitive functions.
• VR imagery training with avatars can lead to improvements in specific physiological responses.
• This approach may be a viable tool for cognitive and physiological enhancement in healthy adults.