Physiological and Subjective Measures of Anxiety with Repeated Exposure to Virtual Construction Sites at Different Heights
10.1016/j.shaw.2023.07.005
- Author:
Sachini N.K. Kodithuwakku ARACHCHIGE
1
;
Harish CHANDER
;
Alana J. TURNER
;
Alireza SHOJAEI
;
Adam C. KNIGHT
;
Aaron GRIFFITH
;
Reuben F. BURCH
;
Chih-Chia CHEN
Author Information
1. Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Weber State University, Ogden, UT, USA
- Publication Type:Original article
- From:Safety and Health at Work
2023;14(3):303-308
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Occupational workers at altitudes are more prone to falls, leading to catastrophic outcomes. Acrophobia, height-related anxiety, and affected executive functions lead to postural instabilities, causing falls. This study investigated the effects of repeated virtual height exposure and training on cognitive processing and height-related anxiety.
Methods:Twenty-eight healthy volunteers (age 20.48 ± 1.26 years; mass 69.52 ± 13.78 kg) were recruited and tested in seven virtual environments (VE) [ground (G), 2-story altitude (A1), 2-story edge (E1), 4-story altitude (A2), 4-story edge (E2), 6-story altitude (A3), and 6-story edge (E3)] over three days. At each VE, participants identified occupational hazards present in the VE and completed an Attitude Towards Heights Questionnaire (ATHQ) and a modified State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Questionnaire (mSTAIQ). The number of hazards identified and the ATHQ and mSTAIQ scores were analyzed using a 7 (VE; G, A1, A2, A3, E1, E2, E3) x 3 (DAY; DAY 1, DAY 2, DAY 3) factorial repeated measures analysis of variance.
Results:The participants identified the lowest number of hazards at A3 and E3 VEs and on DAY 1 compared to other VEs and DAYs. ATHQ scores were lowest at G, A1, and E1 VEs.
Conclusion:Cognitive processing is negatively affected by virtual altitudes, while it improves with short-term training. The features of virtual reality, such as higher involvement, engagement, and reliability, make it a better training tool to be considered in ergonomic settings. The findings of this study will provide insights into cognitive dual-tasking at altitude and its challenges, which will aid in minimizing occupational falls.
