Assessing the perceptual equivalence of a firefighting training exercise across virtual and real environments

• DOI: 10.1007/s10055-023-00917-6
• Publication Date: 2024-01-10T09:02:52Z
• Authors: David Narciso; Miguel Melo; Susana Rodrigues; Duarte Dias; João Cunha; José Vasconcelos-...; Maximino Bessa
• Keywords: Transfer of training

Abstract The advantages of Virtual Reality (VR) over traditional training, together with the development VR technology, have contributed to an increase in body literature on training professionals VR. However, there is a gap concerning comparison Environment (VE) same Real (RE), which would contribute better understanding capabilities training. This paper presents study firefighters ( N = 12) where effect firefighter exercise VE was evaluated and compared that RE. environments using psychophysiological measures by evaluating perception stress fatigue, transfer knowledge, sense presence, cybersickness, actual measured through participants’ Heart Rate Variability (HRV). results showed similar fatigue between two environments; positive, although not significant, knowledge; display moderately high presence values VE; ability cause symptoms cybersickness; finally, obtaining signs HRV RE and, lesser extent, VE. Although shown be non-comparable RE, authors consider encouraging discuss some key factors should addressed future improve