Effects of virtual heights, dual-tasking, and training on static postural stability

Sachini N K Kodithuwakku Arachchige; Harish Chander; Alireza Shojaei; Adam C Knight; Caitlyn Brown; Hannah R Freeman; Reuben F Burch V; Chih-Chia Chen

doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104145

Effects of virtual heights, dual-tasking, and training on static postural stability

Appl Ergon. 2024 Jan:114:104145. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104145. Epub 2023 Oct 12.

Authors

Sachini N K Kodithuwakku Arachchige¹, Harish Chander², Alireza Shojaei³, Adam C Knight⁴, Caitlyn Brown⁵, Hannah R Freeman⁶, Reuben F Burch V⁷, Chih-Chia Chen⁸

Affiliations

¹ Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Weber State University, Dept 2805, 1435 Village Dr, Ogden, UT, 84408-5150, USA. Electronic address: skodi@weber.edu.
² Neuromechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Mississippi State University, PO Box 6186 216, McCarthy Gym, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA; Human Factors & Athlete Engineering, Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, Mississippi State University, 200 Research Blvd, Starkville, MS, 39759, USA. Electronic address: hchander@colled.msstate.edu.
³ Myers-Lawson School of Construction, Virginia Tech, 1345 Perry St, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA. Electronic address: shojaei@vt.edu.
⁴ Neuromechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Mississippi State University, PO Box 6186 216, McCarthy Gym, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA. Electronic address: AKnight@colled.msstate.edu.
⁵ Neuromechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Mississippi State University, PO Box 6186 216, McCarthy Gym, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA. Electronic address: chb267@msstate.edu.
⁶ Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1716 9th Ave S, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA. Electronic address: freemanh@uab.edu.
⁷ Human Factors & Athlete Engineering, Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, Mississippi State University, 200 Research Blvd, Starkville, MS, 39759, USA; Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering, Mississippi State University, 479-2 Hardy Road, 260McCain Hall, Box 9542, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA. Electronic address: burch@ise.msstate.edu.
⁸ Cognitive and Motor Control Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Mississippi State University, PO Box 6186, 216 McCarthy Gym, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA. Electronic address: cc2196@msstate.edu.

PMID: 37837914
DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104145

Abstract

Working at altitudes, dual-tasking (DT), and lack of experience cause falls. This study aimed to investigate the impact of virtual heights, DT, and training on static postural stability. Twenty-eight volunteers' balance at seven virtual environments [VE; ground (G), altitude 1 (A1), edge 1 (E1), altitude 2 (A2), edge 2 (E2), altitude 3 (A3), and edge 3 (E3)] were recorded during single-tasking (ST) and DT over three days. Independent variables were analyzed using a 7 (VE) x 3 (DAY) x 2 (TASK) factorial repeated measures ANOVA. Greater postural sway was observed in A3 and E1, on DAY 1, and during DT. The study demonstrated static postural stability deteriorates at higher virtual altitudes and during DT and improves with training. The findings of the study suggest that virtual reality is a great altitude simulator, which could be used as a potential balance training tool in ergonomic settings.

Keywords: Dual-tasking; Falls; VR.

MeSH terms

Ergonomics
Humans
Postural Balance*
Virtual Reality*