Musical Scores for Virtual Reality Headsets: Compositional Strategies and Performative Challenges

This review assesses the risk of a photic-induced seizure in a child during viewing of 3D (binocular 3 dimensional, stereoscopic) movies or games, either on standard video displays or when wearing a virtual reality (VR) headset. Studies published by pediatric epilepsy experts emphasize the low risk of 3D viewing even for children with known photosensitive epilepsy (PSE). The low incidence of PSE is noteworthy because the number of hours devoted to 2D or 3D screen viewing and/or VR headset use by children worldwide has increased markedly over the last decade. The medical literature does not support the notion that VR headset use poses a risk for PSE.

Growing research has found that exposing patients to forest landscapes through technology improves their health. However, studies on the effects of nature therapy sessions on particularly vulnerable groups that require frequent regular treatment such as patients of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is lacking. This study aims to understand the effects of watching panoramic videos of forest walks through virtual reality (VR) headsets on patients. We also examine the effects of the frequency of virtual exposure to forests on the physiological and psychological parameters of patients undergoing dialysis. Twenty-four dialysis patients with a mean age of 65.11 year underwent a virtual nature intervention over the course of 3 weeks. The intervention consists of 3 numbers of 6-min 360-degree nature videos delivered using VR headsets. We measured heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate (HR) using continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring and assessed their emotional states using a questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews. The results showed that the initial 6 min of watching of the panoramic videos through VR headsets resulted in significantly reduced HR and sympathetic nerve activity and increased positive emotional responses. However, repeated VR exposure did not further improve the physiological health of the respondents. Considering these results, the use of VR headsets to watch 6-min nature videos indoors can be used to enhance the positive psychological responses among dialysis and bed-ridden patients. As this study is preliminary, future random controlled trials are needed to compare and determine the best dose, content, and delivery methods of such an intervention.

The article considers the possibility of using virtual and mixed reality in studying the geometry of the crystal lattice in the framework of the course of solid state physics. The application of mixed and virtual reality technologies in the study of various branches of physics is receiving more and more attention. Virtual reality headsets were used in practical and laboratory classes, where students had to create crystal structures and carry out modeling of various processes. When studying complex spatial objects of crystallography, virtual reality technology allowed students to familiarize themselves with the object of study in more detail, understand the structure of crystals and, accordingly, complete the task in a timely manner. At the same time, the prolonged use of virtual reality headsets led to rapid fatigue of students.

Immersing Patients in a Virtual Reality Environment for Brain Mapping During Awake Surgery: Safety Study

This study integrated the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and the four stages of Kolb's learning style-concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conception, and active experimentation to investigate the factors affecting students' behavioral intention to use a virtual reality headset (VRH) in learning. The research model, constructed using structural equation modeling, included the four constructs of the UTAUT, namely performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating condition. Hypotheses on whether the four stages of Kolb's learning style and the four constructs of the UTAUT significantly affect behavioral intention to use VRHs in learning were proposed and tested through inference analysis. The results show that only the concrete experience stage of Kolb's learning style has a positive and significant effect on users' behavioral intention to use VRHs in learning, whereas all four constructs of the UTAUT do. These findings should be applied by educational institutions to increase VRH use in learning.

A 13-year-old boy presented with an 8-year history of recurrent facial dermatitis. He had a history of atopic eczema and had developed intermittent swelling, redness and scaling of the face for several years, initially thought to be related to sunscreen exposure but more recently associated with prolonged time wearing his virtual reality (VR) headset. The distribution of the rash over the cheeks coincided with areas in contact with the headset rubber foam padding. Patch testing to the British Society for Cutaneous Allergy standard series, facial series, photoallergen series and a sample from the headset foam showed positive reactions to carba mix 3% (day 2+, day 4++), methylchloroisothiazolinone with methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) 0.02% (day 2+, day 4+), methylisothiazolinone (MI) 0.2% (day 2+, day 4+), 2-bromo-2-nitropropane 0.5% (day 2+, day 4+), methyldibromoglutaronitrile 0.3% (day 2−, day 4+), benzisothiazolinone 0.1% (day 2+, day 4+), propolis (day 2−, day 4+) and the patient’s own VR headset sample as is (day 2+, day 4+). Carba mix was felt to be relevant to the sponge rubber headset padding, which was also positive on testing. 2-Bromo-2-nitropropane was of current relevance to use of a facial ‘cooling spray’ containing this preservative. The other reactions were of unknown relevance. Avoidance of the headset led to complete resolution of symptoms. The VR company has since provided a cover for the padding, which has allowed our patient to wear the device without flaring his skin. The UK has one of Europe’s largest gaming markets, with projections indicating a surge in video game users from 51.2 million in 2023 to an estimated 57.6 million by 2027. Approximately 56% of the UK population engages in gaming, with most notably the demographic aged 16–24 years reporting 88% engagement in video games, and 68% of individuals aged 7–18 years owning gaming consoles. VR headsets are currently utilized by only 1% of children aged 3–15 years, hindered by the substantial price tag of £1420 for some VR headsets. However, the availability of more affordable alternatives will drive increased usage. Virtual meetings and working from home are becoming commonplace, widening potential exposure to VR headsets in the workplace. Gaming controllers are reported to cause ACD, as well as ‘PlayStation thumb’, with desquamation, lichenified hyperkeratotic papules and fissures on the lateral aspect of the thumbs. PlayStation palmar hidradenitis manifests with discrete, erythematous, tender nodules over the finger pulps and the palmar aspects of both hands, caused by repeated trauma while gaming. To our knowledge, ACD caused by a VR headset has not been previously reported. We would like to highlight this potential new source of ACD to the gaming and wider working population.

Background The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of a teacher affects learning related outcomes in teaching basic surgical tasks with a Virtual Reality (VR) headset. Methods 26 fourth-year medical studentsparticipated in a voluntary exercise. Students practiced basic surgical procedure exercises using the VR4HEALTHCARE application in VR with OCULUS Rift S glasses. 12 students performed the exercises under the guidance of a teacher and 14 without the teacher present. After the exercise, the groups filled out a feedback form. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 software using the Mann-Whitney U test and multivariate analysis of variance. Results The most important data collected related to whether the student learned something new and whether VR adds value to medical education. Ratings were based on a scale of 0–10 (0 = worst, 10 = best). When the teacher was present, on average, the students felt that they were learning something new and gave an average rating of 7.8 ± 1.8, and when the teacher was not present 5.3 ± 2.6 (p = 0.003). VR added value to teaching with a rating of 7.8 ± 1.7 when the teacher was present and 5.5 ± 3.0 when not present (p = 0.045). This study also analyzed specific use of VR for abscess incision, suturing and insertion of a suprapubic catheter. Discussion When a teacher was present VR added value to teaching and the usefulness and usability of VR was experienced more positively. The student should also have adequate knowledge of the subject to be taught before VR training. Conclusions VR adds value to teaching, but VR exercises may not completely replace high-quality traditional teaching methods. Consequently, it is important to determine the differences between VR and traditional teaching methods and how to combine these methods in the future.

Virtual Reality (VR) can support engaging and effective learning and current VR devices commercially available are opening up opportunities and expectations in higher education. An open research question is determining whether the fidelity of the VR device (e.g. resolution, framerate, etc.) impacts learning. This work aims to address this question by conducting a study wherein the quality of the experience and the knowledge acquired using a high fidelity (and high priced) VR headset is compared against a lower fidelity (and lower priced) VR headset. The results of the study do not reveal significant difference in spatial and experiential learning. The user satisfaction and experience are also similar regardless of the headset used.

The Reality of Virtual Reality in Echocardiography Education?

Effect of economically friendly acustimulation approach against cybersickness in video-watching tasks using consumer virtual reality devices

One of the main difficulties in teleoperated systems is providing an operator with sufficient Situational Awareness (SA). This paper introduces three open-source packages that improve the operator's SA using the Robot Operating System (ROS). The first package-rviz_textured_sphere-allows rendering panospheric camera outputs as spherical images in the ROS visualization software RViz. A system where the visualization of this spherical data using an open-source virtual reality (OSVR) headset in the ROS framework is achieved with the second package: rviz_plugin_osvr. Finally, the third package-pointcloud_painter-projects spherical data onto a 3D depth cloud scan of the scene generated from a rotating lidar. This package outputs a XYZRGB pointcloud that can be visualized either in RViz or using the virtual reality headset. Together, these technologies address the wider issue of limited SA in robotics and represent a substantial advancement in the environment visualization capabilities available to open-source robotics developers.

<h3>Background</h3> Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated world that can make you feel like you are there, immersing you in environments like a beach or a city. Evidence suggests that VR may help people with incurable illnesses by reducing symptoms like pain and enhancing well-being (Lloyd, Haraldsdottir. BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2021;11(3):344–50; Mo, Vickerstaff, Minton, et al. Palliat Med. 2022;36(7):1047–58). More hospices are using VR with patients alongside the personalised care they already provide. However, little is known about how many hospices use VR or how it is perceived by staff. <h3>Aim</h3> To understand how many hospices use VR and how hospice staff feel about this technology. <h3>Method</h3> An online survey was sent to adult, independent hospices in the UK (N=186). The survey was open between October 2024 and June 2025. Hospices were contacted by email and phone. Only one response per hospice was permitted, and questions were open and closed-ended. Ethical approval was given by UCL (26971/001). <h3>Results</h3> As of May 2025, 60 hospices (32%) responded to the survey. Of these, 31 (52%) did not own a VR headset. The main barriers to purchasing VR included a lack of funding (40%), high equipment costs (33%), and insufficient resources to implement (27%). Among the hospices that owned VR headsets, 17 (28%) did not use them, citing a lack of training and limited capacity. Hospices that used VR employed it to address various symptoms, including boredom (62%), anxiety (52%), and chronic pain (31%). Staff viewed VR as a novel tool for enabling patients to experience activities they can no longer do, but had concerns about cost and sustainability. <h3>Conclusions</h3> These findings provide early insights into staff attitudes towards VR in hospices, including potential benefits of VR and staff concerns about its implementation. This information will help hospices decide whether using VR with patients is appropriate.

Virtual Reality (VR) technology has rapidly evolved in recent years, offering immersive experiences that transcend traditional boundaries of entertainment, education, training, healthcare, and various other sectors. At the heart of this technological revolution lies the VR headset, a device that serves as the gateway to virtual worlds. The user satisfaction with VR headsets is a critical aspect that significantly impacts the adoption, acceptance, and success of VR technology as a whole. This dissertation aims to delve deep into understanding the factors influencing user satisfaction with VR headsets, drawing insights from existing literature and empirical studies. By examining the hardware specifications, software content, comfort, usability, and overall experience of VR headsets, this dissertation seeks to contribute to the enhancement of VR technology and user experience.

Regional anaesthesia is a gold standard in upper limb orthopaedic surgery. Carried out on an awake patient, it can be a source of anxiety. In recent years, hypnotic techniques have been proposed in the management of perioperative anxiety. Among them, virtual reality is increasingly used as a distraction tool during anxious or painful actions despite the scarcity of proof of its benefit in the literature. Before implementing the systematic use of virtual reality when performing regional anaesthesia in our institution, we designed a study hypothesizing that the use of a virtual reality headset when performing an axillary block would reduce patient's anxiety.The study is an investigator-initiated, prospective monocentric and observational trial comparing anxiety scores of patients who underwent upper limb surgery under an axillary block with or without virtual reality headset. The perioperative anxiety was assessed by a numerical range scale before and after the peripheral nerve block performance.Between June 2021 and June 2022, 99 patients were included: 53 wearing the virtual reality headset and 46 not. The difference in numerical range scale for anxiety before and after the axillary block performance did not differ in the virtual reality group compared to the group without headset (mean = -1.9 ± 2.5 vs -1.5 ± 2.0, (p = 0.2520)). Technical difficulties reported by the operators were similar in both groups.Despite the large number of patients included, the virtual reality headset did not reduce patient's anxiety during a peripheral nerve block. Perioperative anxiety was low in all patients.

We present a Mixed Reality system for remote collaboration using Virtual Reality (VR) headsets with external depth cameras attached. By wirelessly sharing a 3D point-cloud data of a local workers' workspace with a remote helper, and sharing the remote helper's hand gestures back to the local worker, the remote helper is able to assist the worker to perform manual tasks.Displaying the point-cloud video in a conventional way, such as a static front view in VR headsets, does not provide helpers with sufficient understanding of the spatial relationships between their hands and the remote surroundings. In contrast, we propose a Mixed Reality (MR) system that shares with the remote helper, not only 3D captured environment data but also real-time orientation info of the worker's viewpoint. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the usability of the system, and we found that extra synchronized orientation data can make collaborators feel more connected spatially and mentally.