Effects of VR-based Respiratory Training on Motor Reaction Time and Correctness, Stress Levels, Attention, Motor Skills, Postural Stability and Sleep Quality in Shift Healthcare Workers

Summary

This study investigates the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based respiratory training on various physiological and cognitive functions in shift-working healthcare professionals, including paramedics and nurses. The research will evaluate how VR-guided breathing exercises influence: stress levels, motor reaction time and accuracy, attention and cognitive performance, motor skills and postural stability, sleep quality

Participants will be divided into three groups:

VR-based respiratory training group - performing guided breathing exercises in a VR environment.

Music-based relaxation group - listening to relaxing music without structured breathing instructions.

Control group - no intervention.

The findings will help determine whether VR-based respiratory training is an effective method for improving stress resilience, cognitive function, and physical performance in shift-working healthcare professionals.

Conditions

• Healthcare Workers
• Stress Level
• Emergency Department
• Shift Work Sleep Disorder
• Postural Stability
• VR Breathing Exercises
• Attention
• Time Reaction

Interventions

OTHER

Experimental group (B) - breathing training using VR

The Flowborne VR - Biofeedback Breathing Meditation game is an interactive training environment that guides the participant through a series of breathing exercises. The app adjusts the difficulty level and pace of the workout in real time based on the participant's physiological parameters, such as breathing rhythm. Types of exercises in the game: 1. diaphragmatic breathing - the participant takes slow, controlled breaths, inhaling into the diaphragm and exhaling at a set pace. The game visualizes breathing through animations of water waves and background color changes. 2. rhythmic breathing - the participant sts his breathing rhythm to the changing visual and audio stimuli, allowing for synchronous breathing control. 3. Controlled exhalation lengthening - the participant learns the technique of slow exhalation of air to improve relaxation and reduce tension.

OTHER

Experimental group (C) - breathing training using relaxation music

* Diaphragmatic breathing - the conscious engagement of the diaphragm in the inhalation process. * Controlled exhalation lengthening - a technique to lengthen the exhalation phase. * Rhythmic breathing - synchronizing breathing with a set pace to improve breath control. Structure of each session: 1. introductory phase (3 minutes) * Participants assume a comfortable sitting or lying position. * Brief instruction on proper breathing. 2. training phase (15 minutes). * Participants listen to relaxation music while focusing on the breathing techniques they learned before the session. * Breathing techniques used include those learned during the training: diaphragmatic breathing, controlled expiration lengthening, rhythmic breathing. 3 Relaxation phase (2 minutes) * Gradual exit from the training session, focusing attention on the sensations of the body and mind.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Poznan University of Physical Education

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

23 Years

Max Age

45 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-04-07

Primary Completion

2025-10-30

Completion

2025-12-30

Countries

• Poland

Study Locations