Investigating the Effects of Combined Mental and Physical Stress

This study randomly assigned subjects to 2 groups; group one was assigned to experience the Ruffier squat test and jump rope, a physical stressor, alone. While group two was assigned to a dual stressor, the Ruffier squat test and jump rope, followed by the virtual reality active shooter drill (VR-ASD). The stress tasks marked the midway point in the study, prior to and following the stress task, researchers collected heart rate (HR), state inventory assessment (SAI), and a salivary sample in order to assess differences in perceived and physiological stress levels.

All procedures from this project were reviewed and approved by the University Institutional Review Board.

The experimental procedures began upon arrival to the testing site where the subjects read and signed the informed consent document, had their body composition measurements taken by the inbody, as well as height taken, they were then exported to the gymnasium where they were instructed to rinse their mouth with water and rest. There was 4 collection periods in this study, where a SAI, HR, and saliva sample was taken; 1) 30 minutes pre exercise test 2) immediately pre exercise test 3) 5 minutes post exercise test 4) 30 minutes post exercise.

Virtual Reality- Active Shooter Drill (VR-ASD):

The VR-ASD is a virtual reality simulation that required the subject to wear a VR headset, carry a Glock 17 training pistol, and navigate the VR environment by physically moving on their own without interruption. The VR was performed in an open gymnasium, much larger than the scenario, to allow for ample room to roam the scenario. Following a familiarization period, the subject is then told they are a responding officer to an active shooter where they will be asked to find and eliminate the target. The subject then physically walked down a 10-foot hallway in VR where they encountered 2 victims of the shooting. One of the victims has traumatic injuries, while the other victim runs out of the room with the shooter with gunshot wounds to their arm and leg. Once the subject reaches the room with the shooter, they will observe a victim with a traumatic head injury, and the shooter firing his handgun at the last victim. If the subject hadn't fired their weapon at this point, the shooter would then begin open firing at the participant. Once the shooter had been shot by the participant, the shooter fell to the ground and the scenario ended.