Work at Heights Training: Conventional Approach With and Without Immersive Virtual Reality

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Workers at Heights

• Registration Number: NCT06728566
• Lead Sponsor: Universidad Autonoma de Occidente

Brief Summary

This study focuses on the design and evaluation of an innovative training protocol aimed at working at heights in the construction sector in the city of Cali. The main focus of this protocol lies in the use of Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) and the measurement of biosignals to enhance workers' safety and preparedness. The training protocol is developed by creating virtual environments that simulate hazardous working conditions, allowing workers to practice high-risk situations safely and effectively. Additionally, the integration of biosignal measurements, such as heart rate variability and respiratory rate, is used to assess workers' stress levels and decision-making abilities during simulations.

The protocol evaluation is conducted through a pilot study with real workers in the construction field. The results are analyzed to determine whether the use of IVR and biosignal measurement improves assertiveness and, therefore, safety, reduces workplace accidents, and increases workers' confidence in high-risk environments. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of IVR and biosignal measurement as training tools in the construction sector, which could have a significant impact on reducing workplace accidents and injuries. This innovative approach has the potential to enhance occupational safety and workers' preparedness in high-risk environments, thereby contributing to a safer and more efficient working environment in the construction industry.

Detailed Description

Safety in the construction sector is of vital importance, especially in high-risk activities such as excavations and working at heights. To improve worker training and preparation in these areas, this research proposal has been developed.

This project focuses on the use of advanced technology, such as Immersive Virtual Reality, to simulate real work situations and allow workers to practice and acquire the necessary skills to face the challenges of their daily tasks. However, what makes this project particularly interesting is the incorporation of biosignal measurement during training.

Biosignals are physiological indicators that can be measured and analyzed to assess an individual's emotional and physical state. In this context, devices will be used to capture data such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and their variability. These measurements will provide precise information about the worker's reactions to different simulated situations, which will, in turn, help identify areas for improvement and optimize the training protocol.

The main contribution of this project lies in generating new knowledge about how biosignals can be used as a complementary tool in the design and evaluation of training protocols for workers in high-risk activities. The information obtained through biosignal measurement will allow for the identification of patterns and trends that will help better understand workers' physiological and emotional reactions, as well as their performance in critical situations.

This clinical trial compares two training methods for workers at heights, one using Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) in addition to the conventional training, and the other using only the conventional training. The main questions to be answered are:

What is the impact of the IVR training protocol on the acquisition of knowledge and practical skills of workers in high-risk activities compared to traditional training?

Is there a relationship between immersive Virtual Reality training and the physiological response to stressful situations in high-risk activities, through the recording of biosignals taken during the intervention?

The researchers will compare the two forms of training and identify if there are differences in both fitness and cardiorespiratory response.

Participants in the control group will perform practical work at heights while heart rate, respiratory monitoring, and ergonomic analysis of the activity will be performed. The participants of the intervention group, in addition to the above, will be exposed to virtual reality environments as part of the training of work at heights, this will be before the actual practical part.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2024-10-24
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-12-06
• Study First Posted: 2024-12-11
• Status Verified: 2025-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-03-26
• Last Update Posted: 2025-03-27
• Study Start: 2025-05
• Primary Completion: 2026-05
• Study Completion: 2026-06

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 20

Inclusion Criteria

• Learners from the National Learning Service (SENA).
• First time taking the work at heights training course.

Exclusion Criteria

• Experience in working at heights.
• Health conditions that prevent performing both the IVR training and work at heights.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
PRACTICAL SKILLS FOR WORKING AT HEIGHTS	The time frame for completing all practical activities, assessments, and evaluations is approximately 10 hours, distributed over 2 days.	Each activity is scored on an approve/disapprove system. By the end, workers must meet these standards: 1. Harness Donning and Adjustment: Properly don, adjust straps, and ensure no slack. Passing requires a secure, comfortable fit and correct anchor positioning.; 2. Anchor Points: Select/install anchors compatible with the system and load standards. Passing requires secure installation verified by testing.; 3. Lifelines: Use vertical/horizontal lifelines, maintaining connection. Passing requires constant security.; 4. Climbing/Moving: Safely ascend/descend while connected. Passing requires proper system use and controlled movements.; 5. Tool Handling: Secure tools to prevent falls. Passing requires consistent adherence to safety protocols.; 6. Emergency Response: Simulate emergencies calmly, following protocols. Passing requires appropriate stress management.; 7. Equipment Inspection: Identify equipment issues. Passing requires thorough inspection and defect reporting.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Heart Rate Variability	Heart rate variability will be assessed over an approximate period of 45 minutes.	Variation in the time between RR intervals on the electrocardiogram
Respiratory Rate Variability	Respiratory rate variability will be assessed over an approximate period of 45 minutes.	The fluctuation in time between consecutive breathing cycles.
Ergonomic Analysis of the Activity	The REBA score will be assessed over an approximate period of 25 minutes during the observation of the occupational task.	The REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) score quantifies the ergonomic risk of musculoskeletal injury in occupational tasks by evaluating body postures, forces, and repetitive movements. It assigns values to the position of the head, torso, arms, legs, and wrists, physical effort (e.g., lifting, pushing, pulling), and task repetition. The total score ranges from 1 to 15, with scores from 1-3 indicating minimal risk, 4-7 indicating moderate risk, and 8-15 suggesting high risk. A higher REBA score indicates greater potential for musculoskeletal disorders. The REBA score helps identify ergonomic risks and prioritize interventions to reduce injury risk.
Attention and memory measurements	Before the training protocol	The Neuropsi (Neuropsychological Screening Battery) score assesses cognitive function in multiple domains, including attention, memory, executive function, and language. It consists of tasks measuring short-term memory, attention span, visuospatial abilities, and verbal fluency, among others. The total score is calculated by summing the results from each subtest, with a range from 0 to 30 points for each domain. Higher scores indicate better cognitive performance, while lower scores suggest cognitive impairment. The Neuropsi score is used to monitor cognitive changes over time and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. A score below 20 typically indicates significant cognitive impairment.