Feasibility and validity of working memory training system based on virtual reality technology for army soldiers

Abstract

Objective To investigate the feasibility and validity of working memory training system based on virtual reality (VR) technology for army soldiers. Methods MethodsA VR-based working memory training system was established by combining driving task with working memory tasks (including n-back, more-odd shifting and Stroop task). A total of 30 army soldiers selected by cluster random sampling were asked to experience the VR scene and fill in a Likert 7 grade VR scene rating scale including 9 subscales. Then another 60 army soldiers selected by cluster random sampling were randomly divided into VR training group and control group. The soldiers from the former group were given working memory VR training, and those from the latter received no training. All the subjects completed operation-word span task, active memory task, local-global task and GO/NOGO task before and after training. Descriptive statistical analysis, independent sample t-test, paired sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were adopted to statistically analyze the results. Results ① The average values of the 9 subscales in the VR scene rating scale were greater than the median value 4 (x=4.180~6.183); ② After the training, the performance of operation-word span task (P 0.05). Conclusion The VR-based working memory training system is feasible and effective for army soldiers.

Keywords

• virtual reality technology
• working memory
• training system
• army soldiers