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NCT Number: NCT06968260

Stress and Learning in Educator- vs. Software-Guided VR Training for Basic Life Support

This randomized controlled trial will explore how instructor type-human vs. machine-affects performance, immersion, and stress during VR-based Basic Life Support (BLS) training. Participants will receive VR based education wither with a machine instructor or a human instructor and complete a simulated emergency exam. Outcomes will include procedural accuracy, physiological stress (measured via electrodermal activity), and subjective evaluations of presence and instructor effectiveness.

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Key information

Conditions

Machine Guidance Instructor Guidance

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

About this study

In high-stakes medical emergencies, both technical proficiency and psychological resilience are critical. Traditional Basic Life Support (BLS) training methods-such as lectures, role-play, and manikin-based practice-help students build core skills but often fall short in replicating the stress and complexity of real-world crises. As medical education evolves, virtual reality (VR) is emerging as a promising tool, offering immersive, controlled environments that simulate emergency conditions while supporting both skill acquisition and psychological engagement. However, while VR's benefits for technical training are well-established, its impact on stress management and mental preparedness remains underexplored.

This study will examine how the type of instructor-human or machine-within a VR-based training environment influences students' performance, immersion, and stress responses during BLS training. Participants will undergo VR-based BLS instruction led by either a human educator or a software-based guide, followed by a simulated emergency exam. Outcomes will be assessed through procedural accuracy, physiological stress measured via electrodermal activity (EDA), and subjective evaluations of presence and instructor effectiveness.

The findings are expected to shed light on how different instructional approaches in VR affect not only learning outcomes but also students' capacity to manage stress in high-pressure situations. By identifying how instructor type influences both competence and psychological resilience, this research aims to optimize VR-based medical training for the demands of real-world clinical practice.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Being older than 18

Exclusion criteria

  • prior completion of Basic Life Support (BLS) training
  • history of virtual reality (VR)-induced motion sickness
  • medical conditions such as vertigo or the use of medications known to cause vertigo-like symptoms

Treatment and study plan

Education Type

Other

Machine Guidance group will receive education from a software, while the Instructor Guidance Group will receive education from a human instructor.

Primary outcomes

  1. Electrodermal Activity

    Time frame: Up to 4 weeks

    Electrodermal activity will be used to operationalize stress levels via Shimmer3 GSR+ (Galvanic Skin Response) Unit.

  2. Presence Levels

    Time frame: Up to 4 weeks

    Presence will be measured using Presence Questionnaire. The questionnaire is 7- point likert type, with higher scores meaning increased presence. The minimum possible score is 1 and the maximum is 7.

  3. Instructional Skills Questionnaire

    Time frame: Up to 4 weeks

    This questionnaire will be used to assess instructor evaluations. Items are rated on a 7-point Likert scale. Higher scores indicate better satisfaction with the course.

  4. Exam Scores

    Time frame: Up to 4 weeks

    Scores on the exam module will be compared across groups. Scores will range from 1 to 100. Higher scores will indicate higher success.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Acibadem University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparing Physiological Stress and Learning Outcomes in Instructor- vs. Software-Guided VR Basic Life Support Training

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
May 13, 2025
Registry last updated
May 13, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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