Influences of a Virtual Reality Experience on Dissociation, Mindfulness, and Self-Efficacy.

An experiment on a nonclinical sample to investigate influences of virtual reality (VR) on dissociation, mindfulness, and self-efficacy is reported. The participants were immersed for 20 minutes with a VR system in a large virtual apartment and have been charged to look around and find a set of objects previously observed on pictures. Questionnaires pre- and postimmersion were administered to measure the levels of such psychological constructs; cybersickness was assessed as well.

Analysis for the design of a novel integrated framework for the return to work of wheelchair users.

Background: Return to work represents an important milestone for workers who were injured during a workplace accident, especially if the injury results in needing a wheelchair for locomotion.

Objective: The aim of the study was to design a framework for training novice wheelchair users in regaining autonomy in activities of daily living and in the workplace and for providing medical personnel with objective data on users' health and work-related capabilities.

Methods: The framework design was accomplished following the "Usability Engineering Life Cycle" model.