Healthcare WorkersNCT06926257
Effects of VR-based Respiratory Training on Motor Reaction Time and Correctness, Stress Levels, Attention, Motor Skills, Postural Stability and Sleep Quality in Shift Healthcare Workers
A study testing Experimental group (B) - breathing training using VR and Experimental group (C) - breathing training using relaxation music in people with Healthcare Workers and Stress Level, run by Poznan University of Physical Education at 1 site in Poland.
Trial summary
This study investigates the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based respiratory training on various physiological and cognitive functions in shift-working healthcare professionals, including paramedics and nurses. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 23 to 45 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthcare Workers, Stress Level, Emergency Department
- What is being tested?
- Experimental group (B) - breathing training using VR and Experimental group (C) - breathing training using relaxation music
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePoland
- Study dates
- 7 Apr 2025to 30 Dec 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 23 to 45 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
The study will be conducted in a group of paramedics and nurses of both sexes, aged 23-45. It is expected that 60 people will be examined. The study will include hospital emergency department employees, working shifts, with a minimum of two years of work experience. Those who receive a doctor's consent to participate in the study and give informed consent will be admitted to the study.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Poland1 site
Poznań University of Physical Education
Poznan, 61871
Marzena Szerment, 61 835 50 00, szerment@awf.poznan.pl
About this study
This study investigates the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based respiratory training on various physiological and cognitive functions in shift-working healthcare professionals, including paramedics and nurses. The research will evaluate how VR-guided breathing exercises influence: stress levels, motor reaction time and accuracy, attention and cognitive performance, motor skills and postural stability, sleep quality
Participants will be divided into three groups:
Read more
VR-based respiratory training group - performing guided breathing exercises in a VR environment.
Music-based relaxation group - listening to relaxing music without structured breathing instructions.
Control group - no intervention.
The findings will help determine whether VR-based respiratory training is an effective method for improving stress resilience, cognitive function, and physical performance in shift-working healthcare professionals.
- Conditions
- Healthcare Workers, Stress Level, Emergency Department, Shift Work Sleep Disorder, Postural Stability, VR Breathing Exercises
- Being tested
- Experimental group (B) - breathing training using VR, Experimental group (C) - breathing training using relaxation music
- Medical subject headings
- Emergencies, Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Experimental group (B) - breathing training using VROther
The Flowborne VR - Biofeedback Breathing Meditation game is an interactive training environment that guides the participant through a series of breathing exercises. The app adjusts the difficulty level and pace of the workout in real time based on the participant's physiological parameters, such as breathing rhythm.
Types of exercises in the game:
- diaphragmatic breathing - the participant takes slow, controlled breaths, inhaling into the diaphragm and exhaling at a set pace. The game visualizes breathing through animations of water waves and background color changes.
- rhythmic breathing - the participant sts his breathing rhythm to the changing visual and audio stimuli, allowing for synchronous breathing control.
- Controlled exhalation lengthening - the participant learns the technique of slow exhalation of air to improve relaxation and reduce tension.
Experimental group (C) - breathing training using relaxation musicOther
- Diaphragmatic breathing - the conscious engagement of the diaphragm in the inhalation process.
- Controlled exhalation lengthening - a technique to lengthen the exhalation phase.
- Rhythmic breathing - synchronizing breathing with a set pace to improve breath control.
Structure of each session:
- introductory phase (3 minutes)
- Participants assume a comfortable sitting or lying position.
- Brief instruction on proper breathing.
- training phase (15 minutes).
- Participants listen to relaxation music while focusing on the breathing techniques they learned before the session.
- Breathing techniques used include those learned during the training: diaphragmatic breathing, controlled expiration lengthening, rhythmic breathing. 3 Relaxation phase (2 minutes)
- Gradual exit from the training session, focusing attention on the sensations of the body and mind.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Control group (A) - no intervention | No intervention | All participants will first be measured before and after their first night's duty to determine the baseline level of the accepted variables. Subsequently, the subjects will be informed not to use any additional forms of relaxation, and after four weeks, the study participants will undergo a final measurement. |
| Experimental group (B) - breathing training using VR | Experimental | Breathing training in the experimental group will be carried out under controlled conditions, in a quiet room, using VR goggles and the Flowborne VR - Biofeedback Breathing Meditation application. The goal of the program is to learn conscious breathing and reduce stress levels through an immersive virtual reality environment.
* A total of 8 sessions over 4 weeks.
* 2 trainings per week (after the end of night duty).
* Each session lasts 20 minutes. Receives: Other: Experimental group (C) - breathing training using relaxation music |
| Experimental group (C) - breathing training using relaxation music | Experimental | Breathing training will be based on traditional relaxation methods using relaxation music. This program will be conducted under controlled conditions in a quiet room, without the use of VR technology.
* A total of 8 sessions over 4 weeks.
* 2 trainings per week (after the end of night duty).
* Each session lasts 20 minutes. Receives: Other: Experimental group (B) - breathing training using VR |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Attention and reaction time
he MOXO Test is a computer-based diagnostic tool used to assess attention and impulse control. Participants respond to various visual and auditory stimuli appearing on the screen, where they must quickly and accurately recognize those that require a response while ignoring others designed to distract them. The test lasts approximately 15-18 minutes and evaluates four key indicators: reaction time, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. This allows for a detailed analysis of the participant's cognitive abilities and identification of potential attention deficits.
Measured: At the beginning of the study and after 4 weeks of breathing exercises.
Postural stability
The assessment will be conducted using a standard, low, stable posturographic platform. The first measurement will be taken in an upright posture with an attempt to lean the body as far forward and backward as possible while maintaining stability. The second measurement involves standing on one leg.
Measured: At the beginning of the study and after 4 weeks of breathing exercises.
Sleep quality
The impact of the intervention on participants' sleep quality, particularly in the context of shift work, will be assessed using the Polish version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). This measurement will be conducted twice: before the first night shift and before the last night shift (Mollayeva et al., 2016).
Measured: At the beginning of the study and after 4 weeks of breathing exercises.
Stress level and mood
Stress levels will be assessed using the PSS-10 Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen S., Kamarck T., Mermelstein R., 1983), adapted to Polish (Juczyński Z., Ogińska-Bulik N., 2009), which evaluates the intensity of stress related to one's life situation over the past month (Matuszczak-Świgoń et al., 2023). Additionally, the PANAS (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) questionnaire will be used to measure participants' positive and negative affect, assessing the intensity of their emotions before and after the intervention (Piotr Brzozowski, 2019). Subjective mood and the intensity of its changes will also be evaluated using a 0-10 scale before each measurement.
Measured: At the beginning of the study and after 4 weeks of breathing exercises.
Fine motor skills precision
Fine motor skills precision will be assessed using the WorkAbility Rate of Manipulation Test (WRMT). This test is a tool for evaluating manual skills in a work-related context. It consists of a task requiring participants to transfer discs from one place to another, measuring precision, speed, and dexterity. WRMT is used in the assessment of manual task performance abilities in various industries, including vocational rehabilitation and work capacity evaluation (Wang et al., 2018).
Measured: At the beginning of the study and after 4 weeks of breathing exercises.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Apr 2025
- Study start7 Apr 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion30 Oct 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Dec 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Healthcare WorkersStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Poznan University of Physical Education
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06926257
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 165/25
- Status last verified
- Apr 2025
- First submitted
- 7 Apr 2025
- Last updated
- 13 Apr 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided: The decision on data sharing has not been finalized. The availability of individual participant data (IPD) and supporting documents will be assessed after the study is completed. If data sharing is approved, details regarding access, format, and conditions will be provided in future updates.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Apr 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of VR-based Respiratory Training on Motor Reaction Time and Correctness, Stress Levels, Attention, Motor Skills, Postural Stability and Sleep Quality in Shift Healthcare Workers
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06926257
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 165/25
- Conditions
- Healthcare Workers, Stress Level, Emergency Department, Shift Work Sleep Disorder, Postural Stability, VR Breathing Exercises
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Poznan University of Physical EducationUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 7 Apr 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 30 Oct 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 13 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study investigates the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based respiratory training on various physiological and cognitive functions in shift-working healthcare professionals, including paramedics and nurses. The research will evaluate how VR-guided breathing exercises influence: stress levels, motor reaction time and accuracy, attention and cognitive performance, motor skills and postural stability, sleep quality
Participants will be divided into three groups:
VR-based respiratory training group - performing guided breathing exercises in a VR environment.
Music-based relaxation group - listening to relaxing music without structured breathing instructions.
Control group - no intervention.
The findings will help determine whether VR-based respiratory training is an effective method for improving stress resilience, cognitive function, and physical performance in shift-working healthcare professionals.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Control group (A) - no intervention | No intervention | –All participants will first be measured before and after their first night's duty to determine the baseline level of the accepted variables. Subsequently, the subjects will be informed not to use any additional forms of relaxation, and after four weeks, the study participants will undergo a final measurement. |
| Experimental group (B) - breathing training using VR | Experimental | Other: Experimental group (C) - breathing training using relaxation musicBreathing training in the experimental group will be carried out under controlled conditions, in a quiet room, using VR goggles and the Flowborne VR - Biofeedback Breathing Meditation application. The goal of the program is to learn conscious breathing and reduce stress levels through an immersive virtual reality environment. * A total of 8 sessions over 4 weeks. * 2 trainings per week (after the end of night duty). * Each session lasts 20 minutes. |
| Experimental group (C) - breathing training using relaxation music | Experimental | Other: Experimental group (B) - breathing training using VRBreathing training will be based on traditional relaxation methods using relaxation music. This program will be conducted under controlled conditions in a quiet room, without the use of VR technology. * A total of 8 sessions over 4 weeks. * 2 trainings per week (after the end of night duty). * Each session lasts 20 minutes. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 23 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental group (B) - breathing training using VRThe Flowborne VR - Biofeedback Breathing Meditation game is an interactive training environment that guides the participant through a series of breathing exercises. The app adjusts the difficulty level and pace of the workout in real time based on the participant's physiological parameters, such as breathing rhythm. Types of exercises in the game: 1. diaphragmatic breathing - the participant takes slow, controlled breaths, inhaling into the diaphragm and exhaling at a set pace. The game visualizes breathing through animations of water waves and background color changes. 2. rhythmic breathing - the participant sts his breathing rhythm to the changing visual and audio stimuli, allowing for synchronous breathing control. 3. Controlled exhalation lengthening - the participant learns the technique of slow exhalation of air to improve relaxation and reduce tension. | Other | Experimental group (C) - breathing training using relaxation music |
| Experimental group (C) - breathing training using relaxation music* Diaphragmatic breathing - the conscious engagement of the diaphragm in the inhalation process. * Controlled exhalation lengthening - a technique to lengthen the exhalation phase. * Rhythmic breathing - synchronizing breathing with a set pace to improve breath control. Structure of each session: 1. introductory phase (3 minutes) * Participants assume a comfortable sitting or lying position. * Brief instruction on proper breathing. 2. training phase (15 minutes). * Participants listen to relaxation music while focusing on the breathing techniques they learned before the session. * Breathing techniques used include those learned during the training: diaphragmatic breathing, controlled expiration lengthening, rhythmic breathing. 3 Relaxation phase (2 minutes) * Gradual exit from the training session, focusing attention on the sensations of the body and mind. | Other | Experimental group (B) - breathing training using VR |
Primary outcome
Attention and reaction time
Time frame: At the beginning of the study and after 4 weeks of breathing exercises.
he MOXO Test is a computer-based diagnostic tool used to assess attention and impulse control. Participants respond to various visual and auditory stimuli appearing on the screen, where they must quickly and accurately recognize those that require a response while ignoring others designed to distract them. The test lasts approximately 15-18 minutes and evaluates four key indicators: reaction time, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. This allows for a detailed analysis of the participant's cognitive abilities and identification of potential attention deficits.
Postural stability
Time frame: At the beginning of the study and after 4 weeks of breathing exercises.
The assessment will be conducted using a standard, low, stable posturographic platform. The first measurement will be taken in an upright posture with an attempt to lean the body as far forward and backward as possible while maintaining stability. The second measurement involves standing on one leg.
Sleep quality
Time frame: At the beginning of the study and after 4 weeks of breathing exercises.
The impact of the intervention on participants' sleep quality, particularly in the context of shift work, will be assessed using the Polish version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). This measurement will be conducted twice: before the first night shift and before the last night shift (Mollayeva et al., 2016).
Stress level and mood
Time frame: At the beginning of the study and after 4 weeks of breathing exercises.
Stress levels will be assessed using the PSS-10 Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen S., Kamarck T., Mermelstein R., 1983), adapted to Polish (Juczyński Z., Ogińska-Bulik N., 2009), which evaluates the intensity of stress related to one's life situation over the past month (Matuszczak-Świgoń et al., 2023). Additionally, the PANAS (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) questionnaire will be used to measure participants' positive and negative affect, assessing the intensity of their emotions before and after the intervention (Piotr Brzozowski, 2019). Subjective mood and the intensity of its changes will also be evaluated using a 0-10 scale before each measurement.
Fine motor skills precision
Time frame: At the beginning of the study and after 4 weeks of breathing exercises.
Fine motor skills precision will be assessed using the WorkAbility Rate of Manipulation Test (WRMT). This test is a tool for evaluating manual skills in a work-related context. It consists of a task requiring participants to transfer discs from one place to another, measuring precision, speed, and dexterity. WRMT is used in the assessment of manual task performance abilities in various industries, including vocational rehabilitation and work capacity evaluation (Wang et al., 2018).
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 13 Apr 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided. The decision on data sharing has not been finalized. The availability of individual participant data (IPD) and supporting documents will be assessed after the study is completed. If data sharing is approved, details regarding access, format, and conditions will be provided in future updates.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Experimental group (B) - breathing training using VR and Experimental group (C) - breathing training using relaxation music in people with Healthcare Workers and Stress Level, run by Poznan University of Physical Education at 1 site in Poland.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Apr 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Poland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Łucja Rząsa, MSc (+48790885122, rzasa@awf.poznan.pl), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Attention and reaction time (time frame: At the beginning of the study and after 4 weeks of breathing exercises.). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 13 Apr 2025.