"Can neurofeedback training enhance performance? An evaluation of the evidence with implications for future research."
Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2005 Dec;30(4):347-64
Authors: Vernon DJ

There have been many claims regarding the possibilities of performance enhancement training. The aim of such training is for an individual to complete a specific function or task with fewer errors and greater efficiency, resulting in a more positive outcome. The present review examined evidence from neurofeedback training studies to enhance performance in a particular area. Previous research has documented associations between specific cortical states and optimum levels of performance in a range of tasks. This information provides a plausible rationale for the use of neurofeedback to train individuals to enhance their performance. An examination of the literature revealed that neurofeedback training has been utilised to enhance performance from three main areas; sport, cognitive and artistic performance. The review examined evidence from neurofeedback training studies within each of these three areas. Some suggestive findings have been reported with regard to the use of neurofeedback training to enhance performance. However, due to a range of methodological limitations and a general failure to elicit unambiguous changes in baseline EEG activity, a clear association between neurofeedback training and enhanced performance has yet to be established. Throughout, the review highlights a number of recommendations to aid and stimulate future research.

Robots and virtual reality are being touted as 21st-century coal-mine canaries in the wake of this month's U.S. mining deaths. In the 19th century, underground coal miners carried canaries down into the shafts as their first line of defense against poisonous gases. If the birds keeled over, the miners evacuated. But the practice wasn't failsafe. Thousands of miners died each year. Electronic gas sensors and portable oxygen supplies have long since replaced the canaries, but 22 U.S. coal miners still died on the job in 2005. Fourteen died this month alone. And in China that figure is in the thousands. Can cutting edge technologies, from robotics to virtual reality training equipment, save more lives? More information...

CNet is reporting that Homeland Security agents monitoring the Superbowl will be doing so in 3D. Using streams from two cameras, the LifeVision 3D system is able to project images onto a 20-inch screen that is equipped with a depth tube. This depth tube makes images appear to rise 30 inches off the screen and sink 30 inches into the screen allowing real world volumes and distances to be displayed accurately. Using this system security officials will be able to search sidewalks, monitor faces and even peer under vehicles.

"A meta-analysis of the training effectiveness of virtual reality surgical simulators."
IEEE Trans Inf Technol Biomed. 2006 Jan;10(1):51-8
Authors: Haque S, Srinivasan S

The increasing use of virtual reality (VR) simulators in surgical training makes it imperative that definitive studies be performed to assess their training effectiveness. Indeed, in this paper we report the meta-analysis of the efficacy of virtual reality simulators in: 1) the transference of skills from the simulator training environment to the operating room, and 2) their ability to discriminate between the experience levels of their users. The task completion time and the error score were the two study outcomes collated and analyzed in this meta-analysis. Sixteen studies were identified from a computer-based literature search (1996-2004). The meta-analysis of the random effects model (because of the heterogeneity of the data) revealed that training on virtual reality simulators did lessen the time taken to complete a given surgical task as well as clearly differentiate between the experienced and the novice trainees. Meta-analytic studies such as the one reported here would be very helpful in the planning and setting up of surgical training programs and for the establishment of reference 'learning curves' for a specific simulator and surgical task. If any such programs already exist, they can then indicate the improvements to be made in the simulator used, such as providing for more variety in their case scenarios based on the state and/or rate of learning of the trainee.

"Quantitative analysis of accuracy of an inertial/acoustic 6DOF tracking system in motion."
J Neurosci Methods. 2006 Jan 28;
Authors: Gilson SJ, Fitzgibbon AW, Glennerster A

An increasing number of neuroscience experiments are using virtual reality to provide a more immersive and less artificial experimental environment. This is particularly useful to navigation and three-dimensional scene perception experiments. Such experiments require accurate real-time tracking of the observer's head in order to render the virtual scene. Here, we present data on the accuracy of a commonly used six degrees of freedom tracker (Intersense IS900) when it is moved in ways typical of virtual reality applications. We compared the reported location of the tracker with its location computed by an optical tracking method. When the tracker was stationary, the root mean square error in spatial accuracy was 0.64mm. However, we found that errors increased over ten-fold (up to 17mm) when the tracker moved at speeds common in virtual reality applications. We demonstrate that the errors we report here are predominantly due to inaccuracies of the IS900 system rather than the optical tracking against which it was compared.

Mike Aratow's X3D presentation to the Medicine Meets Virtual Reality 14 conference is available for download as a PDF. MMVR (held Jan 24-27, 2006) is the premier forum for computer scientists and physicians who develop, refine and promote advanced, data-centered tools for medical/surgical simulation and information-guided diagnosis/therapy along with supporting technologies: imaging, modeling, haptics, visualization, robotics and informatics. In related news, Nigel John, the co-chair of Medical Working Group, was presented the Satava award for demonstrating unique vision and commitment to improve medicine through advanced technology.

The word "virtual" has gotten a bum rap since it appeared a few centuries ago. It means "in effect," or "the same, but not really." It's a simulation, an adjunct to the real deal, like virtual temperature or virtual height. How times change. Right before our eyes, this thing that we call the world has been irrevocably altered, along with the "reality" we have counted on. Virtual reality is so permeating our lives that one day soon we may find it impossible to distinguish the virtual from the real. More information...

"Intelligent inferencing and haptic simulation for Chinese acupuncture learning and training"
IEEE Trans Inf Technol Biomed. 2006 Jan;10(1):28-41
Authors: Heng PA, Wong TT, Yang R, Chui YP, Xie YM, Leung KS, Leung PC

This paper presents an intelligent virtual environment for Chinese acupuncture learning and training using state-of-the-art virtual reality technology. It is the first step toward developing a comprehensive virtual human model for studying Chinese medicine. Students can learn and practice acupuncture in the proposed 3-D interactive virtual environment that supports a force feedback interface for needle insertion. Thus, students not only "see" but also "touch" the virtual patient. With high performance computers, highly informative and flexible visualization of acupuncture points of various related meridian and collateral can be highlighted to guide the students during training. A computer-based expert system using our newly proposed intelligent fuzzy petri net is designed and implemented to train the students to treat different diseases using acupuncture. Such an intelligent virtual reality system can provide an interesting and effective learning environment for Chinese acupuncture.

Spatial View Inc. and the Industrial Technology Centre, a special operating agency of the Province of Manitoba, are pleased to announce a new partnership. The Industrial Technology Centre is home to the Virtual Reality Centre (VRC), one of Canada’s leading visualization facilities. The Virtual Reality Centre will be using and showcasing SVI’s auto-stereoscopic technology as a supplemental tool for its clients at its new home, the University of Manitoba’s SmartPark, on Innovation Drive in Winnipeg, Canada. The new SVI I-View 45” 3D multimedia viewer will be a welcome addition to the Centre’s new digs which houses a state of the art 10’X 24’ 3D power wall theatre. More information...

Summa's new machine helps victims of strokes, knee injuries regain solid footing through exercise. A year ago, Al Given never dreamed he would be standing in front of a giant computer monitor, shifting his feet rapidly to "extinguish" a virtual target. But the 70-year-old retired Barberton welder had a major stroke in February and has spent many months in outpatient therapy at Summa Health System's White Pond Center. For the past several weeks, one of Given's exercises has been to step back and forth, right and left, in front of a Cybex Trazer machine. More information...