Immersive Technologies in Training and Healthcare: From Space Missions to Psychophysiological Research

TL;DR

This paper explores how immersive VR/AR/XR technologies are transforming training, diagnostics, and research in high-risk fields like space exploration and healthcare, improving performance, learning, and patient engagement.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of immersive systems' applications across diverse domains, highlighting recent advancements and potential benefits in high-stakes environments.

Findings

XR enhances human performance in clinical psychology and space missions.

VR-based training improves medical education and surgical skills.

Immersive environments increase patient engagement and treatment adherence.

Abstract

Virtual, Augmented, and eXtended Reality (VR/AR/XR) technologies are increasingly recognized for their applications in training, diagnostics, and psychological research, particularly in high-risk and highly regulated environments. In this panel we discuss how immersive systems enhance human performance across multiple domains, including clinical psychology, space exploration, and medical education. In psychological research and training, XR can offer a controlled yet ecologically valid setting for measuring cognitive and affective processes. In space exploration, we discuss the development of VR-based astronaut training and diagnostic systems, allowing astronauts to perform real-time health assessments. In medical education and rehabilitation, we cover procedural training and patient engagement. From virtual surgical simulations to gamified rehabilitation exercises, immersive environments enhance both learning outcomes and treatment adherence.