Usefulness of immersive virtual reality in haptic dental simulation: A comparative study
Résumé
Background Recent literature data show that the integration of haptic simulators into the early stages of dental education is becoming increasingly evident. However, there are few studies on immersive haptic simulation. Aims and Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the value of using virtual reality head-mounted display (VR-HMD) in haptic simulation, and to determine the side effects and student perceptions associated with wearing VR-HMD. Materials and Methods 90 third year dental students at Nantes University and who had never experienced VR-HMD were randomized into 2 parallel groups at baseline (time 1). At time 1, students in group 1 performed the 2 haptic exercises using the VR-HMD, while those in group 2 performed the same exercises without VR-HMD. The groups switched at time 2 of the study and performed the same exercises. The students completed a questionnaire on the occurrence of side effects, and on how they felt between the immersive and non-immersive haptic simulation. Results Whatever the group, haptic parameter results were better when students trained in a non-immersive environment. Indeed, in the absence of the VR-HMD during the haptic simulation, participants made better progress in the target, made fewer errors and completed the haptic exercise faster than when wearing the headset. The number of students who failed to complete the haptic exercise within the allotted time (10 minutes) was higher when using the VR-HMD (27 versus 12 for G1, 23 versus 13 for G2). Students say they prefer to use the Virteasy Dental® simulator without the VR-HMD, and 20% of them say they have experienced side effects such as dizziness, nausea, migraines or muscle fatigue in the neck. Discussion and conclusion The results of this study show that immersive haptic simulation is of little interest in the realization of complex haptic exercises. Although interesting, full immersion in haptic simulation still has its limits and requires continuous improvement.
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