VISION_Part_2

VISION Part 2

map-marker.pngroom 1408, Elborn College (Western University), 1201 Western Rd, London

This study will explore and characterize the psychological, physiological, and psychophysical reactions to a virtual reality-based car crash simulation, and identify characteristics of responders and non-responders. The goal of this program of research is to acquire new knowledge on the range of normal psychophysical reactions to motor vehicle collision (MVC), predict the magnitude of reaction based on person-level variables of sex, gender, age, and prior trauma, and test causal pathways of pain and distress development using advanced virtual reality integrated with proprioceptive robotic experience. This work will further the field of stress and trauma research through new knowledge on ‘normal’ reactions, identify who reacts most strongly, and what aspects of trauma are most distressing. Findings may be used to inform future ecological or clinical trials of stress-mitigating interventions intended to prevent the genesis of post-traumatic chronic disease states.

At least 18 years old

Healthy volunteers

Proficient in English

Who can participate in this study?

Inclusion criteria:

  • You are at least 18 years old
  • You are able to read and understand conversational English
  • You consider yourself generally healthy

 

Exclusion criteria:

  • You have experienced significant trauma or injury that required medical attention within the past 3 months
  • You have an unstable heart condition that could be worsened if you are startled or stressed (e.g., high blood pressure or uncontrolled heart arrythmia)
  • You have experienced neck pain severe enough to interfere with your ability to function at least one day over the past 3 months
  • You have experienced headache severe enough to interfere with your ability to function at least one day over the past 3 months
  • You have experienced a concussion that required medical intervention within the past 10 years
  • You have strong and uncontrollable feelings of anxiety, fear, or other emotional distress related to being involved in a car crash.
  • You have any kind of neurovascular condition in your arms or hands that makes you exquisitely sensitive to cold, including Raynaud’s phenomenon or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
  • You are currently undergoing cancer treatment, or have undergone cancer treatment within the past 2 years
  • You have any kind of neurologic or cardiovascular condition that affects your balance, like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) or neuromuscular disease like MS, stroke, or ALS
  • You have a blood-borne infection, including Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS or a sexually-transmitted disease
  • You are afraid of technology
  • You have claustrophobia

What is involved?

This study involves one 2-hour visit at Elborn collage, Western University. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires and seat as a passenger in a fully immersive Virtual Reality (VR) driving simulation that safely recreates the experience of a road traffic collision. We will record non-invasive signals (e.g., heart activity, skin responses, muscle activity) to understand moment-to-moment reactions. Monetary compensation will be provided.

Principal Investigator & Posting Dates

Principal Investigator: David Walton
Study posted on: October 28th, 2025
Recruitment open until: March 10th, 2026

Who can I contact to learn more about this study?

For more information about this study please contact:

Saghar Soltanabadi: ssoltana@uwo.ca

 

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