On the effectiveness of virtual reality technology for relaxation of locomotive crew workers
Authors: Kostenko Natalya A. , Bukhtiyarov Igor V. , Borisova Elena V. 
Published: November 2024

Reducing the risks of occupational stress requires improving the methods of psychological support for employees of locomotive crews. Virtual reality technology offers restorative measures comparable to traditional techniques.
The study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the impact of virtual reality technology on the basis of the analysis of the psycho-emotional state of employees of locomotive crews before and after rehabilitation measures; to evaluate the ratio of stress biomarkers before and after exposure to classical and technical techniques; to compare the effectiveness of psychological influence carried out by various methods.
The scientists conducted a survey and diagnosis of the functional state of locomotive crew workers, followed by rehabilitation measures using various methods. The specialists performed a saliva analysis based on the concentration levels of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone. 120 people took part in the study, of which: 60 people according to the classical program and 60 people according to the virtual reality program, of which 15 people are at risk according to psychophysiological indicators. The session lasted 21 minutes. The average age of employees of locomotive crews participating in the study was 35.4 years.
88% of the subjects underwent functional state diagnostics and a full course of relaxation sessions in virtual reality. Of these, 73% have improved psychophysiological indicators: response accuracy, increased neuropsychiatric stability, and decreased anxiety levels. The authors noted calmness, improved mood and relief of muscle tension. 60% of the employees have completed a full course of rehabilitation measures using classical techniques. Of these, 70% have an improvement in their functional state according to certain parameters. There is a decrease in cortisol levels (unit of measurement — nanograms per milliliter) from 6.75 ng/ml to 6.28 ng/ml with a simultaneous increase in dehydroepiadrosterone levels (unit of measurement — micrograms per milliliter) from 0.53 mcg/100 ml to 1.77 mcg/100 ml, which corresponds to a decrease in the overall stress level. The analysis of the obtained results showed sufficient effectiveness of virtual methods comparable to classical approaches to relaxation.
Immersive technologies more effectively activate natural compensatory mechanisms by expanding the individual regulatory capabilities of the nervous system. Scientists have identified areas for improving the latest methods of rehabilitation measures in order to correct the functional condition of locomotive crews.
Limitations. The representativeness of the sample was ensured by the participation of 120 employees of locomotive crews in the study. The limitations are related to the gender homogeneity of the sample: only men are included, due to their professional status.
Ethics. The study was performed in accordance with the rules of good clinical practice and the Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association, the conclusion of the ethics committee was not required.