VR gaming may enhance men’s health according to new research
Virtual reality gaming may help men become more aware of testicular problems and increase their self-examination of their testicles, according to a novel research.
Nine Gaelic Athletic Association clubs collaborated with University College Cork (UCC) on this project. It is the initial instance of using virtual reality gaming to support men’s health.
The results of the research were presented by Dr. Mohamad Saab, senior professor and director of graduate studies at the UCC School of Nursing and Midwifery, at a Men’s Health Symposium on Friday, November 24.
One of the most prevalent malignancies among young men between the ages of 15 and 44 is testicular cancer, yet many are unaware of the illness and how easily they may contribute to its detection. Being willing to undertake a testicular self-examination and being informed of the condition are essential for an early diagnosis.
Successful early identification of testicular disorders often results in less rigorous therapy, less disruption of the patient’s quality of life, and more cost-effective treatment.
Saab discovered via his studies that men often overlook testicular signs such as discomfort, lumps, and bumps until they become intolerable. The major causes of this are shame and anxiety over receiving a cancer diagnosis.
According to Saab, men are very curious to understand more about disorders of the testicles. They favoured short, visually engaging, inventive, favourably formulated, and regularly presented instructional tactics in plain English.
Participants in the Enhancing Men’s Awareness of Testicular Diseases (E-MAT) research were given the opportunity to play an interactive VR game set in a virtual flat with three levels. The game asks players to recognise changes in their testicles, such as discomfort, swelling, and tumours; it also teaches them how to do a testicular self-examination and how symptoms relate to disorders of the testicles, such as cancer and testicular torsion.
Saab said that the company’s findings showed that males seldom checked their testicles because they were unsure about what they should be looking for. One person said looking inside his testicles felt like trying to find an object in an array of bumps.
The majority of individuals are aware of testicular illnesses, especially cancer. But there’s a big difference between knowing about a condition and just being aware of it. According to Saab, the company found out that men in general are interested to know more regarding testicular issues.
According to the research, 90% of participants reported a good recall rate, suggesting that VR has the ability to engage age groups who are difficult to reach. According to the survey, 95% of participants said they had learned more about testicular disorders and had changed the way they examined their own testicles.
Males who engage in field sports like hurling are more vulnerable to infections and injuries to their testicles. Saab remarked that, when hit, the sliotar can exceed a velocity of 160 km/h, which increases the danger of serious injury. As a result, they requested first funding from the Health Research Board to evaluate the activity in GAA clubs, with a focus on fit groups.
In order to motivate as many men as possible to take proactive steps for their health, Saab plans to ask for further money in order to implement and test the campaign nationwide. In the end, they want to make E-MAT widely known and freely accessible.
Saab will also discuss the On the Ball campaign, a community-based initiative that aims to raise men’s knowledge of the most frequent testicular symptoms, the value of testicular self-examinations, and the need of obtaining medical attention for any concerning symptoms, at the men’s health symposium.
Professor Helen Whelton, Head of the UCC College of Medicine and Health, congratulated Dr. Mohammed Saab on his creative and brilliant study that uses VR games to encourage men to take proactive measures for their well-being.
These tests with virtual reality games provide a fascinating look at how virtual reality may be utilised to increase men’s independence and wellness consciousness. This is the initial instance of VR being utilised in this manner, and the conference offers a platform to emphasise the importance of arming men with the knowledge and resources necessary to take charge of their own health. According to Whelton, it emphasises how important it is to check oneself in the genitalia and to begin receiving help as soon as feasible.
