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Workers at HeightsNCT06728566

Work at Heights Training: Conventional Approach With and Without Immersive Virtual Reality

A study testing Inmersive virtual reality and Conventional training in people with Workers at Heights, run by Universidad Autonoma de Occidente at 1 site in Colombia.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study focuses on the design and evaluation of an innovative training protocol aimed at working at heights in the construction sector in the city of Cali. The main focus of this protocol lies in the use of Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) and the measurement of biosignals to enhance workers' safety and… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 65 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Workers at Heights
What is being tested?
Inmersive virtual reality and Conventional training
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
20 participants
Where
1 siteColombia
Study dates
1 Aug 2025to Mar 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 65 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Learners from the National Learning Service (SENA).
  • First time taking the work at heights training course.

Who cannot join

  • Experience in working at heights.
  • Health conditions that prevent performing both the IVR training and work at heights.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Diana Guerrero Jaramillo, MsC contact

573172603503

guerrero.diana@correounivalle.edu.co

Oscar Campo, PhD contact

573044140340

oicampo@uao.edu.co

Colombia1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Universidad Autonoma de Occidente

    Cali

    Diana Guerrero, 573172603503, guerrero.diana@correounivalle.edu.co

    Recruiting

Other trials in Colombia

About this study

This study focuses on the design and evaluation of an innovative training protocol aimed at working at heights in the construction sector in the city of Cali. The main focus of this protocol lies in the use of Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) and the measurement of biosignals to enhance workers' safety and preparedness. The training protocol is developed by creating virtual environments that simulate hazardous working conditions, allowing workers to practice high-risk situations safely and effectively. Additionally, the integration of biosignal measurements, such as heart rate variability and respiratory rate, is used to assess workers' stress levels and decision-making abilities during simulations.

The protocol evaluation is conducted through a pilot study with real workers in the construction field. The results are analyzed to determine whether the use of IVR and biosignal measurement improves assertiveness and, therefore, safety, reduces workplace accidents, and increases workers' confidence in high-risk environments. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of IVR and biosignal measurement as training tools in the construction sector, which could have a significant impact on reducing workplace accidents and injuries. This innovative approach has the potential to enhance occupational safety and workers' preparedness in high-risk environments, thereby contributing to a safer and more efficient working environment in the construction industry.

Read the detailed description

Safety in the construction sector is of vital importance, especially in high-risk activities such as excavations and working at heights. To improve worker training and preparation in these areas, this research proposal has been developed.

This project focuses on the use of advanced technology, such as Immersive Virtual Reality, to simulate real work situations and allow workers to practice and acquire the necessary skills to face the challenges of their daily tasks. However, what makes this project particularly interesting is the incorporation of biosignal measurement during training.

Biosignals are physiological indicators that can be measured and analyzed to assess an individual's emotional and physical state. In this context, devices will be used to capture data such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and their variability. These measurements will provide precise information about the worker's reactions to different simulated situations, which will, in turn, help identify areas for improvement and optimize the training protocol.

The main contribution of this project lies in generating new knowledge about how biosignals can be used as a complementary tool in the design and evaluation of training protocols for workers in high-risk activities. The information obtained through biosignal measurement will allow for the identification of patterns and trends that will help better understand workers' physiological and emotional reactions, as well as their performance in critical situations.

This clinical trial compares two training methods for workers at heights, one using Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) in addition to the conventional training, and the other using only the conventional training. The main questions to be answered are:

What is the impact of the IVR training protocol on the acquisition of knowledge and practical skills of workers in high-risk activities compared to traditional training?

Is there a relationship between immersive Virtual Reality training and the physiological response to stressful situations in high-risk activities, through the recording of biosignals taken during the intervention?

The researchers will compare the two forms of training and identify if there are differences in both fitness and cardiorespiratory response.

Participants in the control group will perform practical work at heights while heart rate, respiratory monitoring, and ergonomic analysis of the activity will be performed. The participants of the intervention group, in addition to the above, will be exposed to virtual reality environments as part of the training of work at heights, this will be before the actual practical part.

Being tested
Inmersive virtual reality, Conventional training
Keywords
Occupational Groups, Virtual Reality, Simulation Training

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Inmersive virtual realityDevice

    In addition to conventional training, IVR training aims to provide a detailed preview of the tasks and procedures required in the standard training with selected virtual scenarios:

    Scenario 1: Inspection and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

    In this scenario, the worker will inspect the equipment to ensure it is in good condition and properly used: Harness, Helmet, Lanyards, Carabiners, Lifelines, Energy Absorbers

    Scenario 2: Working on an Elevated Metal Structure:

    Structure Ascent: Ascent Method: Use specific ascent systems, ensuring you are always connected to an anchor point.

    Positioning on the Structure: Secure Anchorage: Once the working position is reached, secure the anchor to a fixed and reliable point.

    Structure Descent: Unanchoring and Reanchoring: Unanchor and re-anchor at secure points as you descend.

    Additional Safety Measures: Weather Conditions, signage and delimitation:

    Scenario 3: Rescue at Heights: Accessing the Person in Danger, rescue Techniques.

  • Conventional trainingOther

    The working at heights training provided by the National Learning Service (SENA) in Colombia includes key steps to ensure safety and proper equipment use:

    • Harness Use: Inspect for damage, wear it like a vest, and ensure correct orientation. Adjust shoulder and leg straps for comfort and secure the chest strap.
    • Final Check: Verify D-rings are correctly positioned, and all buckles are securely fastened.
    • Helmet: Inspect for damage and adjust for a secure fit.
    • Lanyards: Select in good condition, connect properly, keep tension, and avoid overloading.
    • Carabiners: Use certified carabiners with functioning locks, connected to proper points.
    • Lifelines and Energy Absorbers: Install and tension lifelines properly; check energy absorbers before use.
    • Climbing/Descending: Maintain three contact points and secure tools to avoid accidents.
Study groups in NCT06728566
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Inmersive virtual reality trainingExperimentalWork at heights training with the addition of prior immersive virtual reality training.
Receives: Device: Inmersive virtual reality; Other: Conventional training
Conventional trainingActive comparatorTraining for work at heights using conventional strategy
Receives: Other: Conventional training

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. PRACTICAL SKILLS FOR WORKING AT HEIGHTS

    Each activity is scored on an approve/disapprove system. By the end, workers must meet these standards:

    1. Harness Donning and Adjustment: Properly don, adjust straps, and ensure no slack. Passing requires a secure, comfortable fit and correct anchor positioning.
    2. Anchor Points: Select/install anchors compatible with the system and load standards. Passing requires secure installation verified by testing.
    3. Lifelines: Use vertical/horizontal lifelines, maintaining connection. Passing requires constant security.
    4. Climbing/Moving: Safely ascend/descend while connected. Passing requires proper system use and controlled movements.
    5. Tool Handling: Secure tools to prevent falls. Passing requires consistent adherence to safety protocols.
    6. Emergency Response: Simulate emergencies calmly, following protocols. Passing requires appropriate stress management.
    7. Equipment Inspection: Identify equipment issues. Passing requires thorough inspection and defect reporting.

    Measured: The time frame for completing all practical activities, assessments, and evaluations is approximately 10 hours, distributed over 2 days.

Secondary outcomes (4)
  1. Heart Rate Variability

    Variation in the time between RR intervals on the electrocardiogram

    Measured: Heart rate variability will be assessed over an approximate period of 45 minutes.

  2. Respiratory Rate Variability

    The fluctuation in time between consecutive breathing cycles.

    Measured: Respiratory rate variability will be assessed over an approximate period of 45 minutes.

  3. Ergonomic Analysis of the Activity

    The REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) score quantifies the ergonomic risk of musculoskeletal injury in occupational tasks by evaluating body postures, forces, and repetitive movements. It assigns values to the position of the head, torso, arms, legs, and wrists, physical effort (e.g., lifting, pushing, pulling), and task repetition. The total score ranges from 1 to 15, with scores from 1-3 indicating minimal risk, 4-7 indicating moderate risk, and 8-15 suggesting high risk. A higher REBA score indicates greater potential for musculoskeletal disorders. The REBA score helps identify ergonomic risks and prioritize interventions to reduce injury risk.

    Measured: The REBA score will be assessed over an approximate period of 25 minutes during the observation of the occupational task.

  4. Attention and memory measurements

    The Neuropsi (Neuropsychological Screening Battery) score assesses cognitive function in multiple domains, including attention, memory, executive function, and language. It consists of tasks measuring short-term memory, attention span, visuospatial abilities, and verbal fluency, among others. The total score is calculated by summing the results from each subtest, with a range from 0 to 30 points for each domain. Higher scores indicate better cognitive performance, while lower scores suggest cognitive impairment. The Neuropsi score is used to monitor cognitive changes over time and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. A score below 20 typically indicates significant cognitive impairment.

    Measured: Before the training protocol

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted11 Dec 2024
  2. Study start1 Aug 2025
  3. Primary completionDec 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completionMar 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Other
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
The type of experimental design will be a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial, with an analyst blind, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the intervention. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups, the group receiving the intervention, with work-at-heights training using immersive virtual reality, before practical training in a real field, and the control group, receiving the existing standard intervention (prior theoretical training only). This allows us to compare the results between the groups and determine if the intervention is effective compared to the control.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
20 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06728566
Sponsor's protocol ID
UAOccidente
Status last verified
Apr 2026
First submitted
24 Oct 2024
Last updated
7 May 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: Once the research is completed, only data that are useful for obtaining results will be stored in www.figshare.com and placed under embargo until they are published in a scientific journal. No sensitive or personal data will be uploaded to this repository.

Publications

  • Abrahamsen EB, Selvik JT, Milazzo MF, Langdalen H, Dahl RE, Bansal S, et al. On the use of the 'Return Of Safety Investments' (ROSI) measure for decision-making in the chemical processing industry. Reliab Eng Syst Saf. 2021 Jun 1;210:107537.

  • Nnaji C, Okpala I, Gambatese J, Jin Z. Controlling safety and health challenges intrinsic in exoskeleton use in construction. Saf Sci. 2023 Jan 1;157:105943.

  • Bao L, Tran SVT, Nguyen TL, Pham HC, Lee D, Park C. Cross-platform virtual reality for real-time construction safety training using immersive web and industry foundation classes. Autom Constr. 2022 Nov 1;143:104565.

  • Zermane A, Mohd Tohir MZ, Baharudin MR, Mohamed Yusoff H. Risk assessment of fatal accidents due to work at heights activities using fault tree analysis: Case study in Malaysia. Saf Sci. 2022 Jul 1;151:105724.

  • Stefan H, Mortimer M, Horan B, Kenny G. Evaluating the preliminary effectiveness of industrial virtual reality safety training for ozone generator isolation procedure. Saf Sci. 2023 Jul 1;163:106125.

  • Shakerian S, Habibnezhad M, Ojha A, Lee G, Liu Y, Jebelli H, et al. Assessing occupational risk of heat stress at construction: A worker-centric wearable sensor-based approach. Saf Sci. 2021 Oct 1;142:105395.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Inmersive virtual reality and Conventional training in people with Workers at Heights, run by Universidad Autonoma de Occidente at 1 site in Colombia.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Colombia. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Diana Guerrero Jaramillo, MsC (573172603503, guerrero.diana@correounivalle.edu.co), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

PRACTICAL SKILLS FOR WORKING AT HEIGHTS (time frame: The time frame for completing all practical activities, assessments, and evaluations is approximately 10 hours, distributed over 2 days.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06728566, which also lists 6 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 7 May 2026.

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