Effectiveness of two dimensional virtual reality programme and computer-assisted instructional programme in training Mass Transit Railway (MTR) skills for persons with mental handicap: A pilot study

Objectives To compare the effectiveness of a dimensional virtual reality programme (2DVR) and computer-assisted instructional programme (CAI) in training Mass Transit Railway (MTR) skills for persons with mental handicap (MH). Study design Pre-test and post-test quasi-experimental design was adopted. Methods Eighteen persons with mild mental handicap were randomly assigned to three groups: the 2DVR programme, the CAI programme and the control group. Each training programme consisted of six sessions held over a 4-week period. Results Both the 2DVR and the CAI groups showed significant improvement in their MTR skills ( p = 0.028 and p = 0.028, respectively) when compared with that of the control group ( p = 0.498). There were also significant differences between the post-assessment scores as measured by the behavioural MTR skills among the groups ( p = 0.005). Conclusions The 2DVR and CAI programme appeared to be an effective strategy for training MTR skills of persons with mild to moderate graded mental handicap.

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