Cris Brazil - Research

Dissertation: Exploring the implementation of virtual reality technology for the assessment of daily living activities

This doctoral research investigated how virtual reality can be used to assess performance in everyday tasks, with a focus on usability, cognition, and functional ability. The work explored whether immersive environments can provide realistic and measurable assessments while maintaining experimental control. The research contributes to the use of VR as a tool for evaluation, training, and human performance analysis.

Role: PhD Researcher
Methods: VR experiments, human subjects testing, performance metrics, statistical analysis
Focus: usability, cognition, functional performance, immersive assessment

The Effect of VR on Fine Motor Performance by Older Adults: A Comparison Between Real and Virtual Tasks

This study examined differences in fine motor performance between real-world and virtual reality tasks among older adults. Participants completed equivalent activities in both environments, allowing comparison of task time, accuracy, and usability. The results provide insights into how VR affects motor performance and inform the design of VR-based assessments and training for aging populations.

Role: Researcher / Co-Author
Journal: Virtual Reality
Type: Experimental study with human participants
Focus: aging, motor performance, VR validity, human factors
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-024-01009-9

Link to open-source article

Figure below: Real-life (RL) set up and designed task in VR using Unity.

Using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment to Examine the Effect of the New Hotel Housekeeping California Standard

This study evaluated whether the 2018 California Hotel Housekeeping Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Standard reduced ergonomic risks for hotel housekeepers. Work tasks including scrubbing, vacuuming, and trash collection were analyzed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method, along with biomechanical evaluation of cart pushing forces. Results showed that housekeepers remained at high risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders, with minimal posture improvements after implementation of the standard. The findings highlight the continued need for ergonomic interventions, improved tools, and task redesign to reduce injury risk in hospitality work.

Role: First Author
Journal: Applied Ergonomics
Focus: Ergonomics, occupational safety, musculoskeletal disorders, hospitality workers
Methods: RULA assessment, observational ergonomics, biomechanical force analysis
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103868