António Marques
YOU?
Author Swipe
View article: Impact of a Single Virtual Reality Relaxation Session on Mental-Health Outcomes in Frontline Workers on Duty During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Preliminary Study
Impact of a Single Virtual Reality Relaxation Session on Mental-Health Outcomes in Frontline Workers on Duty During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Preliminary Study Open
Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic affected frontline workers’ mental health, including healthcare workers, firefighters, and police officers, increasing the need for effective interventions. This study focuses on the pandemic’s …
View article: Effectiveness of a mental health literacy programme in reducing stigma in young people in Póvoa de Varzim
Effectiveness of a mental health literacy programme in reducing stigma in young people in Póvoa de Varzim Open
Introduction: Although Western society has evolved culturally in the last century, moving towards liberalisation and democratisation, many prejudiced and stigmatising behaviours are still visible, especially towards minorities. Stigma is t…
View article: Impact of an online therapeutic support program for informal caregivers
Impact of an online therapeutic support program for informal caregivers Open
Introduction: About 80% of the European population are informal caregivers (IC). This role can, on one hand, bring a sense of purpose, but, on the other hand, it leads to physical and mental health problems. The need was felt to develop on…
View article: Usefulness of Mixed Reality in Surgical Treatment: Delphi Study
Usefulness of Mixed Reality in Surgical Treatment: Delphi Study Open
Background Mixed reality (MR) combines real and virtual elements and has shown promise in diverse fields, including surgical procedures. MR headsets may support surgical navigation, planning, and training. It is crucial to determine whethe…
View article: A Gamified Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Individuals with Arachnophobia: A Pilot Study
A Gamified Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Individuals with Arachnophobia: A Pilot Study Open
Arachnophobia is a specific phobia characterized by an intense and persistent fear of spiders, often leading to avoidance behaviors that can significantly impact daily life. Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) offers a controlled, adap…
View article: Mental Health and Lifestyle Factors Among Higher Education Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Mental Health and Lifestyle Factors Among Higher Education Students: A Cross-Sectional Study Open
This study aimed to describe the lifestyle factors and mental health levels among higher education students and identify their predictors. A cross-sectional study with a sample of 745 students was conducted with students from the Polytechn…
View article: The Effects of Social Feedback Through the “Like” Feature on Brain Activity: A Systematic Review
The Effects of Social Feedback Through the “Like” Feature on Brain Activity: A Systematic Review Open
Background: Problematic social media (SM) use is a growing concern, particularly among adolescents who are drawn to these platforms for social interactions important to their age group. SM dependence is characterized by excessive, uncontro…
View article: Usefulness of Mixed Reality in Surgical Treatment: Delphi Study (Preprint)
Usefulness of Mixed Reality in Surgical Treatment: Delphi Study (Preprint) Open
BACKGROUND Mixed reality (MR) combines real and virtual elements and has shown promise in diverse fields, including surgical procedures. MR headsets may support surgical navigation, planning, and training. It is crucial to determine wheth…
View article: Interaction Devices for Multi-Sensory Exploration in Immersive Environments
Interaction Devices for Multi-Sensory Exploration in Immersive Environments Open
Immersive environments, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), provide users with experiences that blend digital and physical worlds. Interaction devices play a critical role in facilitating these experiences by engaging …
View article: Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Reducing Public Speaking Anxiety: A Pilot Study
Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Reducing Public Speaking Anxiety: A Pilot Study Open
Public speaking anxiety (glossophobia) is a manifestation of social anxiety that affects a significant portion of the population, jeopardizing performance in academic, professional, and social contexts. This pilot study examines the effect…
View article: Virtual Immersive Training Model with Mixed Reality for Prosthesis Application in Orthopedics
Virtual Immersive Training Model with Mixed Reality for Prosthesis Application in Orthopedics Open
Training medical professionals in Orthopedics faces several technical challenges. The equipment required for practical, hands-on training is often restricted to operating rooms. This constraint presents a significant issue, as developing t…
View article: Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Arachnophobia: A Pilot Study
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Arachnophobia: A Pilot Study Open
Arachnophobia is a chronic disorder leading to significant avoidance of spider-related situations. This pilot study examines the effectiveness of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) for treating arachnophobia. The study included 25 par…
View article: Key Principles Involving Ethical and Deontological Issues in Military Stress Management Training in Virtual Reality Environments
Key Principles Involving Ethical and Deontological Issues in Military Stress Management Training in Virtual Reality Environments Open
The integration of Virtual Reality in military contexts, which simulates realistic combat and high-risk operational scenarios, provides a controlled environment for developing various skills and psychological resilience. This technology ha…
View article: Mixed Reality in Surgery: Development of a Mixed Reality Application for Surgical Training
Mixed Reality in Surgery: Development of a Mixed Reality Application for Surgical Training Open
Mixed reality (MR) technology combines the real and the virtual world in an innovative way, where the users can see and interact with both worlds at the same time, having several applications in surgical practice, planning, and training. A…
View article: Endometriosis, a novel treatment ahead?
Endometriosis, a novel treatment ahead? Open
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent condition that can lead to significant morbidity, including chronic pelvic pain, multiple surgeries, and infertility. Recent discoveries regarding its genetics, the potential influence of environmenta…
View article: Impact of VR-Based Cognitive Training on Working Memory and Inhibitory Control in IDD Young Adults
Impact of VR-Based Cognitive Training on Working Memory and Inhibitory Control in IDD Young Adults Open
Background: Young people with intellectual developmental disabilities have a persistent delay in the development of executive functions. Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly being used as a cognitive intervention tool, with significant eff…
View article: Mixed Reality in the Operating Room: A Systematic Review
Mixed Reality in the Operating Room: A Systematic Review Open
Mixed Reality is a technology that has gained attention due to its unique capabilities for accessing and visualizing information. When integrated with voice control mechanisms, gestures and even iris movement, it becomes a valuable tool fo…
View article: A qualitative study on pharmacists’ perceptions about service innovation
A qualitative study on pharmacists’ perceptions about service innovation Open
Background: Expanded services provided at pharmacies show numerous improvements in health outcomes. However, attempts at implementing new services in pharmacies are met with several barriers, among which is the failure to update the pharma…
View article: Using Immersive Environments in E-Mental Health Rehabilitation Programs Directed to Future Health Professionals to Promote Empathy and Health Literacy about Schizophrenia
Using Immersive Environments in E-Mental Health Rehabilitation Programs Directed to Future Health Professionals to Promote Empathy and Health Literacy about Schizophrenia Open
Rehabilitation involves all types of patients, including people with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is considered a complex syndrome characterized in general by fundamental and characteristic distortions of thinking and perception. The quali…
View article: Stigma and Discrimination Among Professionals in Portuguese Integrated Continuing Care Units: Stigma and Discrimination in ICCUs
Stigma and Discrimination Among Professionals in Portuguese Integrated Continuing Care Units: Stigma and Discrimination in ICCUs Open
Introduction: Stigma surrounding mental illness (MI) poses a significant obstacle to treatment access, hinders recovery, and may lead to suboptimal care. Breaking the chains of prejudice and embracing tolerance are essential steps in foste…
View article: Impact of VR-Based Cognitive Training on Working Memory and Inhibitory Control in IDD Young Adults
Impact of VR-Based Cognitive Training on Working Memory and Inhibitory Control in IDD Young Adults Open
Background: Young people with intellectual developmental disabilities have a persistent delay in the development of executive functions. Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly being used as a cognitive intervention tool, with significant eff…
View article: Mixed Reality in the Operating Room: A Systematic Review
Mixed Reality in the Operating Room: A Systematic Review Open
(1) Background: Mixed Reality is a technology that has gained attention due to its unique capabilities for accessing and visualizing information, becoming a valuable tool for medicine, particularly for the operating room and surgical learn…
View article: Art as a therapeutic medium: the SuperART project
Art as a therapeutic medium: the SuperART project Open
Introduction Evidence of the role of the arts in mental health is growing, but artistic approaches are still developing in rehabilitation services. The SuperART project is based on the therapeutic potential of art, proposing an innovative …
View article: Active Lifestyle in Schizophrenia
Active Lifestyle in Schizophrenia Open
Schizophrenia is a mental illness with intense effects on a person's life. In addition to the psychiatric symptoms, patients with schizophrenia generally have multiple somatic comorbidities, such as cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. …
View article: Forest Bathing Environments in Virtual Reality: Enhancing Well-being through Immersive Nature Experiences
Forest Bathing Environments in Virtual Reality: Enhancing Well-being through Immersive Nature Experiences Open
The present study proposes an innovative approach to promote wellbeing by developing forest bathing environments in virtual reality (VR). Forest bathing, a practice rooted in traditional Japanese culture, involves immersing oneself in a fo…
View article: Interactive Virtual Reality Public Speaking Training Simulator to Empower Confident Communicators
Interactive Virtual Reality Public Speaking Training Simulator to Empower Confident Communicators Open
Public speaking is a valuable skill that plays a crucial role in personal, academic and professional success. Many individuals struggle with anxiety and lack confidence when facing an audience. To address this challenge, a virtual reality …