Running Head/Short Title: Physical and Cognitive Effects of VRIT Physical and Cognitive Effects of Virtual Reality Integrated Training

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the cognitive and physical impact of virtual reality (VR) integrated training vs. traditional training methods in the domain of weld training. Background: Weld training is very important in various industries and represents a complex skill set appropriate for advanced training intervention. As such, there has been a long search for the most successful and most cost-effective method for training new welders. Methods: Participants in this study were randomly assigned to one of two separate training courses taught by sanctioned AWS (American Welding Society) CWIs (certified welding instructors); the duration of each course was two weeks. Upon completing the training for a specific weld type, participants were given the opportunity to test for the corresponding certification. Participants were evaluated in terms of their cognitive and physical parameters, total training time exposure, and welding certification awards earned. Each of the four weld types taught in this study represented