  Virtual Reality (VR) has made significant strides, offering users a multitude
of ways to interact with virtual environments. Each sensory modality in VR
provides distinct inputs and interactions, enhancing the user's immersion and
presence. However, the potential of additional sensory modalities, such as
haptic feedback and 360{\deg} locomotion, to improve decision-making
performance has not been thoroughly investigated. This study addresses this gap
by evaluating the impact of a haptic feedback, 360{\deg} locomotion-integrated
VR framework and longitudinal, heterogeneous training on decision-making
performance in a complex search-and-shoot simulation. The study involved 32
participants from a defence simulation base in India, who were randomly divided
into two groups: experimental (haptic feedback, 360{\deg} locomotion-integrated
VR framework with longitudinal, heterogeneous training) and placebo control
(longitudinal, heterogeneous VR training without extrasensory modalities). The
experiment lasted 10 days. On Day 1, all subjects executed a search-and-shoot
simulation closely replicating the elements/situations in the real world. From
Day 2 to Day 9, the subjects underwent heterogeneous training, imparted by the
design of various complexity levels in the simulation using changes in
behavioral attributes/artificial intelligence of the enemies. On Day 10, they
repeated the search-and-shoot simulation executed on Day 1. The results showed
that the experimental group experienced a gradual increase in presence,
immersion, and engagement compared to the placebo control group. However, there
was no significant difference in decision-making performance between the two
groups on day 10. We intend to use these findings to design multisensory VR
training frameworks that enhance engagement levels and decision-making
performance.
