Earthquake simulators

Italy
February 25, 2007 8:53am CST
Earthquake simulators can greatly reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms in people who have survived the real thing, according to a study. UK and Turkish researchers developed a simulator, which users control themselves, and said it reduced stress symptoms more than counselling. Writing in Psychological Medicine, the researchers said the simulator could be used in countries prone to quakes. A UK expert said it was a hi-tech take on an old psychological theory.The simulator is a small prefabricated house which sits on top of a "shake table" - a motorised mechanical platform. A computer is programmed to control the earthquake simulation, but participants can determine the speed and intensity of the tremors - and stop the simulator at any point - using a remote control device. An early study showed eight out of 10 earthquake survivors of the 1999 earthquake in north-west Turkey who used the simulator showed reduced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms three months later. what do you think is a good think? have you ever been hit by an eartquake? discuss
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