Assessment of Wheelchair Propulsion Performance in an Immersive Virtual Reality Simulator

Yu-Sheng Yang,Yu-Hsuan Hsiao,Cheng-Tang Pan,Jyh-Jong Chang,Alicia M Koontz

doi:10.3390/ijerph18158016

Abstract

Maneuvering a wheelchair is an important necessity for the everyday life and social activities of people with a range of physical disabilities. However, in real life, wheelchair users face several common challenges: articulate steering, spatial relationships, and negotiating obstacles. Therefore, our research group has developed a head-mounted display (HMD)-based intuitive virtual reality (VR) stimulator for wheelchair propulsion. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of this VR stimulator for wheelchair propulsion performance. Twenty manual wheelchair users (16 men and 4 women) with spinal cord injuries ranging from T8 to L2 participated in this study. The differences in wheelchair propulsion kinematics between immersive and non-immersive VR environments were assessed using a 3D motion analysis system. Subjective data of the HMD-based intuitive VR stimulator were collected with a Presence Questionnaire and individual semi-structured interview at the end of the trial. Results indicated that propulsion performance was very similar in terms of start angle (p = 0.34), end angle (p = 0.46), stroke angle (p = 0.76), and shoulder movement (p = 0.66) between immersive and non-immersive VR environments. In the VR episode featuring an uphill journey, an increase in propulsion speed (p < 0.01) and cadence (p < 0.01) were found, as well as a greater trunk forward inclination (p = 0.01). Qualitative interviews showed that this VR simulator made an attractive, novel impression and therefore demonstrated the potential as a tool for stimulating training motivation. This HMD-based intuitive VR stimulator can be an effective resource to enhance wheelchair maneuverability experiences.

Highlights

For many individuals with physical disabilities, a manual wheelchair provides the means for independent mobility, better self-care, increased enjoyment of social activities, and empowerment
Informed consent was obtained from males and involved four females) spinal cord injuries ranging from to L2 males participated in all subjects in thewith study
No substantial variations in the shoulder range of motion (ROM) were found during propulsion (p = 0.66), which indicates that the upper arm movement during propulsion was not significantly influenced by the virtual reality (VR) environment

Summary

Introduction

For many individuals with physical disabilities, a manual wheelchair provides the means for independent mobility, better self-care, increased enjoyment of social activities, and empowerment. The use of wheelchairs is not always easy for newly disabled people: they need time to understand and learn how to be confident in using wheelchairs properly and safely for their day-to-day activities. Identifying essential components for training the proper wheelchair propulsion mechanics and wheelchair skills in new manual wheelchair users is an important step in preventing future health and participation restrictions [1]. Maneuvering a wheelchair is an important necessity for the daily life and social activities of people with a range of physical disabilities. Difficulties associated with the use of a wheelchair may reduce independence of users and lead to greater isolation.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion