Powered wheelchair simulator development: implementing combined navigation-reaching tasks with a 3D hand motion controller.

Gordon Tao,Philippe S Archambault

doi:10.1186/s12984-016-0112-2

Abstract

BackgroundPowered wheelchair (PW) training involving combined navigation and reaching is often limited or unfeasible. Virtual reality (VR) simulators offer a feasible alternative for rehabilitation training either at home or in a clinical setting. This study evaluated a low-cost magnetic-based hand motion controller as an interface for reaching tasks within the McGill Immersive Wheelchair (miWe) simulator.MethodsTwelve experienced PW users performed three navigation-reaching tasks in the real world (RW) and in VR: working at a desk, using an elevator, and opening a door. The sense of presence in VR was assessed using the iGroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ). We determined concordance of task performance in VR with that in the RW. A video task analysis was performed to analyse task behaviours.ResultsCompared to previous miWe data, IPQ scores were greater in the involvement domain (p < 0.05). Task analysis showed most of navigation and reaching behaviours as having moderate to excellent (K > 0.4, Cohen’s Kappa) agreement between the two environments, but greater (p < 0.05) risk of collisions and reaching errors in VR. VR performance demonstrated longer (p < 0.05) task times and more discreet movements for the elevator and desk tasks but not the door task.ConclusionsTask performance showed poorer kinematic performance in VR than RW but similar strategies. Therefore, the reaching component represents a promising addition to the miWe training simulator, though some limitations must be addressed in future development.

Highlights

Powered wheelchair (PW) training involving combined navigation and reaching is often limited or unfeasible
Population and sample This study focused on the participation of experienced PW users, with a minimum of 2 years’ experience, as they were most likely to have stable behaviour and know how best to perform tasks; they were presumed to be familiar with scenarios encountered during activities of daily living
In summary, this study on the Razer Hydra 3D motion controller provides evidence supporting its use as an interface for combined navigation-reaching tasks in the McGill Immersive Wheelchair (miWe) simulator

Summary

Introduction

Powered wheelchair (PW) training involving combined navigation and reaching is often limited or unfeasible. Virtual reality (VR) simulators offer a feasible alternative for rehabilitation training either at home or in a clinical setting. This study evaluated a low-cost magnetic-based hand motion controller as an interface for reaching tasks within the McGill Immersive Wheelchair (miWe) simulator. Reaching for objects, along with manoeuvrability within confined spaces, is a key factor in powered wheelchair (PW) mobility, i.e. the ability to overcome the physical and social obstacles of daily activities [1]. Virtual reality (VR) simulators offer a highly feasible supplement for rehabilitation training either at home or in a clinical setting. To simulate reaching tasks for training, motion capture technology may be used to recreate the user’s manual movements in the VR environment, in real-time. In VR research, this usually requires large and expensive 3D cameras that are impractical for

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