Static Rest Frame to Improve Postural Stability in Virtual and Augmented Reality

Sharif Mohammad Shahnewaz Ferdous,Imtiaz Muhammad Arafat,John Quarles,Tanvir Irfan Chowdhury

doi:10.3389/frvir.2020.582169

Sharif Mohammad Shahnewaz Ferdous, Imtiaz Muhammad Arafat + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/frvir.2020.582169

Copy DOI

Abstract

Many users have shown increased postural instability while using Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) as HMDs block their real-world vision. People with balance impairments are especially more affected by this as they depend more on their visual cues to maintain their balance. In addition, balance is a good indication of cybersickness according to postural instability theory. In this research, we have investigated how to use additional visual cues to improve postural stability. Through conducting one user study in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), we have studied the effect of a Static Rest Frame (SRF) on postural stability in persons with balance impairments due to Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Results indicate that an SRF significantly improves postural stability in VR and AR for users with MS. Based on these results, we propose guidelines for designing more accessible VR and AR systems for persons with balance impairments.

Highlights

Many consumer-level head-mounted displays (HMDs) are currently available and/or in development used by a diverse population, including users with balance impairments
The objective of our research is to improve the postural stability in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) for users with balance impairments
To obtain a feasible solution, we investigated the effect of an Static Rest Frame (SRF) on the Quiet Stance Balance (QSB) and the Functional Balance (FB) of persons with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in VR and AR

Summary

Introduction

Many consumer-level head-mounted displays (HMDs) are currently available and/or in development used by a diverse population, including users with balance impairments. Many rehabilitation programs use VR to improve balance for people with balance impairments (Sveistrup et al, 2003; Fulk, 2005; Lozano-Quilis et al, 2013; Nilsagård et al, 2013). VR that uses HMDs often negatively affects the balance of users with balance impairments. When vision is compromised, people rely more on proprioceptive feedback, and proprioceptive impairments often affect balance in patients with MS (Rougier et al, 2007). Altering the major contributing factor (i.e., vision) can potentially affect balance for people with MS. This opens the possibility of providing additional visual cues to improve balance, where visual information is altered or insufficient. Sveistrup et al showed a comparison of a VR-delivered exercise program to a conventional exercise program for the rehabilitation of shoulder joint range of motion in patients with chronic frozen shoulder and discussed the possibility of using VR in rehabilitation (Sveistrup et al, 2003)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion