Missing depth cues in virtual reality limit performance and quality of three dimensional reaching movements

PLoS ONE, 2018 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0189275 · Published: January 2, 2018

Assistive Technology Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

The study investigated how the lack of realistic visual cues in virtual reality (VR) affects people's ability to reach for and interact with objects in a virtual space. They compared how well people reached for virtual objects using different display methods (computer screen vs. head-mounted display) and different levels of visual detail in the virtual environment. The results showed that using a head-mounted display, which provides a more immersive and realistic experience, led to better reaching performance compared to using a standard computer screen.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

50 healthy volunteers

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Participants using head-mounted displays (HMDs) performed significantly better than those using a two-dimensional computer screen in terms of completion time.
2
HMD users achieved optimal performance in movement smoothness, suggesting more natural movements compared to screen users.
3
Virtually recreated visual depth cues had a minor impact on reaching performance, with the exception of the screen group with rendered handhelds.

Research Summary

This study investigates the impact of limited depth cues in virtual reality (VR) on reaching performance and movement quality. The research compares reaching movements in different VR setups, including two-dimensional screens and head-mounted displays (HMDs), with varying levels of visual depth cues. The key finding is that HMDs significantly improve reaching performance and movement quality compared to 2D screens, while the impact of virtually recreated depth cues is relatively minor.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Therapy

Head-mounted displays have potential to enhance rehabilitation therapy by providing a more realistic and immersive environment for training reaching movements.

Virtual Environment Design

When designing virtual environments for training, motivational aspects should be favored over depth cues where compromises are necessary.

Assessment of Impairments

Performance assessments for 3D reaching function obtained with 2D screen setups should be interpreted with care, due to potential movement artifacts.

Study Limitations

1
The study was performed with young healthy adults, limiting the transfer of results to elderly or subjects with sensory deficits.
2
Current HMDs are consumer products not intended or certified for medical use, with limited cleaning and disinfection possibilities.
3
The weight of current high-performance HMDs could cause acceptance problems for wearing them over prolonged time.

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