Development and evaluation of applications for mobility assistive devices

使用手动轮椅(MWC)的风险包括因长期使用而摔倒和反复肩部损伤，这些都可以通过适当的训练来减少。虚拟现实(VR)可以提供一个安全和激励的环境来练习MWC技能。此外，虚拟现实可以实施运动学习策略，例如增强反馈(在任务中自然感知的信息之外的信息)和错误增强(放大操作错误)。然而，这些运动学习策略的效果是在简单任务的背景下研究的，比如快速到达目标，而不是生态或复杂任务，如MWC技能。另一个问题是学习所需的VR真实感的数量。增加ReALIS需要更复杂和昂贵的硬件，而不一定需要运动学习。在过去的12年里，我的研究重点是麦吉尔轮椅模拟器(MIWE)的开发。虽然最初是为电动轮椅驾驶开发的，但模拟器已扩展到MWC。手动MIWE成本低，运行在一台标准计算机上，计算机上有一个定制的触觉界面，提供力反馈(MWC)。 SA1.确定VR真实感对MWC平衡技能学习的影响 我们首先将通过添加一个通过粘弹性元件链接到虚拟MWC的身体来更新模拟器的虚拟化身，该粘弹性元件将通过用户自己的躯干移动来控制。参与者(健康的成年人)将在一个由前倾和侧倾组成的虚拟场景中练习保持平衡，同时通过头盔显示器或普通电脑屏幕观看场景。我们将测量显示类型对学习MWC平衡技能的影响，以及保留(2天后)和转移到真实MWC平衡技能的效果。我们还将通过比较低成本MIWE模拟器和将由CFI资金建造的高保真MWC模拟器中平衡技能的学习来比较姿势信息的效果。 SA2.通过增强反馈和错误增强优化MWC技能学习和保留 我们将比较初级健康成年人在MIWE模拟器中练习时，MWC推进/平衡技能和2天保持技能的学习和保持情况，以及转移到真实世界的技能。我们将评估不同的增强反馈计划(每次尝试后，频率降低或没有反馈)以及错误增强对运动学习的影响。 这项研究计划将允许在多学科环境中培训HQP(1名博士、4名硕士和5名本科生)。研究结果将促进人们对运动学习策略的适用性和现实主义在虚拟现实复杂技能背景下的作用的了解。结果还将验证模拟器作为MWC推进和平衡技能以及将学习转移到现实生活中的培训工具的使用。

Risks of manual wheelchair (MWC) use include falls and repetitive shoulder injury from long-term use, which can both be decreased through adequate training. Virtual reality (VR) can provide a safe and motivating environment to practice MWC skills. Further, VR can implement motor learning strategies, such as augmented feedback (information in addition to what is naturally perceived during the task) and error augmentation (amplifying performance error). However, effects of these motor learning strategies have been studied in the context of simple tasks, such as rapidly reaching to a target and not for ecological or complex tasks, such as MWC skills. Another question is the amount of VR realism necessary for learning to occur. Increased realis requires more complex and expensive hardware, while not necessarily needed for motor learning. Over the last 12 years, my research has focused on the development of the McGill Wheelchair Simulator (miWe). While initially developed for power wheelchair driving, the simulator has been extended to MWC. The manual miWe is low-cost, running on a standard computer interfaced with a custom-made haptic interface that provides force feedback (MWC). SA1. Determine the effects of VR realism on MWC balance skills learning We will first update the virtual avatar of the simulator by adding a body linked to the virtual MWC by a viscoelastic element, which will be controlled through the user's own trunk movements. Participants (healthy adults) will practice maintaining their balance in a virtual scenario consisting of forward and side slopes, while viewing the scene either through a head-mounted display or a regular computer screen. We will measure the effects of display type on learning of MWC balance skills, as well as retention (after 2 days) and transfer to real MWC balance skills. We will also compare the effects of postural information by comparing learning of balance skills in the low-cost miWe simulator, and a high-fidelity MWC simulator that will be built through CFI funding. SA2. Optimize MWC skill learning and retention through augmented feedback and error augmentation We will compare learning and retention of MWC propulsion/balance skills and 2-day retention in nave, healthy adults, while they practice in the miWe simulator, as well as transfer to real world skills. We will evaluate the effects of different augmented feedback schedules (after every trial, with decreasing frequency or no feedback) as well as error augmentation on motor learning. This research program will allow the training of HQPs in a multidisciplinary environment (1 PhD, 4 MSc and 5 undergraduate students). Results will advance knowledge on the applicability of motor learning strategies and on the role of realism, in the context of complex skills in VR. Results will also validate the use of the simulator as a training tool for MWC propulsion and balance skills, as well as transfer of learning to real life situations.