Comparing Virtual Reality to Real-Life Task Performance
Evaluating Motor Performance of Standardized Tasks Across Physical and Virtual Reality Mediums
Our goal with this study is to determine the differences between virtual reality (VR) and traditional tests of the same design. We are assessing test performance between a virtual reality environment with special controllers, a real-life environment with the controllers, and a real-life environment in conventional settings.
IRB# 210-22-EP
This study requires one visit to the Munroe-Meyer Institute. Your (or your child’s) visit will last two hours and includes a survey relating to the VR game environment and controller, fitting the participant with the virtual reality system, and performing two different dexterity tests several times with and without wearing the VR system. These tests require you or your child to be able to perform reaching and grabbing movements for at least two minutes at a time, and to be comfortable wearing the VR system for ten minutes at a time. We will ask you or your child to participate in a verbal screening interview prior to your visit.
You or your child may be eligible for this study if:
- Are diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy with a Manual Ability Classification System Score (MACS) between I-IV, or are Neurotypical.
- Are capable of wearing a virtual reality system comfortably for ten minutes at a time.
- Are free of significant vision (i.e., unable to be remedied by corrective lenses) or balance (such as vertigo) impairments.
- Are male or female.
- Are 6 - 65 years of age.
You or your child may not be eligible for this study if:
- Diagnoses of any comorbidities that significantly affect arm movement, such as chronic orthopedic issues, progressive neurodegenerative disorders, etc.
- Cognitive deficits limiting ability to follow directions.
- Children with musculoskeletal problems such as torticollis, which will affect visual gaze and visual tracking of an object.
- History of upper extremity surgery within the last six months.
Contact us to learn more
Principal Investigator
Email James Gehringer, PhD
Virtual Reality Laboratory
Department of Physical Therapy
Graduate Research Assistant
Email James E. Pierce III, MS
651-707-3805