Evaluating a commercially available, immersive virtual reality system for measuring common lower body rehabilitation motions.

Abstract

Lower body rehabilitation has been marked by qualitative assessments and observations. Quantitative measuring devices often present a financial burden that many clinics cannot overcome. Virtual Reality (VR) systems offer less of an economic undertaking but have not been extensively evaluated. In this study, a first-person, immersive VR system with limb tracking peripheral devices (Valve Index with Vive Trackers) were used alongside a Gold-Standard, 3D marker-based motion capture system (Vicon Vantage) to evaluate how well the VR system could measure foot and lower back position and movement during walking, balance, and a Four Square Step Test. Eighteen healthy subjects were recruited and asked to perform these clinical assessments while VR trackers and Motion Capture markers collected their feet and center of gravity position. While the VR system could track motions consistent with the Motion Capture, discrepancies persist due to the tracker’s bulkiness, position on the foot, and limitations with tracking small movements.