Ensuring Proper Interaction: VR-Based Visual Feedback Interface for Smart Walker Training

Abstract

Smart walkers are robotics devices that can be used to help people with mobility impairments due to aging, diseases, or injuries. However, this kind of device can be complex to use correctly due to the presence of numerous sensors. In this context, this paper presents a pilot study of a virtual reality-based visual feedback interface for training users of smart walkers. Ten volunteers were recruited and divided into two groups (Intervention Group and Control Group). The Intervention Group was provided with a visual feedback training interface, whereas the Control Group was provided with verbal feedback. With the training interface, the users were able to reduce their time of execution between 4% to 29% more than users without access to the interface. Our results indicate that the interface helps the user to understand some parameters of the device, reducing their repetition execution time during and after receiving the visual feedback.