Usability and efficacy of a virtual reality simulator for power wheelchair training

Introduction/Background Power wheelchair (PW) skills training is generally seen as insufficient by both clinicians and PW users. A virtual reality (VR) simulator may be helpful in improving PW driving skills, when used in addition to regular training. In previous work, challenging PW driving activities have been identified through interviews with expert clinicians and PW users and were then integrated in the McGill Immersive Wheelchair simulator (miWe). Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of VR simulator training on real PW driving skills. Material and method The miWe simulator included six PW driving activities (bathroom, shopping center, supermarket, elevator, street crossing and adapted transport vehicle). A computer with a joystick was installed in the participantu0027s home. Participants (new PW users) were randomly allocated to the simulator or control group. Participants in the control group were asked to practice on a racing videogame (also using a joystick). Participants in both groups were asked to practice for at least 20 minutes every two days, over a two-week period. We compared real wheelchair driving skills as measured by the wheelchair skills test (WST), before and after the intervention. Results A total of 43 participants completed the study. All practiced on the simulator or computer game at least twice as much as what was minimally required. Results indicate that the WST scores in the experimental group increased by 7% on average, compared to 2% in the control group. Feedback regarding ease of use and potential usefulness of the PW simulator was very positive. Conclusion Our preliminary results show that miWe simulator training may lead to improved wheelchair skills as compared to training with a racing videogame. A PW simulator may be helpful to new users if it promotes the practice of activities in specific environmental contexts to complement the basic skills training received in the clinic.