Authors:
Pierre Michel
1
;
Paul Richard
1
;
Takehiko Yamaguchi
2
;
Adrien Verhulst
3
;
Eulalie Verhulst
1
and
Mickaël Dinomais
1
Affiliations:
1
Université d'Angers, France
;
2
Tokyo University of Science, Japan
;
3
Université de Nantes, France
Keyword(s):
Virtual Reality, Adaptive Game, Rehabilitation, Children, Cerebral Palsy.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Computer Vision, Visualization and Computer Graphics
;
Evaluation of Human Performance and Usability in Virtual Environments
;
Games for Education and Training
;
Interactive Environments
Abstract:
We present a non-immersive virtual reality (VR) system for the rehabilitation of children with Cerebral Palsy
(CP). Our objective is to encourage and motivate children to improve their limb motor control while play-
ing a game. Two tasks are available : (1) intercepting or (2) to catching / releasing moving objects using a
Kinect sensor. These tasks are achieved via the control of a virtual character placed in a virtual island.
A control-display ratio is used to virtually increase the child workspace allowing him/her to reach all the
approaching objects. In addition, a dynamic difficulty adjustment (DDA) is used to keep a good motivation
level. Furthermore, a virtual coach is provided to support and congratulate the children. Twenty healthy chil-
dren participated in a preliminary experiment. The aim was (1) to collect control data concerning performance
and workload, and (2) to investigate the effect of the virtual coach. Results show a good usability of the game
and reveal a high ra
tio of acceptance and enjoyment from the children.
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