title: Virtual reality and computer-enhanced training applied to wheeled mobility: an overview of work in Pittsburgh.
abstract: Some aspects of assistive technology can be enhanced by the application of virtual reality. Although virtual simulation offers a range of new possibilities, learning to navigate in a virtual environment is not equivalent to learning to navigate in the real world. Therefore, virtual reality simulation is advocated as a useful preparation for assessment and training within the physical environment. We are engaged in several efforts to develop virtual environments and devices for mobility skills assessment and training, exercise training, and environment assessment. Virtual reality offers wheelchair users a training tool in different risk-free environments without any indoor (e.g., walls, furniture, and stairs) and outdoor (e.g., curb cuts, uneven terrain, and street traffic) physical constraints. Virtual reality technology will probably become more common in the field of assistive technology, especially given the rapid expansion of gaming technology and the continued exponential growth of computing power.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Rory A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.forename: Shirley G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Fitzgerald
authors.forename: Donald M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Spaeth
authors.forename: Songfeng
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: Alicia M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Koontz
authors.forename: Rosemarie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: Jongbae
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Michael L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Boninger
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008838:Microcomputers; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010414:Pennsylvania; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D014910:Wheelchairs