Do the physical characteristics of a virtual reality device contraindicate its use for balance assessment?
BACKGROUND
Virtual reality environments may allow researchers to investigate functional balance performance without risks associated with testing in the real world.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of the mass of a head-mounted display (HMD) on balance performance.


METHODS
Counterbalanced pretest-posttest.


METHODS
Virtual reality laboratory.


METHODS
20 healthy college students.


METHODS
Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) with a tracker-only headband and again with tracker plus HMD was performed.


METHODS
BESS error scores, elliptical sway area, and center of pressure travel distance were recorded.


RESULTS
No effect of the HMD mass on balance performance was observed. A significant stance by surface interaction was present but was negated when the HMD conditions were included in the model.


CONCLUSIONS
The mass of a HMD has not been proven to adversely affect balance performance. These data suggest the HMD mass is not a contraindication to the use of immersive virtual environments in future concussion research involving balance.
Mihalik
Jason P
JP
Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. jmihalik@email.unc.edu
Kohli
Luv
L
Whitton
Mary C
MC
D000328:Adult; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006257:Head; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance; D014481:United States; D014584:User-Computer Interface