Driving performance in a power wheelchair simulator.
OBJECTIVE
A power wheelchair simulator can allow users to safely experience various driving tasks. For such training to be efficient, it is important that driving performance be equivalent to that in a real wheelchair. This study aimed at comparing driving performance in a real and in a simulated environment.


METHODS
Two groups of healthy young adults performed different driving tasks, either in a real power wheelchair or in a simulator. Smoothness of joystick control as well as the time necessary to complete each task were recorded and compared between the two groups. Driving strategies were analysed from video recordings. The sense of presence, of really being in the virtual environment, was assessed through a questionnaire.


RESULTS
Smoothness of joystick control was the same in the real and virtual groups. Task completion time was higher in the simulator for the more difficult tasks. Both groups showed similar strategies and difficulties. The simulator generated a good sense of presence, which is important for motivation.


CONCLUSIONS
Performance was very similar for power wheelchair driving in the simulator or in real life. Thus, the simulator could potentially be used to complement training of individuals who require a power wheelchair and use a regular joystick. [Box: see text].
School of Physical & Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montréal, Canada. philippe.archambault@mcgill.ca
Philippe S
PS
Archambault
Stéphanie
S
Tremblay
Sarah
S
Cachecho
François
F
Routhier
Patrick
P
Boissy
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D014743:Videotape Recording; D014910:Wheelchairs