Usability Evaluation of E-Motion: A Virtual Rehabilitation System\ud Designed to Demonstrate, Instruct and Monitor a Therapeutic\ud Exercise Programme

摘要

The importance of systematic usability\udevaluation of virtual rehabilitation systems cannot be\udunderestimated. We have developed a virtual rehabilitation\udsystem with the functionality to guide a user through a\udtherapeutic exercise programme. Progression is determined\udby users’ ability to replicate movements as demonstrated by\udan on-screen character. Visual and auditory corrective\udfeedback is provided during exercise in order to improve the\uduser’s postural control and biomechanical alignment. The\udobjective of this study was to evaluate the usability of our\udsystem and subsequently implement modifications aimed at\udimproving fidelity and ease of use. The first stage of our\udevaluation involved conducting an expert walkthrough with\udsix experts currently researching in areas related to the\udsystem design. Following system refinement and\udmodification we conducted a user evaluation study with\udtwelve novice users using VRUSE, a computerised\udquestionnaire-based usability evaluation tool for assessment\udof virtual environments. Results have provided a systematic\udevaluation of the system, provided information for guidance\udon system alterations and will allow comparison of usability\udlevels with similar virtual rehabilitation systems tested with\udthe same protocol.