Advancing embodied virtual reality for motor learning and neurorehabilitation
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Nardi, Federico
Faisal, Aldo
Haar, Shlomi
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
Advancements in Embodied Virtual Reality (EVR) can revolutionise motor learning and rehabilitation by offering immersive and ecologically valid environments. This study refines an EVR setup to investigate motor learning using a realistic yet controlled billiards task.
The setup integrates physical interactions with virtual experiences, allowing participants to use real-world objects, including a cue stick and balls. Enhancements include a redesigned pool table to control task difficulty, refined virtual ball velocity profiles for more realistic dynamics, and novel feedback mechanisms that isolate error-based and reward-based learning.
Pilot studies with naive and moderately experienced pool
players demonstrated increased realism, engagement, and experimental control. The system supports the study of adaptive skill acquisition in naturalistic contexts, addressing the challenges of balancing experimental control with real-world applicability.
The improved EVR setup provides a powerful tool for
studying motor learning and translating laboratory insights
into real-world neurorehabilitation applications, supporting
adaptive skill acquisition in naturalistic settings.
Clinical relevance — The motor learning insights from the
EVR setup hold significant implications for neurorehabilitation, providing a robust platform to design adaptive and engaging rehabilitation programs for conditions like stroke recovery and motor impairments, fostering skill relearning in controlled yet naturalistic settings.
The setup integrates physical interactions with virtual experiences, allowing participants to use real-world objects, including a cue stick and balls. Enhancements include a redesigned pool table to control task difficulty, refined virtual ball velocity profiles for more realistic dynamics, and novel feedback mechanisms that isolate error-based and reward-based learning.
Pilot studies with naive and moderately experienced pool
players demonstrated increased realism, engagement, and experimental control. The system supports the study of adaptive skill acquisition in naturalistic contexts, addressing the challenges of balancing experimental control with real-world applicability.
The improved EVR setup provides a powerful tool for
studying motor learning and translating laboratory insights
into real-world neurorehabilitation applications, supporting
adaptive skill acquisition in naturalistic settings.
Clinical relevance — The motor learning insights from the
EVR setup hold significant implications for neurorehabilitation, providing a robust platform to design adaptive and engaging rehabilitation programs for conditions like stroke recovery and motor impairments, fostering skill relearning in controlled yet naturalistic settings.
Date Issued
2025-12-03
Date Acceptance
2025-04-08
Citation
2025 47th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC), 2025, pp.1-7
ISBN
979-8-3315-8618-8
Publisher
IEEE
Start Page
1
End Page
7
Journal / Book Title
2025 47th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC)
Copyright Statement
© 2025 IEEE. This is the author’s accepted manuscript made available under a CC-BY licence in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy)
License URL
Source
47th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC 2025)
Publication Status
Published
Start Date
2025-07-14
Finish Date
2025-07-18
Coverage Spatial
Copenhagen, Denmark