User Experience Evaluation of an Interactive Virtual Reality-Based System for Upper Limb Rehabilitation

This article evaluates the usability of an interactive virtual reality system for the recovery of hand and wrist mobility by means of the LeapMotion device and the Unity3D graphics engine. Through the programmed interfaces, the proposed VR system allows the patient to correctly complete established medical protocols via exercise routines with audio and video feedback. The usability evaluation of the VR system was carried out using the VRUSE model in an experiment. This model was utilized to design a survey consisting of 10 items, where each item represents a model factor. The survey was applied in the experiment in which 30 patients participated. The obtained results showed that the VRUSE factors of the proposed VR system for rehabilitation are significantly related to its overall use, with factor correlation values lower than 0,005. Patients participating in the experiment consider that the interactive virtual reality-based system for upper limb rehabilitation is usable. Additionally, it was proved that the rehabilitation environments programmed in the Unity 3D graphics engine allows patients to comply precisely with the established medical protocols, driving them to a progressive movement recovery of the affected limb.