Usability of an Embodied CAVE System for Spatial Navigation Training in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) usually report navigation and spatial memory impairments. Spatial navigation is an embodied process that requires the active involvement of both physical (e.g., motor commands and proprioception) and cognitive (e.g., decision-making and mental rotation) information. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) is a valuable tool that employs this information as real-world navigation does. Given the crucial impact of spatial navigation on daily life, research should focus on ways to enhance it. Though they are still in their development, contemporary IVR methods for spatial navigation training in MCI seem promising. In this usability study, eight patients with MCI syndrome tested an IVR spatial navigation training demo and interacted with the CAVE using active stereo glasses, a foot-motion pad, and a joypad. During the demo, users were asked to report their impressions on the IVR training using the thinking-aloud procedure. Moreover, questionnaires regarding usability, presence and cybersickness were administered at the end of the experience. Our results show that the first version of this system is usable by the patients even if most of them did not have experience with PC/IVR. The system provided a moderate sense of spatial presence and limited negative effects. Issues found during the thinking-aloud procedure concerned the visual aspects, which affected the interaction user-system. Participants reported that they needed more practice with the foot-motion pad even though the overall experience was positively evaluated. Identifying these critical features was essential to develop an improved version of the current system.

Enhancing spatial navigation skills in mild cognitive impairment patients: a usability study of a new version of ANTaging software

“…The ANTaging semi-immersive condition also improved when compared to the CAVE system (prototype). Similarly to the previous study (Tuena et al, 2023), our findings demonstrated that, beyond graphical elements, older people with MCI place significant importance on psychological factors, notably their perceived confidence in using a new technological device (e.g., 3dRudder). This aligns perfectly with established technology acceptance models within the context of aging (Contreras-Somoza et al, 2021).…”

“…Importantly, we report in Table 7 a comparison of SUS and ITC-SOPI negative effects of the old ANTaging CAVE version ( Tuena et al, 2023 ) and the improved prototype we tested here.…”

“…The mean score of 65 on the SUS may not be considered excellent. Nonetheless, it is important to note that this usability study served as a preliminary test conducted on a prototype of the new application, specifically the second version of the system [first version see Tuena et al (2023)]. We intend to enhance the most 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1310375 critical aspects of the system before embarking on the clinical trial, thereby advancing research in the field.…”

The Role of Immersive Virtual Reality Interventions in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review across Motor and Cognitive Domains

“…A wide range of visual interfaces is used to create varying degrees of immersion in a virtual environment, ranging from conventional monitors to head-mounted displays [39]. Immersion, where the user is surrounded by the virtual environment, is a crucial feature that distinguishes VR systems used in rehabilitation into immersive and non-immersive categories [41].…”

Exploring the Remediation of Behavioral Disturbances of Spatial Cognition in Community-Dwelling Senior Citizens with Mild Cognitive Impairment via Innovative Technological Apparatus (BDSC-MCI Project): Protocol for a Prospective, Multi-Center Observational Study

“…The former may include landmark recognition and sorting or asking participants to travel a previously learned route. The latter may include map-drawing and shortcut tasks [16,17].…”