Evaluation of Powered Wheelchair Driving Performance in Simulator Compared to Driving in Real-life Situations. the SIMADAPT (Simulator ADAPT) project : a pilot study

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate users tolerance and driving performance of an electric wheelchair driving simulator in comparison to a test on a real circuit in the context of the SIMADAPT project. Methods Three real circuits intended to assess the driving performance with power wheelchair (PWC) in an indoor traffic situation were defined. These circuits were then modelled in 3D to create three test scenarios in virtual reality. These three sessions corresponded to the three levels of driving difficulty. Users tested the three circuits in virtual reality (VR) on a simulator and on a real circuit (R) during three different sessions. In each session, users tested the two conditions. Number of collisions, time of completion, cognitive load and driving performances were assessed. Cyber sickness, users satisfaction and sense of presence were measured in VR. The order of passage between R and VR was randomized. Results Twenty-nine participants who were expert drivers with neurological disorders were included in the study. Number of collision between R and VR were identical for circuits 1 and 2 but higher for circuit 3 in VR (p = 0,006 and 0,008), the RV completion times were longer in C1 and C2 (p = < 0.001, 0.01), however it tended to decreased for C3 (difference were not significant for second run). The mental load was higher in VR than R (p = 0,001; 0,01;0,03). The sense of presence was good and the cybersickness remained low on the three circuits Conclusions Simulator is valid technological solution for expert drivers. The performances were equivalent between R and VR and there was a quick adaptation to the virtual application, without any noticeable unexpected effects. Future researches are needed to assess the quality of skill transfer for novice drivers from the simulator to the real world.

Evaluation of power wheelchair driving performance in simulator compared to driving in real-life situations: the SIMADAPT (simulator ADAPT) project—a pilot study

“…Three real circuits intended to assess the driving performances with PWC in indoor situations have been defined according to [ 23 , 26 – 28 ]. The first circuit (C1) is composed of several basic tasks such as driving forwards (10 m) and backwards (2 m), turning in place and while moving forwards (90°).…”