Evaluating therapist representation techniques in mixed reality-based tele-rehabilitation exergames

Macaluso, Roberta; Visconti, Alessandro; Calandra, Davide; Ciardo, Roberto; Barresi, Giacinto; Lamberti, Fabrizio

Abstract

Recent advancements in technology have improved rehabilitation through tele-rehabilitation, offering flexible and personalized care with remote monitoring. Interactive "exergames" using eXtended Reality (XR) enhance treatment by combining traditional methods with digital gaming. However, there is limited research on virtual therapist representations. This study evaluates three techniques for therapist representation in Mixed Reality (MR) tele-rehabilitation: audio-only, video, and 3D avatar. Using a collaborative exergame for upper limb rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients, the study assesses these methods based on peer acceptance, user experience, social and co-presence, and naturalness, aiming to optimize therapist representation in MR-enabled tele-rehabilitation contexts.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: 2024 IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality Adjunct (ISMAR-Adjunct)
• Start Date: Oct 21, 2024
• End Date: Oct 25, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Dec 2, 2024
• Publication Date: Dec 2, 2024
• Deposit Date: Dec 19, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 2, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 288-294
• Book Title: 2024 IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality Adjunct (ISMAR-Adjunct)
• ISBN: 9798331506926
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/ismar-adjunct64951.2024.00066
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/13528380