A player immersed in the game, watching the action on the iDome. Images: Satriawan et al. https://doi.org/10.3390/designs6050076
Exercised-based gaming software and a controller have been developed by researchers to help provide a virtual-reality-based experience on a horse-riding simulator.
Its developers believe their engineering concept, which does not employ a virtual-reality headset, could benefit children with cerebral palsy.
The Indonesian study team has described their design, which includes a convex mirror to provide a virtual-reality immersive environment for participants, in the journal Designs.
Ardianto Satriawan and his fellow researchers noted that horse riding exercise, also known as hippotherapy, is a popular treatment for children with cerebral palsy.
However, the need for trained therapists, land, and the costs associated with maintaining horses can make hippotherapy unaffordable, or unavailable, for most patients in Indonesia.
This led the study team to consider mechanical horse-riding simulators to replace actual horse hippotherapy.
However, most patients are children and are easily bored when asked to do monotonous activities for an extended period, they said. The room setting also does not give the patient visual inputs that usually help motivate the children in real-horse hippotherapy activities.
To solve this problem, they designed an exercise game software called Sirkus Apel, which means Apple Circus, to provide users with a fun exergaming activity while doing the therapy.
They also designed an inertial sensor-based controller that lets the patients control the in-game horse through their back movements, which can benefit patients with cerebral palsy.
The researchers decided against using head-mounted displays, which traditionally provide virtual-reality inputs, for safety reasons.
Head-mounted displays can be hazardous for children, they said, because it obstructs their view of the environment, especially when riding a horse-riding simulator.
Numerous researchers also report another problem of head-mounted display usage: Motion sickness caused by the inconsistency between the visual input of the eyes and the user movements.
This, they said, can result in nausea, headache, disorientation, and vomiting, which is dangerous and uncomfortable, especially for children with cerebral palsy.
However, they still wanted to make the visual input enjoyable to the user. To achieve this, they built a convex mirror-based dome to provide a three-dimensional view.
We then project the game content to the dome to provide an immersive experience to the patients making it as if they are riding a real horse inside the game.
They based their dome on the design of the iDome by Paul Bourke, reported in a 2009 study.
The design of iDome is inspired by a planetarium hemisphere shape. The hemisphere is cut in half to place the users in front of the dome, not under it. This setup provides a broad immersive view without any obstruction of projection hardware but keeps the user aware of the surroundings.
The team integrated their exergaming software, the virtual-reality dome, a horse-riding simulator (made by Jufit Smart Tech in China), and all the necessary equipment to create a whole hippotherapy simulator platform.
The game they developed requires users to avoid obstacles by moving the in-game horse and picking up apples that appear on the ground. It consists of four levels or, more accurately, scenes.
The software animates the horses head view, to make the user feel like they are riding an actual horse. The end result can provide children with fun experiences while giving them the therapy benefit to improve their health conditions.
Six healthy adult participants tested the hippotherapy simulator. They reported no signs of motion sickness. They felt relatively safe while testing the device and noted the immersiveness of the iDome.
The authors said they were interested in testing the effectiveness of the hippotherapy simulator device on children with cerebral palsy, especially in terms of their postural control. They have already identified some volunteers to conduct further research in this area.
Aside from cerebral palsy rehabilitation, hippotherapy has been known to be an effective rehabilitative method for patients with neurological and other disabilities such as stroke victims, autism, head injury, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and many others.
Each type of rehabilitation may require specific horse movements, which may be provided by mechanical means.
Potentially interesting future research could center on designing a suitable mechanical horse, which could create movements for all the needed gaits. We can also design a flexible saddle and footrest to accommodate all the age ranges of the patients.
The study team said they considered their simulator to be a cost-effective investment. They intended to donate their design to the Dr Hasan Sadikin Hospital in Bandung.
The study team comprised Satriawan, Wildan Trusaji and Muhammad Ogin Hasanuddin, with the Bandung Institute of Technology; and Septia Susanti Rahadini, Mayang Cendikia Selekta and Ellyana Sungkar, with Dr Hasan Sadikin General Hospital.
Satriawan, A.; Trusaji, W.; Hasanuddin, M.O.; Rahadini, S.S.; Selekta, M.C.; Sungkar, E. Design of Virtual Reality-Based Hippotherapy Simulator Exergaming Software and Its Controller for Rehabilitation of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Indonesia: An Engineering Concept. Designs 2022, 6, 76. https://doi.org/10.3390/designs6050076
The study, published under a Creative Commons License, can be read here.
Read this article:
Welcome to the iDome: Concept offers virtual-reality riding therapy without a headset - Horsetalk
- How Virtual Reality Works | HowStuffWorks [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2016]
- NYT VR: Virtual Reality by The New York Times [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2016]
- Virtual Reality - Virtual Reality [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- Virtual Reality Toronto - VRTO - Virtual Reality, Toronto [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2016]
- Virtual Reality Immersion - How Virtual Reality Works ... [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2016]
- Virtual Reality (VR) Leading Technology Company | VIRTALIS [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2016]
- What is virtual reality? Webopedia Definition [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2016]
- What is virtual reality? - A simple introduction [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2016]
- Immersion (virtual reality) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: July 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 25th, 2016]
- VRAC | Virtual Reality Applications Center [Last Updated On: July 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 25th, 2016]
- What is Virtual Reality? - Virtual Reality - vrs.org.uk [Last Updated On: July 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 27th, 2016]
- Virtual Reality | Technology | GeForce [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2016]
- Virtual Reality - SI.com [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2016]
- President Obama Makes Virtual-Reality Debut in Tour of ... [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2016]
- 3 Beaten-Up Virtual-Reality Stocks: Are They Bargains? -- The ... [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2016]
- VR, Virtual Reality | Virtalis [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2016]
- VRTO Virtual & Augmented Reality World Conference + Expo [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2016]
- LiquidVR | Immersive Virtual Reality Technology | AMD [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2016]
- Virtual reality opens world of possibilities for seniors [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2016]
- Virtual Reality Takes On the Videoconference - WSJ [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2016]
- Virtual reality headset - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2016]
- Virtual Reality - Setting the Record Straight One Post at ... [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2016]
- Virtual reality - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2016]
- Virtual reality, one year out: What went right, what didn ... [Last Updated On: December 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 27th, 2016]
- NBA broadcasts games in virtual reality with NextVR ... [Last Updated On: December 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 27th, 2016]
- What is virtual reality? - Definition from WhatIs.com [Last Updated On: January 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 10th, 2017]
- Tribemix Virtual Reality for Dementia Care - YouTube [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Gets Real - theatlantic.com [Last Updated On: January 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 28th, 2017]
- If you're hoping to watch all of the Super Bowl in VR, sorry - CNET [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Fifty Shades fans have a ball with virtual reality experience - The Drum [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Architect Zaha Hadid's Paintings Transformed Into Virtual Reality Art - PSFK (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Adobe's Path To Entering The Virtual Reality Story - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- How Will Virtual Reality Change The Healthcare Industry? - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Has Arrived in the Art World. Now What? - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- How Virtual Reality Can Enhance Customer Engagement - Rocks Digital (blog) [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Experience College Swim Meet - SwimSwam [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Explore The Amazon With This Stunning 360 Virtual Reality Video - IFLScience [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Global Virtual Reality Market (Hardware and Software) and Forecast to 2020 - PR Newswire (press release) [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Europe's virtual reality sector has grown to nearly 300 companies - VentureBeat [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Only 8% of Brands Intend to Use Virtual Reality for Advertising - AdAge.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Eric Church Offers Virtual Reality Concert Experience to Fans - The Boot [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- TrueHoop Presents: The Washington Wizards and virtual reality - ESPN [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Virtual reality: prepare for the revolution - AndroidPIT [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- In the burgeoning world of virtual reality, storytelling is both cutting ... - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- 8 Real Success Tips From Women Building The Future With Virtual Reality - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- WATCH: YouTube Stars Create Amazing La La Land-Inspired Virtual-Reality Music Video - PEOPLE.com [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Virtual reality is the future of soccer broadcasting and it's already here - Yahoo Sports [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Virtual reality is boring compared to Beyonc's actual reality - A.V. Club (blog) [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality addiction threat prompts cautious approach as VR nears 'smartphone-like' take-off - ABC Online [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Google wants to use Chrome to suck you into virtual reality - CNET [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Ringling showcase offers glimpse of virtual reality in Sarasota - Sarasota Herald-Tribune [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- The Future Of Virtual Reality: Mobile VR Platforms In A Battle - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Sarah Shahi to Star in NBC Virtual Reality Thriller 'Reverie' - Variety [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Valve is working on three new virtual reality games, 'not just experiments' - GeekWire [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Could Be Your Next Prescription - DesignNews [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Top 6 Virtual Reality Apps for Your Smartphone - The Merkle [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- DACC & Virgin Galactic team up to explore virtual reality - Las Cruces Sun-News [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Wichita-created virtual reality can re-create crime scenes - Wichita Eagle [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Boulder International Film Festival diving into virtual reality with 2017 slate - Boulder Daily Camera [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Why this analyst is warning investors to steer clear of virtual reality in 2017 - L.A. Biz [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- 'JAEPO 2017' Shows That Japanese Arcade Gaming Is Beginning To Incorporate Virtual Reality - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- UNC-School of The Arts: 'Pioneers in Virtual Reality' - WFMYNews2.com [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Google Chrome Now Allows Users To Experience Virtual Reality Via WebVR - EconoTimes [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality's New Horizons: Enterprise Apps and Gloves for Typing - NewsFactor Network [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Chick-fil-A cows will dive into virtual reality in new ads - Atlanta Business Chronicle [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- See This Famous Masterpiece Recreated in Virtual Reality - UploadVR [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Classy classes: 'The Idea of Virtual Reality' - The Stanford Daily [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Tim Cook says AR has more potential than virtual reality - The INQUIRER [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Virtual reality has a growing impact on college football - FOXSports.com [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- This company is opening a virtual reality multiplex this fall - Mashable [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Virtual reality weather add-ons let you feel the sun and wind - New Scientist [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Stanford researchers personalize virtual reality displays to match a user's eyesight - Stanford University News [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Miyamoto Still Has Doubts About Virtual Reality - GameSpot [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Virtual reality is still too isolating to be 'the next big thing' in tech - CBC.ca [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Samsung Goes for a New Look in Virtual Reality at New York Fashion Week - Fortune [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Pricey Virtual-Reality Headsets Slow to Catch On - Wall Street Journal [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- IMAX Unveils Flagship Virtual Reality Center in Los Angeles - Variety [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Coach, IMG and Simon Malls Partner on Virtual Reality Experience - WWD [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Using Virtual Reality To Get Inside An Ailing Person's World - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto Is Still Not Entirely Sure About Virtual Reality - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]