Motion capture and electromyography sensors measure a study participants movement and muscle activity while performing common VR gestures. Credit: Jay Kim
Carpal tunnel, stiff shoulders, eye-strain headaches these are all well-known side effects of prolonged computer use. But what happens when you step away from the desktop and into virtual reality?
A recent study from Oregon State University assessed how some common virtual reality movements contribute to muscle strain and discomfort. Its an effort to ensure future user safety in this fast-growing technology that is used not only for gaming, but also increasingly for education and industrial training.
There are no standards and guidelines for virtual and augmented reality interactions, said researcher Jay Kim of OSUS College of Public Health and Human Sciences. We wanted to evaluate the effects of the target distances, locations, and sizes so we can better design these interfaces to reduce the risk for potential musculoskeletal injuries.
The study was published recently in Applied Ergonomics with Northern Illinois University co-authors Sai Akhil Penumudi, Veera Aneesh Kuppam and Jaejin Hwang.
Virtual reality users wear a headset and engage in full-body, three-dimensional movements unlike conventional computer users, where a desk or the arms of a chair offer some level of support for the hands and arms.
With sensors placed on participants joints and muscles, researchers used motion capture to record their movements and electromyography to measure electrical activity in their muscles while performing common VR gestures. Wearing an Oculus Rift VR headset, participants were tasked with either pointing to specific dots around a circle, or coloring in a certain area with their finger.
Researchers repeated the tests with the visuals placed at eye level, 15 degrees above eye level, 15 degrees below eye level and 30 degrees below eye level.
Regardless of the angle, extending the arm straight out causes shoulder discomfort in as little as three minutes, Kim said. With prolonged use, as VR often requires, this may lead to major health problems like gorilla arm syndrome and rotator cuff injuries.
In addition, the heavy VR headset may increase the burden on the cervical spine, risking greater neck strain.
In computer users, the relationship between awkward postures or repeated movements and musculoskeletal disorders is well known, Kim said. We wanted to see how the VR compares to conventional computer-human interactions.
The goal of the study was to establish a baseline of optimal object placement and angles, so VR developers going forward can design games and programs that minimize user discomfort.
Researchers focused on neck and shoulder movements. They found performance in the coloring task was worst when participants had to tilt their heads down 15 and 30 degrees. The most extreme postures and highest muscle activity were observed with targets at 15 degrees above eye level, as participants were forced to constantly maintain their extended neck and elevated arm position. And discomfort was greatest in the pointing task at 15 degrees above eye level.
Based on this study, we recommend that objects that are being interacted with more often should be closer to the body, Kim said. And objects should be located at eye level, rather than up and down.
The findings could have a massive impact, given VRs growing demand: Tech analysts project that roughly 168 million people worldwide will have some form of VR installed by 2023. A major portion of users are gamers, but VRs practical applications extend to health care, the military, education, and training. In coal mining, for example, trainees use VR to practice new skills that would be dangerous to learn on-site.
Kims main goal is to avoid the mistakes of the past. When personal computing was first emerging in the 80s and 90s, he said, people often didnt think of the risks of overuse until it was too late.
With VR, he said, Wed like to learn now rather than later.
Reference: The effects of target location on musculoskeletal load, task performance, and subjective discomfort during virtual reality interactions by Sai Akhil Penumudi, Veera Aneesh Kuppam, Jeong Ho Kim and Jaejin Hwang, 27 November 2019, Applied Ergonomics.DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.103010
See the article here:
Virtual Reality Is Causing Real Injuries Heres How to Reduce Physical Risk in VR - SciTechDaily
- Virtual Reality - Virtual Reality - December 9th, 2016 [December 9th, 2016]
- VR, Virtual Reality | Virtalis - December 11th, 2016 [December 11th, 2016]
- Road to VR - Virtual Reality News - December 13th, 2016 [December 13th, 2016]
- VR Porn, Exclusive Virtual Reality Sex Videos. WankzVR - December 19th, 2016 [December 19th, 2016]
- Immersion (virtual reality) - Wikipedia - December 22nd, 2016 [December 22nd, 2016]
- Virtual Reality - Setting the Record Straight One Post at ... - December 22nd, 2016 [December 22nd, 2016]
- NBA broadcasts games in virtual reality with NextVR ... - December 28th, 2016 [December 28th, 2016]
- Virtual Reality | Future | Fandom powered by Wikia - December 28th, 2016 [December 28th, 2016]
- Virtual reality, one year out: What went right, what didn't ... - December 28th, 2016 [December 28th, 2016]
- Virtual Reality Toronto - VRTO - Virtual Reality, Toronto - January 9th, 2017 [January 9th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality - January 24th, 2017 [January 24th, 2017]
- Virtual reality headset - Wikipedia - January 27th, 2017 [January 27th, 2017]
- Tribemix Virtual Reality for Dementia Care - YouTube - January 27th, 2017 [January 27th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Has Arrived in the Art World. Now What? - New York Times - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Experience College Swim Meet - SwimSwam - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Explore The Amazon With This Stunning 360 Virtual Reality Video - IFLScience - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Adobe's Path To Entering The Virtual Reality Story - Forbes - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Europe's virtual reality sector has grown to nearly 300 companies - VentureBeat - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Virtual reality to recount Maori life - Otago Daily Times - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- John Wall: 'I really thought I was gonna die' - ESPN.co.uk - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- Travel Brands and Meeting Planners Are Using Virtual Reality to Drive Conversion - Skift - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- Sportsnet to launch 360 Virtual Reality for six NHL games - Sportsnet.ca - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- In the burgeoning world of virtual reality, storytelling is both cutting-edge and old-fashioned - Los Angeles Times - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- What parents need to know about virtual reality - Deseret News - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- 8 Real Success Tips From Women Building The Future With Virtual Reality - Forbes - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- Virtual reality: prepare for the revolution - AndroidPIT - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Prospects Dimming For Facebook's Oculus Rift Virtual-Reality Headsets - Investor's Business Daily - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- WATCH: YouTube Stars Create Amazing La La Land-Inspired Virtual-Reality Music Video - PEOPLE.com - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality addiction threat prompts cautious approach as VR nears 'smartphone-like' take-off - ABC Online - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Archaeology turns to virtual reality with Lithodomos start-up - The Sydney Morning Herald - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- The Future Of Virtual Reality: Mobile VR Platforms In A Battle - Forbes - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Virtual reality is boring compared to Beyonc's actual reality - A.V. Club (blog) - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Google wants to use Chrome to suck you into virtual reality - CNET - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Ringling showcase offers glimpse of virtual reality in Sarasota - Sarasota Herald-Tribune - February 11th, 2017 [February 11th, 2017]
- Allegheny County teachers see how to open world to classrooms with virtual reality - Tribune-Review - February 11th, 2017 [February 11th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Could Be Your Next Prescription - DesignNews - February 11th, 2017 [February 11th, 2017]
- DACC & Virgin Galactic team up to explore virtual reality - Las Cruces Sun-News - February 11th, 2017 [February 11th, 2017]
- Boulder International Film Festival diving into virtual reality with 2017 slate - Boulder Daily Camera - February 11th, 2017 [February 11th, 2017]
- 'JAEPO 2017' Shows That Japanese Arcade Gaming Is Beginning To Incorporate Virtual Reality - Forbes - February 11th, 2017 [February 11th, 2017]
- Wichita-created virtual reality could take jurors into crime scenes ... - Wichita Eagle - February 11th, 2017 [February 11th, 2017]
- Why this analyst is warning investors to steer clear of virtual reality in 2017 - L.A. Biz - February 12th, 2017 [February 12th, 2017]
- See the Newcastle virtual reality room helping children with autism overcome their phobias - ChronicleLive - February 12th, 2017 [February 12th, 2017]
- See This Famous Masterpiece Recreated in Virtual Reality - UploadVR - February 12th, 2017 [February 12th, 2017]
- Samsung Goes for a New Look in Virtual Reality at New York Fashion Week - Fortune - February 14th, 2017 [February 14th, 2017]
- Virtual reality has a growing impact on college football - FOXSports.com - February 14th, 2017 [February 14th, 2017]
- This company is opening a virtual reality multiplex this fall - Mashable - February 14th, 2017 [February 14th, 2017]
- Personalized virtual reality displays match eyesight | Stanford News - Stanford University News - February 14th, 2017 [February 14th, 2017]
- Virtual reality weather add-ons let you feel the sun and wind - New Scientist - February 14th, 2017 [February 14th, 2017]
- Virtual reality is still too isolating to be 'the next big thing' in tech - CBC.ca - February 14th, 2017 [February 14th, 2017]
- Miyamoto Still Has Doubts About Virtual Reality - GameSpot - February 14th, 2017 [February 14th, 2017]
- Virtual reality industry 'in need of a jump-start,' Imax CEO says at ... - Los Angeles Times - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Doctors use virtual reality to prepare children for scans - BBC News - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Gamers get a taste of virtual reality with new Missoula arcade - KTVH - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Revised orca shows, new virtual-reality swim with whales and new ... - Los Angeles Times - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Transcend VR Sues Virtual-Reality Investor Mike Rothenberg - Wall Street Journal (subscription) - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- This Powerful Gaming Executive Isn't Worried If Virtual Reality Fails - Fortune - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Virtual reality helps visitors transport back in time to ancient Roman ... - CBS News - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Boise-area entrepreneurs see opportunity in virtual reality amid real-world perils - Idaho Statesman - February 17th, 2017 [February 17th, 2017]
- 3D printing, virtual reality used to bring dinosaur to 'life' - The Hindu - February 17th, 2017 [February 17th, 2017]
- Virtual reality startup Relax VR wants to relieve stress in corporate environments - ZDNet - February 17th, 2017 [February 17th, 2017]
- Escape with Virtual Reality, travelogue at Way - Sentinel-Tribune - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- VR1: Idaho's first virtual reality arcade opens in Eagle - KBOI-TV - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- NBA launches virtual reality app with Google Daydream - USA TODAY - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Is Bringing These Lost Worlds Back to Life - NBCNews.com - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- Now You Can Feel Wind and Temperature While in Virtual Reality - Futurism - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- IMAX's first virtual reality arcade is here and it is beautiful - The Verge - The Verge - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- VR Sales Numbers Are Wet Blanket on Adoption Hopes - Fortune - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality to Make MRIs Less Scary - Financial Tribune - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- How Valve is Taking a Nintendo-like Approach to Virtual Reality - UploadVR - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Inside an IMAX virtual reality arcade - VentureBeat - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- With New Invention, Virtual Reality's Potential for Magic Gets Real - New York Times - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- What Ubisoft learned from its first virtual reality games - VentureBeat - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Was a Flop in 2016. Will 2017 Be the Year It Takes Off? - Motley Fool - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Virtual reality to take a decade as users chicken out, study shows - The Australian Financial Review - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Virtual reality is making surgery simpler - Deniz Ergurel (subscription) (blog) - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Virtual reality has potential to add new dimensions to marketing - Business Day (registration) - February 21st, 2017 [February 21st, 2017]
- Virtual reality will take 'maybe a decade' to become mainstream - Mashable - February 21st, 2017 [February 21st, 2017]
- #MadeInRVAJr: Hanover siblings want to bring virtual reality to your event - WRIC - February 22nd, 2017 [February 22nd, 2017]
- Making Virtual Reality More Accessible - VideoInk - February 22nd, 2017 [February 22nd, 2017]
- New virtual reality lounge opening in the Capital Region - NEWS10 ABC - February 22nd, 2017 [February 22nd, 2017]