Evaluation of home modifications for individuals with mobility impairments using virtual reality and wearable sensors

Abstract

Background: Home repurposing can help enhance accessibility for people with mobility impairments. However, residents may hesitate to implement such changes without clear evidence showing the effectiveness. Purpose: The study integrates virtual reality (VR) systems and wearable technology to provide the effectiveness evidence of home repurposing, reducing residents’ hesitancy. Here, VR allows residents to compare old and new home designs, while wearables offer direct evidence through motion and task analysis. Methods: Twenty-one participants conducted two consecutive activities of daily living (i.e., relocating the robe and going to the bathroom) in original and redesigned bedrooms simulated in the VR system. Participants’ performance and posture measures were compared between two bedrooms. Results: Compared to the original bedroom layout, participants spent a shorter period of time and walked for a shorter distance in the redesigned bedroom layout; The redesigned bedroom layout also improved motion smoothness when conducting daily activities, compared to the original layout; Meanwhile, the posture participants adopted to finish the daily activities was different between the original and redesigned bedroom layouts. Conclusions: Bedroom repurposing is effective in terms of home accessibility for individuals with or without mobility issues by: (1) direct connecting the bed with the bathroom and replacing the panel door with a pocket door, (2) removing door access of the closet, and incorporating the close into the bedroom. Application: The design and evaluation of repurposing bedrooms can contribute to improving the independence of people with mobility issues. These populations often experience physical limitations that make daily activities more difficult.