Bibliography | Farley, Andreas: LiftVR : VR-based motion guidance system teaching back-friendly lifting. University of Stuttgart, Faculty of Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Information Technology, Master Thesis No. 72 (2023). 101 pages, english.
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Abstract | A third of the European Union’s workforce is frequently tasked with heavy lifts during their shifts, risking the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). The prevalence of MSD resulting from improper lifting techniques highlights the need for effective training methods. Virtual reality offers promising opportunities to improve motion training through immersive experiences, however, no system is currently available for teaching lifting exercises while its users interact with real weight. Additionally, gaps in the domain of virtual full body motion guidance necessitate further exploration. The effects of different concurrent guidance visualizations on user performance are not known for full body systems. Furthermore, it has not been investigated how terminal feedback affects a students improvement when used contemporaneously with concurrent systems. This thesis presents LiftVR, an accessible, single camera, full body motion guidance system which implements two concurrent visual guidance systems (state of the art and novel), and multiple terminal feedback systems. In the pursuit of improving visual guidance, a novel abstract guidance system named Zone has been implemented, contrasting the currently dominant approach of using humanoid entities for expert visualization. We made use of the symmetrical nature of lifting motions, which results in Zone having less visual clutter and fewer simultaneously active entities. Additionally, we provide the user with multiple terminal feedback systems. For immersion, LiftVR places students in a fully equipped gym environment, including a barbell visualization. Finally, students can chose between different practice modes, perspectives, and speeds. To evaluate LiftVR we performed a study in which participants had to practice using each of LiftVR’s practice modes and speeds. Overall, LiftVR had a significant positive effect on students lifting techniques, regardless of age, height or weight. Our analysis shows that Zone outperforms the state of the art system in posture driven practice modes. Overall Zone students achieved lower errors and greater improvement across all of our measured variables. User feedback also verified Zone’s better scores in terms of understandability, mental effort, and helpfulness. Regarding terminal feedback, the study reveals no statistically significant effects on student performance when used in conjunction with concurrent guidance systems. However, the absence of prescriptive or corrective terminal feedback in LiftVR leaves room for future exploration of its potential impact. The findings of this thesis offer valuable insights for designing and developing concurrent guidance and feedback systems in the field of full body motion guidance.
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