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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
08:36
The Immersive Cleveland Clinic Virtual Reality Shopping Platform for the Assessment of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
Published on: July 28, 2022
Responses to a virtual reality grocery store in persons with and without vestibular dysfunction
Susan L Whitney1, Patrick J Sparto, Larry F Hodges
1Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA. whitney@pitt.edu
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) shows promise for physical therapy in vestibular dysfunction patients navigating complex virtual environments like grocery stores. Further research is needed to optimize VR for gait rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation
- Virtual Reality Therapy
- Gait Analysis
Background:
- Individuals with vestibular dysfunction frequently experience challenges walking in visually complex settings.
- Virtual reality (VR) presents a potential therapeutic modality for physical therapy interventions.
- Grocery store environments are common triggers for patient complaints due to their complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the usability and tolerance of virtual environments for physical therapy.
- To explore how individuals with and without vestibular dysfunction interact with VR grocery stores.
- To gather preliminary data on patient responses in a VR therapeutic setting.
Main Methods:
- Two patients with vestibular dysfunction and three control subjects participated.
- Participants stood and navigated within simulated VR grocery stores, searching for products.
- Data collected included perceived discomfort, simulator sickness, distance traveled, and head movement speed.
Main Results:
- One participant with vestibular dysfunction reported increased symptoms and discomfort.
- Older subjects traveled shorter distances and exhibited faster head movements than younger subjects.
- Environments with more products led to increased head movements and reduced travel distance.
Conclusions:
- VR environments are usable for individuals with vestibular dysfunction, though symptom exacerbation is possible.
- Age influences navigation strategies and movement patterns within VR environments.
- Environmental complexity in VR affects head movement and travel distance, suggesting potential for targeted therapy.
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