Effects of a Physical Prop on Torso Movement in a Virtual Reality Shooter

Lower back pain is becoming an increasing problem due to low physical activity and prolonged sitting. For the purpose of rehabilitation, this project measures torso movement of different shooting methods in a Virtual Reality game and tests whether a physical rifle prop increases movement and immersion. Four different shooting methods were implemented and compared to each other. Tests were conducted on healthy participants with motion trackers placed between their shoulders and on their lower back to measure the difference in rotation between the two trackers. Furthermore, the participants evaluated the shooting methods through a questionnaire where they ranked them in terms of fun and comfort as well as picking the most immersive and overall preferred way of interaction. Test results show that the rifle prop was the most immersive, fun and overall preferred. Analysis of the rotation data showed that the prop increased rotation around the horizontal axis compared to using the rifle without a prop. The single handed pistol increased rotation around the vertical axis and increased a sidewise tilting
motion compared to the three other shooting methods. In conclusion the prop did increase immersion, but only increased rotation around one axis. Further evaluation under different conditions are needed in order to single out the best method for rehabilitation.