Formative evaluation, a type of usability engineering methodology, was used to design and refine the Remote Console (ReCon). This is a telerehabilitation application, which allows therapists to remotely communicate with patients while monitoring and controlling their virtual reality rehabilitation exercises. It provides the therapists with visual representations of the patients' movements, as well as their exercise simulations replicated in a simplified form in real time. ReCon also provides therapists with the tools to conduct training without a face-to-face session. The Recon was evaluated by five physical therapists (acting as representative users) from different practice settings. Users made errors related to manipulation and finding and understanding controls. Technical issues with the server and audio communication were identified. These findings were used to fine-tune the ReCon system.
['Jeffrey A. Lewis', 'Judith E. Deutsch', 'Grigore C. Burdea']
Usability of the Remote Console for Virtual Reality Telerehabilitation: Formative Evaluation