Optimal VR stimulation in functional assessment of whiplash injuries

Abstract - Immersive virtual reality (VR), with the images and audio being delivered to the subject via head-mounted display (HMD), is more than adequate state-of-the-art technology for functional assessment of whiplash injuries. The paper deals with optimal adaptation algorithms in the context of several VR kinematical tests for whiplash injury assessment. Evolution strategy algorithm is demonstrated on the temporal optimization of zero-input test. Method for the assessment of tracking ability is proposed in order to minimize the duration of the tracking tasks. The goal of the proposed method is to find maximum velocity of the target at which the subject’ s tracking ability satisfies the maximum allowed tracking error. Several preliminary evaluations of the time optimization methods are conducted via computer simulations. Optimal control of VR stimulations is also proposed for the subject’ s consistency checks. In this case, optimization criteria is to find which VR stimulation, including selection of individual test and its parameters, gives maximum information about the subject’ s consistency. Several methods of consistency checking are described, which include consistency checks performed within the test, between the tests, and between the testing sessions.