Conventional Training Integrated with SteamVR Tracking 2.0: Body Stability and Coordination Training Evaluation on ICAROS Pro

Technological advances continually reduce the effort to digitally transform health-related activities such as rehabilitation and training. Exemplary systems use tracking and vital sign monitoring to assess physical condition and training progress. This paper presents a system for body stability training and coordination evaluation, using cost-efficient tracking and monitoring solutions. It implements the use case of app-guided back posture tracking on the ICAROS Pro training device via SteamVR Tracking 2.0, with pulse and respiration rate monitoring via Zephyr BioHarness 3.0. A longitudinal study on training effects with 20 subjects was conducted, involving a representative procedure created with a sports manager. Posture errors served as the main progress indicator, and pulse and respiration rates as co-indicators. Outcomes suggest the system’s capabilities to foster comprehension of effects and steering of exercises. Further, a secondary study presents a self-developed VR-based exergame demo for future system expansion. The Empatica EmbracePlus smartwatch was used as an alternative for vital sign acquisition. The user experiences of five subjects gathered via a survey highlight its motivating and entertaining character. For both the main and secondary studies, a thorough discussion elaborates on potentials and current limitations. The developed training system can serve as template and be adjusted for further use cases, and the exergame’s reception revealed prospective extension directions. Software components are available via GitHub.