Using Virtual Reality to Examine the Correlation between Balance Function and Anxiety in Stance We study the interaction between balance function and anxiety in humans via a virtual reality based experimental setup, fundamentally designed to examine postural control and neurological feedback during balancedemanding height and perturbation shifts, while in quiet stance. In this work, sensory organization balance test (SOT) was utilized to quantify the balance function in subjects, and the salient features of the recorded electrocardiogram (EKG), electromyogram (EMG) and electroencephalography (EEG) signals described the subjectu0027s physiological anxietyrelated responses. Also, patientreported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) trait anxiety questionnaire was adopted to indicate the selfassessed trait anxiety scores by the subjects. Our statistical analysis indicates that subjects with higher SOT scores encounter a lower heart rate variability during baseline recording relative to the experimental trials and lower cocontraction index of the ankle dorsiflexion (during the experimental trials), suggesting a lower anxiety state. A similar trend was further observed via the selfreported PROMIS questionnaire responses, estimating anxiety experienced in daily life. Additionally, we utilize machine learning to describe the predictability of balance function states via the relative  alpha band power from the frontal channels of the recorded EEG signals as descriptive features characterizing anxiety. The discussed trends analytically demonstrate the potential for adopting balance function to anticipate anxiety, especially in stressful environments involving postural threats.

Vestibular Feedback on a Virtual Reality Wheelchair Driving Simulator: A Pilot Study Autonomy and the ability to maintain social activities can be challenging for people with disabilities experiencing reduced mobility. In the case of disabilities that impact mobility, power wheelchairs can help such people retain or regain autonomy. Nonetheless, driving a power wheelchair is a complex task that requires a combination of cognitive, visual and visuospatial abilities. In practice, people need to pass prior ability tests and driving training before being prescribed a power wheelchair by their therapist. Still, conventional training in occupational therapy can be insufficient for some people with severe cognitive andor visuospatial functions. As such, these people are often prevented from obtaining a power wheelchair prescription from their therapist due to safety concerns. In this context, driving simulators might be efficient and promising tools to provide alternative, adaptive, flexible, and safe training. In previous work, we proposed a Virtual Reality (VR) driving simulator integrating vestibular feedback to simulate wheelchair motion sensations. The performance and acceptability of a VR simulator rely on satisfying user Quality of Experience (QoE). Therefore, our simulator is designed to give the user a high Sense of Presence (SoP) and low Cybersickness. This paper presents a pilot study assessing the impact of the vestibular feedback provied on user QoE. Participants were asked to perform a driving task whilst in the simulator under two conditions: with and without vestibular feedback. User QoE is assessed through subjective questionnaires measuring user SoP and cybersickness. The results show that vestibular feedback activation increases SoP and decreases cybersickness. This study constitutes a mandatory step before clinical trials and, as such, only enrolled people without disabilities.