Evaluation of a Motion Platform Combined with an Acoustic Virtual Reality Tool: A Spatial Orientation Test in Sighted and Visually Impaired People

To orient and move efficiently in the environment, we need to rely on multiple external and internal cues. Previous studies reported the combined use of spatialized auditory cues and self-motion information in spatial navigation and orientation. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of a setup composed of a motion platform and an acoustic virtual reality tool with sighted and visually impaired participants. We compared the performance in a self-motion discrimination task with and without auditory cues. The results revealed good usability of the setup and increased precision with auditory cues for visually impaired people.