Exploring Human-Computer Interactions in Virtual Performance and Learning in the Context of Rehabilitation

Virtual reality (VR) environments are becoming increasingly prominent in rehabilitation (Howard, 2017), but much remains to be understood about the influence of human factors on the effectiveness of virtual interactions. VR environments relevant to rehabilitation contexts vary in terms of interaction interface requirements and methods of input and control (Lubetzky et al., 2020). Other technological affordances such as level of immersion, the type of feedback provided, or the complexity of audiovisual graphics may also influence outcomes in rehabilitation contexts, and the extent to which interactions in virtual environments transfers to improved outcomes in real life. In order to support the emerging evidence-base, it is important to understand how user characteristics interact with the technological attributes of virtual environments to influence performance, behaviors and learning. The goal of this Research Topic was to highlight insightful and multidisciplinary examples of the potential impact of human-computer interactions in virtual environments in the context of rehabilitation