  This study evaluated the effect of virtual hand representation on the typing
performance, upper extremity angle, neck muscle activity, and usability during
virtual reality (VR) typing. A total of 15 participants (7 females and 8 males)
performed a typing task with and without virtual hand representations. The
optical motion capture data was utilized to capture the upper extremity angles,
and electromyography device was used to collect the neck muscle activities
(left and right splenius capitis). The results showed that the typing
performance, upper extremity angle, neck muscle activity, and usability were
significantly different with and without virtual hand representations. With the
virtual hand representation, net typing speed (WPM) and usability increased
significantly by 171.4% and 25% compared to the without hand representation.
Without the virtual hand representation, participants showed increased wrist
extension, and decreased right shoulder abduction angles. The variability of
the neck rotation was increased while typing without the virtual hand
representation. The neck muscle activities were increased with the virtual hand
representation. The results suggest that typing with the virtual hand
representation could positively affect the typing performance and usability and
reduce the risk of the musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity. Future
study could explore the effect of the virtual hand representation for users
with varying levels of typing skills.
