A cross‐sectional study examining computer task completion by adolescents with cerebral palsy across the Manual Ability Classification System levels

Abstract

MACSManual Ability Classification System AIM The aim of this study was to analyze the cursor trajectories of adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) when using a mouse for point-and-click computer tasks. By identifying some of the factors limiting cursor movement and gaining a better understanding of human movement, it will be possible to design more accessible computer interfaces.METHOD This study evaluated cursor trajectories of 29 individuals with bilateral CP who had different levels of upper limb function as measured by the Manual Ability Classification System, and compared the results with those of 12 adolescents with typical development.RESULTS Among adolescents with typical development, movement time increases linearly as the index of difficulty increases (Fitts' law); however, this linearity was not apparent in adolescents with bilateral CP.

How Can Adding a Movement Improve Target Acquisition Efficacy?

“…Another clear distinction is that there is much greater variability in the results of participants with CP. Whilst this trend is common in pointing tasks [2,[25][26][27], it also suggests a larger sample size would benefit future research.…”

“…These populations were recruited to establish whether motor skills interact with the potential benefits of adding a movement. Previous work suggests the latter group should take longer to complete pointing movements [2], whilst still being regular mouse users. All participants had normal or corrected to normal vision.…”

“…For all users, with or without motor impairments, acquiring targets that are too small for their motor ability is slower than Fitts's Law predicts due to motor and visual difficulty [1]. So, motor impairments such as cerebral palsy (CP), or those resulting from aging, can result in slow target acquisition that is not well modelled by Fitts's Law [2][3][4].…”

Rethinking computer design from a disabilities rights standpoint

“…The article by Davies et al . tracked cursor trajectories for young people with cerebral palsy and differing levels of upper extremity function (according to the Manual Ability Classification System) relative to young people with typical development.…”

“…There are only a few studies on mouse and computer hardware use for children with motor impairments . Furthermore, Davies et al . report that theirs is one of the few studies looking at computer software issues in terms of motor abilities of users.…”