Performance of different pointing devices on children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

With the popularization of graphical user interfaces (GUIs), pointing devices have become standard equipment of most computer systems. However, for people with motor impairments, accurate cursor control is often difficult or impossible to achieve. The focus of this study is to empirically compare effectiveness of three different pointing devices on children with cerebral palsy in order to select the most efficient device for each individual. Computerized Assessment Tool was developed to assess clients’ cursor control performance and to provide proper recommendations of pointing devices based on the results of assessments. Performance of pointing, clicking, and dragging of using different devices was measured. The results of this study indicated that Joystick seems to be the most effective device for children with cerebral palsy to perform cursor control tasks. However, factors such as each participant’s experience and preference may be related. The instrument use in this study, CAT, seems to be a convenient tool for rehabilitation therapists to assess clients’ cursor control performance. Replication of this study using a larger sample size, or recruiting clients with different diagnosis and various ages should be developed.