Neck range of motion and use of computer head controls.
Head controls provide an alternative means of computer access. This study determined whether neck movement limitations are associated with reduced performance with such head controls. This study also identified features of the cursor movement path that could aid in assessing computer access limitations. Fifteen subjects without disabilities and ten subjects with disabilities received neck range of motion evaluations and performed computer exercises using head controls. Reduced neck range of motion was correlated with reduced accuracy (R2 = 93.5%) and speed (R2 = 79.5%) in icon selection. A model was developed with the use of cursor positioning time and number of velocity peaks to identify when a person was having difficulty with target acquisition (kappa = 0.81). Models such as this may allow head controls to adapt to a user's needs, accommodating difficulties resulting from neck range of motion limitations.
Assistive Technology Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. edlopresti@acm.org
Edmund F
EF
LoPresti
David M
DM
Brienza
Jennifer
J
Angelo
Lars
L
Gilbertson
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D019416:Head Movements / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009039:Motion Perception; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009333:Neck; D011336:Probability; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000534:rehabilitation; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014584:User-Computer Interface