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.
Interpretation: Interfaces for members of the population are designed around Fitts' law, with low precision requirements at indices of difficulty lower than 4. We found that interactive displays for adolescents with CP should be limited to an index of difficulty of 2.
© 2014 Mac Keith Press.