Enabling self‐directed computer use for individuals with cerebral palsy: a systematic review of assistive devices and technologies

Abstract

AIM The purpose of this study was to systematically review published evidence on the development, use, and effectiveness of devices and technologies that enable or enhance self-directed computer access by individuals with cerebral palsy (CP).METHODS Nine electronic databases were searched using keywords 'computer', 'software', 'spastic', 'athetoid', and 'cerebral palsy'; the reference lists of articles thus identified were also searched. Thirty articles were selected for review, with 23 reports of development and usability testing of devices and seven evaluations of algorithms to increase computer recognition of input and cursor movements.RESULTS Twenty-four studies had fewer than 10 participants with CP, with a wide age range of 5 to 77 years. Computer task performance was usually tested, but only three groups sought participant feedback on ease and comfort of use. International standards exist to evaluate effectiveness of non-keyboard devices, but only one group undertook this testing. None of the study designs were higher than American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine level IV.INTERPRETATION Access solutions for individuals with CP are in the early stages of development.Future work should include assessment of end-user comfort, effort, and performance as well as design features. Engaging users and therapists when designing and evaluating technologies to enhance computer access may increase acceptance and improve performance.

Post-coma persons with multiple disabilities use assistive technology for their leisure engagement and communication

“…In fact, it (a) constitutes a careful demonstration of the possibility of combining leisure and communication opportunities for post-coma persons with multiple disabilities through assistive technology, (b) adds to the preliminary (encouraging but limited) data available in this context, and (c) strengthens the view that it might be possible to help these persons improve their rehabilitation and life perspectives in a reasonable and affordable way (Bauer et al, 2011;Borg et al, 2011;Davies, Mudge, Ameratunga, & Stott, 2010;De Joode et al, 2012;Häggström & Lund, 2008;Lancioni, Singh, O'Reilly, Sigafoos, Ferlisi et al, 2012).…”

New Strategies of Mobility and Interaction for People with Cerebral Palsy

“…Our goal is to identify the shortcomnigs of the current person-computer interfaces and propose a novel solution to reduce them. Davies et al (2010), published a systematic review on the development, use and effectiveness of devices and technologies that enable or enhance self-directed computer access by individuals with CP. The study showed that twenty-four studies had fewer than 10 participants with CP, with a wide age range of 5 to 77 years.…”

IMU-Mouse: diseño e implementación de un dispositivo apuntador dirigido al desarrollo de interfaces adaptativas para personas con discapacidad física

“…ej., gestos de las manos, de la cara, o de los ojos), sensores inerciales, interfaces cerebrocomputador, comandos de voz o soplidos, señales eléctricas de los músculos, y dispositivos basados en interruptores [10], [11]. La mayoría de tecnologías de asistencia para la interacción -en donde también se incluyen a los dispositivos apuntadores basados en las soluciones mencionadas-no solventan el problema relacionado con la inserción de las TIC en la comunidad con discapacidad [12].…”