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Jun 14, 2005Article Details
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Determining the usability of computer input devices by Parkinson’s disease sufferers
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) causes a range of possibly disabling symptoms. The combination of these symptoms impairs a PD sufferer’s mobility and makes it difficult to use household appliances and devices, such as telephones, television sets and microwave ovens.1 PD sufferers often lose their communication skills, are isolated and become bored. Because the PD sufferer is not mentally disabled, this isolation often leads to frustration and depression.2 Over the past few years, computers have proven to be an excellent tool to mentally stimulate the computer user and assist with communication. The Internet has evolved and enabled likeminded people to form virtual communities, helping people who were previously isolated and unable to interact socially to communicate using their computers.3 Computers can help PD sufferers in various ways. The two most significant ways are assisting with communication, especially taking part in Internet communities, and providing mental stimulation. In order for PD sufferers to gain the benefit of using a computer, they need to be able to use the computer. The ability to use a computer is a skill that can be measured accurately by means of usability tests. The standard keyboard and mouse, which are devices that everybody is familiar with, were used for testing after setting their sensitivities with the Windows® Accessibility options, allowing the user more control over both.4 The special keyboard is a modified standard keyboard that is covered by a key guide. The key guide shields the keyboard, allowing the user to rest his/her hands on the keyboard without pressing any keys. The guide has finger holes corresponding to the keys on the keyboard, allowing the user to press the keys. The joystick used for testing was a Microsoft® Sidewinder® Force Feedback 2 joystick. It allows for the setting of various resistant forces, pressing against or guiding the user’s hand in a chosen direction.
SA Fam Pract 2005;47(1) 58-59
