Tuning Algorithms for Control Interfaces for Users With Upper-Limb Impairments
By Guirand, Alcinto S.; Dicianno, Brad E.; Mahajan, Harshal; Cooper, Rory A.; American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Volume 90, Number 12, pages 992-998Publication Date: December 2011
Study was undertaken to develop software that can customize control interfaces for individuals with upper limb impairments. Study participants were 75 individuals aged 18 to 80 years, 31 of whom were women. Participants were classified into the following groups: (1) athetoid cerebral palsy, (2) spastic cerebral palsy, (3) multiple sclerosis, (4) upper limb spasticity, and (5) control. A validated tuning software protocol was used to customize an isometric joystick before a virtual tracing or driving task. Tuning parameters were then compared across groups. Gain, the parameter responsible for force-to-output ratios, in each directional axis was significantly different across the diagnostic groups. Post hoc analyses showed that the control group required smaller leftward gain than spastic cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and upper limb spasticity groups and smaller gain in all other directions compared with spastic cerebral palsy. Based on study results, the authors conclude that highlighting gain as a priority in joystick customization may help improve interface control for the operation of computers and wheeled mobility devices.
Published by: Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins (Website:http://www.lww.com)
Association of Academic Physiatrists (Web Site: http://physiatry.org )
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J62498
