Tuning Algorithms for Control Interfaces for Users with Upper-Limb Impairments

• DOI: 10.1097/phm.0b013e318228ca9f
• Publication Date: 2011-10-21T07:55:12Z
• Authors: Alcinto S. Guirand; Brad E. Dicianno; Harshal Mahajan; Rory A. Cooper
• Keywords: Adult; Aged, 80 and over; Male; Multiple Sclerosis; Adolescent; Cerebral Palsy; Parkinson Disease; Equipment Design; Neuromuscular Diseases; Middle Aged; Cohort Studies; Disability Evaluation; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Reference Values; Brain Injuries; Case-Control Studies; Humans; Disabled Persons; Female; Algorithms; Aged

Approximately 40% of Americans with disabilities cannot operate wheeled mobility devices and computers adequately because diminished upper-limb motor control, sensory limitations, cognitive impairments. We developed tuning software that can customize control interfaces for individuals This study compared the differences in each parameter among different diagnostic groups.The age subjects ranged from 18 to 80 yrs. The participants were classified into following groups: athetoid cerebral palsy, spastic multiple sclerosis, spasticity, control. used a validated protocol an isometric joystick before virtual tracing or driving task. Tuning parameters then across groups.Seventy-five included. Gain, responsible force-to-output ratios, directional axis (leftward gain: P = 0.018; rightward 0.003; reverse 0.007; forward 0.014) was significantly groups. Post hoc analyses showed group required smaller leftward gain than sclerosis spasticity groups all other directions palsy.Gain may be useful by clinicians, efforts aimed at customization aid development commercially available packages.