Effect of age and Parkinson's disease on cursor positioning using a mouse

ABSTRACT

Point-and-click tasks are known to present difficulties to users with physical impairments, particularly motor- or vision-based, and to older adults. This paper presents the results of a study to quantify and understand the effects of age and impairment on the ability to perform such tasks. Results from four separate user groups are presented and compared using metrics that describe the features of the movements made. Distinct differences in behaviour between all of the user groups are observed and the reasons for those differences are discussed.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Input devices and strategies (e.g., mouse, touchscreen)

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: User-centered design

General Terms:
Design, Experimentation, Human Factors

Keywords:
age, cursor, cursor positioning tasks, disability, mouse, performance measurement