Finger Tapping Research Articles

Autistic traits are associated with individual differences in finger tapping: an online study.

In a novel online study, we explored whether finger tapping differences are evident in people with autistic traits in the general population. We hypothesised that those with higher autistic traits would show more impairment in finger tapping, and that age would moderate tapping output. The study included a non-diagnosed population of 159 participants aged 18-78 who completed an online measure of autistic traits (the AQ-10) and a measure of finger tapping (the FTT). Results showed those with higher AQ-10 scores recorded lower tapping scores in both hands. Moderation analysis showed younger participants with more autistic traits recorded lower tapping scores for the dominant hand. This suggests motor differences seen in autism studies are evident in the general population.

Negative Capacitance and Intrinsic Ferroelectric Behavior in α-MoO3 Culminating as a Robust Piezoelectric Energy Harvester

Driven by the notion that the spectrum of ferroelectric applications can be widened and the current subset of materials could be replaced with earth-abundant, lead-free materials, single-phase α-MoO3 (MO) with biaxial van der Waals gap was synthesized, revealing an orthorhombic Pmcn symmetry with a layered ABAB... sequence, with mirrored A and B layers. The force-driven dielectric constant of MO was found to be 12.5 at 0.5 N force level, which showed dielectric saturation behavior with increasing dynamic force. Ferroelectric studies revealed a maximum of 46% efficiency at 10 kV/cm external electric field, and piezoelectric modulus (d33) of 30 pC/N was obtained using the Berlincourt method. Negative capacitance (NC) effects were observed and attributed to the ferroelectric-induced emf and the inductive reactance, in accordance with Lenz’s law. Based on the confluence of the aforementioned features, a piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) was fabricated, which reached a peak voltage of 4 V under repetitive finger tapping. The power density of the PEH under 100 MΩ resistive load was found to be 7.32 × 10–1 μW/cm2. This enshrines MO as a promising piezoelectric candidate with exotic properties that can be tailored to have multifaceted applications in the realm of sensing and energy harvesting to drive Internet-of-Things and Industry 4.0.

HFR-Video-Based Fingertip Velocimeter for Multifinger Tapping Detection

In this study, we propose a novel concept of a software-based fingertip velocimeter using high-frame-rate (HFR) video processing that can simultaneously estimate when and where an operator taps with his/her finger by detecting the high-frequency component that develops when the fingertip actively contacts something. Our software-based fingertip velocimeter can precisely estimate the velocities of multiple fingers through HFR video processing in real time. Digital image correlation (DIC) operating at every frame for sub-pixel-precision velocity estimation is hybridized with CNN-based object detection operating at intervals of dozens of frames to robustly update the fingertip ROI regions during the frame-by-frame DIC operation. We developed a real-time multi-finger tapping detection system that can execute DIC operation on 720×540 resolution images at 500 fps with CNN-based fingertip detection at 30 fps. By presenting several experimental results for finger tapping detection, including virtual keyboard interaction with a ten-finger keyboard input, the effectiveness of our fingertip velocimeter as a finger tapping interface was demonstrated, which can simultaneously estimate the tapping positions and moments of multiple fingers when finger tapping is performed 10 times or more in a second.

Development of a flexible piezoelectric and triboelectric energy harvester with piezo capacitive sensing ability from barium tungstate nanorod-dispersed PVDF nanofabrics

Lead-free flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator (PNG) and triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) are sought after due to their ability to produce electricity by harnessing wasteful mechanical energy. A comprehensive understanding of additives and processing techniques is crucial for fine-tuning the performance of such energy systems. We have investigated in detail the effect of the addition of reverse microemulsion synthesized barium tungstate nanorods (BWN) on morphology, crystallinity, polymorphism of electrospun nanofabrics of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). The electroactive phase content of the nanofabrics was enhanced upon the addition of BWN and the highest electroactive phase content of 86.5% was observed in the nanofabric containing 3 wt% of BWN. The dielectric constant of the nanofabric containing 5 wt% BWN was ∼1.96 times higher than that of pristine electrospun PVDF nanofabric (EPVDF). The ratio of relative change in the capacitance to initial capacitance of the sensor fabricated from the same system was ∼4 times greater than that of EPVDF. Consequently, its piezoelectric and triboelectric performances were improved. The PNG fabricated using the nanofabric containing 3 wt% BWN produced the highest open-circuit voltage of 8 V under an applied load of 8 N. A TENG made using the same system was able to produce a voltage output of 200 V, which was 1.77 times as high as that of EPVDF under one-finger tapping in contact-separation mode. The same composite nanofabric produced piezoelectric and triboelectric power densities of 4.3 µW cm−2 and 646 µW cm−2, respectively. The TENG was able to light 40 LEDs under one finger tapping. Fluttering-driven TENG fabricated using the aforementioned nanofabric was able to produce a triboelectric voltage of 84 V at a wind speed of 7 m s−1. Overall, these nanofabrics could be a potential material for energy harvesting devices for powering wearable devices, environmental sensors, and internet of things.

Multiple levels of contextual influence on action-based timing behavior and cortical activation

Procedures used to elicit both behavioral and neurophysiological data to address a particular cognitive question can impact the nature of the data collected. We used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess performance of a modified finger tapping task in which participants performed synchronized or syncopated tapping relative to a metronomic tone. Both versions of the tapping task included a pacing phase (tapping with the tone) followed by a continuation phase (tapping without the tone). Both behavioral and brain-based findings revealed two distinct timing mechanisms underlying the two forms of tapping. Here we investigate the impact of an additional—and extremely subtle—manipulation of the study’s experimental design. We measured responses in 23 healthy adults as they performed the two versions of the finger-tapping tasks either blocked by tapping type or alternating from one to the other type during the course of the experiment. As in our previous study, behavioral tapping indices and cortical hemodynamics were monitored, allowing us to compare results across the two study designs. Consistent with previous findings, results reflected distinct, context-dependent parameters of the tapping. Moreover, our results demonstrated a significant impact of study design on rhythmic entrainment in the presence/absence of auditory stimuli. Tapping accuracy and hemodynamic responsivity collectively indicate that the block design context is preferable for studying action-based timing behavior.

Natural hematite-based self-poled piezo-responsive membrane for harvesting energy from water flow and catalytic removal of organic dye

The energy crisis and environmental pollution have been increasing day by day due to the high consumption of nonrenewable energy which insists researchers discover alternative methods to harvest energy from waste materials and resources. This work reports the construction of the energy harvesting device using a purely natural α-hematite incorporated PVDF membrane. Doping of purely natural α-hematite led to the growth of polarisation forming the β-phase high which has been confirmed by FTIR and other theoretical methods (DFT). The structure morphology has been characterized by using basic characterization tools i.e XRD, SEM, EDAX, and TEM. The augmentation of the polarization has been established by the increased value of the dielectric constant. Herein, we have fabricated the device using PVF5 membrane that can develop voltage 42V, power 1328 μW/cm3 by finger tapping, and the device can also harvest energy even from the water flow from several sources and falling from different heights. Water pollution is another big concern in today's world along with the energy crisis. Piezocatalysis is one of the best-emerging technologies for the treatment of water pollution and this method has been employed in our study by using PVF5 membrane to degrade organic dye i.e RhB dye. 86% degradation of the dye in 40 minutes has been achieved due to the formation of several oxidative spices (ROS) like as •O−, •OH, e−, h+, etc. Using ultrasound-assisted piezocatalysis method, and even after repetitive use of it the efficiency does not reduce significantly. Henceforth this article reports the multifunctional purely natural α-hematite mediated membrane that can concomitantly harvest energy from mechanical as well as decontaminate water by degradation of organic pollutants from water.

Multifunctional architected MWCNTs/PDMS composites with high sensing and energy absorption capability inspired by ant tentacle and pomelo peel

The multifunctional features of pressure sensitivity and energy-absorption capability of flexible electromechanical sensors are desirable for practical applications, such as personal protection, crash mitigation, and protective packaging of sensitive elements. However, there are still challenges in developing ultrasensitive pressure sensors with high energy absorption capability. Herein, a bio-inspired flexible piezoresistive MWCNTs/PDMS composite with a multilayered architecture mimicking the ant tentacle and the pomelo peel is innovatively constructed, which can simultaneously detect physical stimuli in an extensive pressure range and absorb impact energy. The composite architecture is composed of the bottom-layer interlocked tentacle-like conical micropillars and the top-layer pomelo peel-inspired hierarchically enclosed-porous microstructure, which has successfully wrapped air inside to form a solid-gas dual phase structure with enhanced energy absorbing capability and piezoresistivity. The composite architecture was manufactured by a laser-engraving method associated with the controlled solidification process of the composite by regulating the vacuum pumping rate in the pre-curing condition. Owing to the hollow-shaped tentacle-like conical micropillars, the contact area can be dramatically increased within a subtle pressure loading, leading to superb pressure sensitivity of ∼26.1 kPa−1. Simultaneously, the hierarchically enclosed-porous structure with trapped air (gas-phase), acting as an air cushion packaging, imitating the pomelo peel provides the composite architecture with exceptional mechanical energy absorption of ∼2.74 MJ/m3 and an extensive pressure sensing range from 0.1 Pa to 60 kPa. As a result, the as-proposed composite sensor was able to detect mechanical signals such human finger tapping, wrist flexion, and pendulum hammer impact. Numerical simulations also showed that the wrapped air inside the hierarchical enclosed-porous structure improved the mechanical damping properties of the composite architecture. It is envisioned that our finding could contribute to the development of multifunctional materials to meet the growing demands for next-generation electronic systems, inspired by sophisticated architectures from nature.

Parkinson Detection using Machine Learning Algorithms

Abstract: Parkinson’s Disease (PD is an irreversible, chronic, and progressive disorder, estimated to affect about ten million people worldwide affecting patient movement and feelings of motivation and reward. Motor symptoms of PD include tremor or shaking, which usually begins in one arm or hand, muscle rigidity or stiffness, and slowness, also referred to as bradykinesia. Signs and symptoms are unique to each person and the treatment should be tailored to each person’s individual needs. A recent survey of 492 people with PD found most believed self-monitoring would improve their understanding of PD, well-being, ability to cope, and communication with their health-care team. The overlap of symptoms with other neurological disorders leads to difficulties, delays, and errors in diagnosis, negatively impacting patients. A recent study of 1775 patients’ experiences of PD diagnosis identified the importance of early diagnosis. and found misdiagnosis occurred at first consultation for 15% of participants. This fallibility of clinical diagnosis is recognized and requires periodic diagnosis reviews. Participants are presented with three activities evaluating Patients Call Response, Fine Motor Movements and Memory. To evaluated Patients, Name Call Response, the application uses a Chatbot to communicate with the patient, and tries to ask questions by calling his name. On successful response a series of other questions are asked on patients likes and dislikes. Fine Motor Deficit is evaluated based on a Finger Tapping Task, the patient as to tap on two buttons shown on the phone screen alternatively. The data is collected after 2 minutes on Tapping and compared with threshold set by the Normal Group. The Memory Activity measures the time taken by the patient to solve the puzzle by finding the corresponding images. Patients are shown images of fruits that are illuminated one at a time and then asked to find the same in the grid.

Dystonia as Presenting Feature of Compound Heterozygous PMPCA Gene Variants.

Video 1. This video shows the patient at 24 years. Dystonia is generalized, particularly severe at cranio-cervical level, but also involving the upper limbs. Speech is severely impaired. The clip shows involuntary orofacial movements, jaw-opening and tongue protrusion dystonia. At cervical level, there are abnormal postures and torsional movements relieved by a sensory trick (touching the chin with the left hand). Upper limb involvement is prevalent in the right arm with writer's cramp and evidence of mirror dystonia. Gait is broad-based with evident right foot dystonia accentuated by walking. Video 2. Video taken at home at age 29, three months after bilateral GPi implant. Dystonia has progressed. Facial grimaces are continuous, there is constantly flexed neck posture with head tilt to the right and rotational movements. Speech is not intelligible. Dystonic slowing is evident upon repetitive finger and foot tapping. There is bilateral dysmetria in the upper limbs. Sensory tricks (touching of eyelids) provides inconstant relief. The patient is unable to write. Diffuse muscle atrophy is evident, with normal strength. Deep tendon reflexes are brisk bilaterally. The patient is able to stand-up unassisted and uses a walker due to severe gait ataxia. Standing posture is characterized by severe neck and trunk flexion. Gait is wide-based with cock-walk appearance. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Short-term plasticity of the motor cortex compensates for bradykinesia in Parkinson’s disease

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) show impaired short-term potentiation (STP) mechanisms in the primary motor cortex (M1). However, the role played by this neurophysiological abnormality in bradykinesia pathophysiology is unknown. In this study, we used a multimodal neuromodulation approach to test whether defective STP contributes to bradykinesia. We evaluated STP by measuring motor-evoked potential facilitation during 5 Hz-repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and assessed repetitive finger tapping movements through kinematic techniques. Also, we used transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to drive M1 oscillations and experimentally modulate bradykinesia. STP was assessed during tACS delivered at beta (β) and gamma (γ) frequency, and during sham-tACS. Data were compared to those recorded in a group of healthy subjects. In PD, we found that STP was impaired during sham- and γ-tACS, while it was restored during β-tACS. Importantly, the degree of STP impairment was associated with the severity of movement slowness and amplitude reduction. Moreover, β-tACS-related improvements in STP were linked to changes in movement slowness and intracortical GABA-A-ergic inhibition during stimulation, as assessed by short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI). Patients with prominent STP amelioration had greater SICI reduction (cortical disinhibition) and less slowness worsening during β-tACS. Dopaminergic medications did not modify β-tACS effects. These data demonstrate that abnormal STP processes are involved in bradykinesia pathophysiology and return to normal levels when β oscillations increase. STP changes are likely mediated by modifications in GABA-A-ergic intracortical circuits and may represent a compensatory mechanism against β-induced bradykinesia in PD.

Remote Monitoring of Neurological Patients (P14-3.018)

<h3>Objective:</h3> Our long-term goal is to employ smartphone-embedded sensors to measure various neurological functions in a patient-autonomous manner. The interim goal is to develop simple smartphone tests and evaluate the clinical utility of these tests by selecting optimal outcomes that correlate well with clinician-measured disability in different neurological domains. <h3>Background:</h3> There is a world-wide shortage of neurologists, which is predicted to only worsen as the world population ages. This shortage along with the recent Covid-related restrictions, has resulted in fewer neurological exams and this can result in a delayed diagnosis and cause suboptimal care for the patient. DTM Health worked with NIH to address this “gap in care” with a self-administered mobile app that can remotely monitor a patient’s condition. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> We hypothesized that aggregating data from two simple smartphone tests of fine finger movements with differing contributions of specific neurological domains ( strength, cerebellar functions, vision, and reaction time) will allow establishment of secondary outcomes that reflect domain-specific deficit. This hypothesis was tested by assessing correlations of smartphone-derived outcomes with relevant parts of neurological examination in multiple sclerosis patients. We developed a mobile app consisting of two simple tests: Finger Tapping and Balloon Popping. The study consisted of 76 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and 19 healthy volunteers (HV). The balloon popping and finger tapping tests were self-administered by the participants while the 9-hole peg test (9HPT) was administered by an investigator. <h3>Results:</h3> The primary outcomes of smartphone tests, the average number of taps and the average number of pops differentiated MS from HV with similar power to traditional, investigator-administered test of fine finger movements of 9HPT. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> In the time necessary for performing 9HPT, smartphone tests provide much richer and reliable measurements of several distinct neurological functions. This data suggests that combining more creatively-construed smartphone apps may one day recreate the entire neurological examination. <b>Disclosure:</b> Marc Fischer has nothing to disclose.

Using a smartwatch and smartphone to assess early Parkinson’s disease in the WATCH-PD study

Digital health technologies can provide continuous monitoring and objective, real-world measures of Parkinson’s disease (PD), but have primarily been evaluated in small, single-site studies. In this 12-month, multicenter observational study, we evaluated whether a smartwatch and smartphone application could measure features of early PD. 82 individuals with early, untreated PD and 50 age-matched controls wore research-grade sensors, a smartwatch, and a smartphone while performing standardized assessments in the clinic. At home, participants wore the smartwatch for seven days after each clinic visit and completed motor, speech and cognitive tasks on the smartphone every other week. Features derived from the devices, particularly arm swing, the proportion of time with tremor, and finger tapping, differed significantly between individuals with early PD and age-matched controls and had variable correlation with traditional assessments. Longitudinal assessments will inform the value of these digital measures for use in future clinical trials.

Positive effects of napping on memory consolidation and resistance against interference.

This study explored the relationship between naps and memory among habitual nappersin China. Medical college students participated and were divided into 30-min, 60-min, and 90-min time-in-bed groups. To evaluate declarative and procedural memory performance, A-B and A-C interfering word pair and interfering finger tapping tasks were employed. Among 60 students, a significant decrease in the correct recall rate in the declarative task after having a nap was found onlyin the 30-min group (p = 0.005). After learning interference (A-C word pairs), the correct recall rate for the declarative task decreased significantly in all interference tests (ps < 0.001). In the procedural task, the speed of sequence A in the retests increased after having a nap in all three groups (ps < 0.048), with a significant decrease in accuracy only in the 30-min group (p = 0.042). After learning interference (sequence B) in the procedural task, the speed of sequence A increased in the 60-min group after 1h (p = 0.049), and both the 60-min and 90-min groups showed increased speed after one night (ps < 0.022). No significant improvement in speed was found in the 30-min group (ps > 0.05), and this group showed the lowest accuracy for sequence A (ps < 0.16). A habitual nap time-in-bed of 60 or 90min had better effects on declarative and procedural memory consolidation and better memory resistance against interference in procedural memory.

Review of Zinc Oxide Piezoelectric Nanogenerators: Piezoelectric Properties, Composite Structures and Power Output.

Lead-containing piezoelectric materials typically show the highest energy conversion efficiencies, but due to their toxicity they will be limited in future applications. In their bulk form, the piezoelectric properties of lead-free piezoelectric materials are significantly lower than lead-containing materials. However, the piezoelectric properties of lead-free piezoelectric materials at the nano scale can be significantly larger than the bulk scale. This review looks at the suitability of ZnO nanostructures as candidate lead-free piezoelectric materials for use in piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) based on their piezoelectric properties. Of the papers reviewed, Neodymium-doped ZnO nanorods (NRs) have a comparable piezoelectric strain constant to bulk lead-based piezoelectric materials and hence are good candidates for PENGs. Piezoelectric energy harvesters typically have low power outputs and an improvement in their power density is needed. This review systematically reviews the different composite structures of ZnO PENGs to determine the effect of composite structure on power output. State-of-the-art techniques to increase the power output of PENGs are presented. Of the PENGs reviewed, the highest power output belonged to a vertically aligned ZnO nanowire (NWs) PENG (1-3 nanowire composite) with a power output of 45.87 μW/cm2 under finger tapping. Future directions of research and challenges are discussed.

Supervised, Self-Administered Tablet-Based Cognitive Assessment in Neurodegenerative Disorders and Stroke

Introduction: As the population ages, the prevalence of cognitive impairment is expanding. Given the recent pandemic, there is a need for remote testing modalities to assess cognitive deficits in individuals with neurological disorders. Self-administered, remote, tablet-based cognitive assessments would be clinically valuable if they can detect and classify cognitive deficits as effectively as traditional in-person neuropsychological testing. Methods: We tested whether the Miro application, a tablet-based neurocognitive platform, measured the same cognitive domains as traditional pencil-and-paper neuropsychological tests. Seventy-nine patients were recruited and then randomized to either undergo pencil-and-paper or tablet testing first. Twenty-nine age-matched healthy controls completed the tablet-based assessments. We identified Pearson correlations between Miro tablet-based modules and corresponding neuropsychological tests in patients and compared scores of patients with neurological disorders with those of healthy controls using t tests. Results: Statistically significant Pearson correlations between the neuropsychological tests and their tablet equivalents were found for all domains with moderate (r > 0.3) or strong (r > 0.7) correlations in 16 of 17 tests (p < 0.05). All tablet-based subtests differentiated healthy controls from neurologically impaired patients by t tests except for the spatial span forward and finger tapping modules. Participants reported enjoyment of the tablet-based testing, denied that it provoked anxiety, and noted no preference between modalities. Conclusions: This tablet-based application was found to be widely acceptable to participants. This study supports the validity of these tablet-based assessments in the differentiation of healthy controls from patients with neurocognitive deficits in a variety of cognitive domains and across multiple neurological disease etiologies.

Quick computer aided differential diagnostics based on repetitive finger tapping in Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonisms

BackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder whose prevalence rises with age, yet clinical diagnosis is still a challenging task due to similar manifestations of other neurodegenerative movement disorders. In untreated patients or those with unclear responses to medication, correct percentages of early diagnoses go as low as 26%. Technology has been used in various forms to facilitate discerning between persons with PD and healthy individuals, but much less work has been dedicated to separating PD and atypical parkinsonisms. MethodsA wearable system was developed based on inertial sensors that capture the movements of fingers during repetitive finger tapping. A k-nearest-neighbor classifier was used on features extracted from gyroscope recordings for quick aid in differential diagnostics, discerning patients with PD, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and healthy controls (HC). ResultsThe overall classification accuracy achieved was 85.18% in the multiclass setup. MSA and HC groups were the easiest to discern (100%), while PSP was the most elusive diagnosis, as some patients were incorrectly assigned to MSA and HC groups. ConclusionsThe system shows potential for use as a tool for quick diagnostic aid, and in the era of big data, offers a means of standardization of data collection that could allow scientists to aggregate multi-center data for further research.

Self‐Powered Rapid Response Flexible Pressure Sensor for Wearable Application

Flexible pressure sensors have attracted a lot of attention in fields such as medicine and healthcare due to their ease of making wearable devices. However, the development of flexible pressure sensors is facing the challenges of a complex manufacturing process and high cost. Herein, a zinc oxide (ZnO) piezoelectric film flexible pressure sensor with a 3 × 3 sensor array presented through an extremely simple and ultralow‐cost fabrication process is reported. The 3 × 3 sensor array in series and again, in parallel. The output voltage of the 3 × 3 sensor array is significantly higher compared to the original thin‐film piezoelectric sensors at the same film thickness. The ZnO flexible pressure sensor shows good linear sensitivity and high durability over 4000 cycles of loading in the test range of 0–14 N. The response and recovery times tend to decrease as the dynamic pressure increases in the experimental range. Furthermore, a high‐precision dynamic force calibration system through a comparison between the open‐loop and closed‐loop strategies used in the dynamic force calibration experiments that are performed is presented. Potential applications of the sensor are demonstrated, including elbow flexure and finger tapping. The sensor also shows the ease of massive fabrication.

Task-Based and Resting-State Cortical Functional Differences After Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study.

Brain reorganization following spinal cord injury (SCI) has been well-established using animal and human studies. Yet, much is unknown regarding functional recovery and adverse secondary outcomes after SCI. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a neuroimaging technique that offers methodological flexibility in a real-world setting. We used fNIRS to examine the cortical functional differences between 12 males with thoracolumbar SCI (46.41 ± 11.09 years of age) and 12 healthy males (47.61 ± 11.94 years of age) during resting state and task conditions-bilateral finger tapping (FT), mental imagery of bilateral FT with action observation (FTI+AO), and bilateral ankle tapping (AT). We found an overall decrease in hemodynamic response of the SCI group during all three task conditions. Task modulated functional connectivity (FC) computed using beta series correlation technique was compared using independent sample t-tests at α = 0.05. Connectivity between the right mediolateral sensorimotor network (SMN) and the right medial SMN was reduced during the FT task in SCI. A mixed analysis of variance revealed that the FC within the right mediolateral SMN was reduced during FT but preserved during FTI+AO (i.e., comparable to controls) in the SCI group. Lower FC of these regions was associated with longer injury durations. Additionally, we found a general decrease in resting state FC of the SCI group, specifically in the Slow-3 frequency range (0.073 to 0.1 Hz). These results, though preliminary, are consistent with past studies and highlight the potential of fNIRS in SCI and rehabilitative research.

Text Pin: Improving text selection with mode-augmented handles on touchscreen mobile devices

Text selection is a required step prior to performing many text editing tasks like copy or cut. Text selection relying on adjustment handles is a widely adopted method on touchscreen mobile devices. However, this method has limitations like slow and unconformable interactions when dragging handles and poor performance of selecting non-adjacent text for editing as one. To address these limitations, this study proposes Text Pin, a novel technique that specifies the two ends of intended text by finger tapping rather than finger dragging. We conducted three pilot studies to design Text Pin and an experiment to evaluate its performance. Experimental results show Text Pin (M = 11.49 s) was generally faster than the default handle-based technique on Android (M = 14.95 s) by 23.14% and a gesture-based technique (Fix & Slide) (M = 14.41 s) by 20.26% while having similar selection accuracy (Text Pin vs the default technique vs Fix & Slide: 0.95 vs 0.94 vs 0.95). Our study consequently demonstrates the potential of Text Pin as a suitable alternative to existing handle-based text selection techniques on touchscreen mobile devices.

RehaBEElitation: the architecture and organization of a serious game to evaluate motor signs in Parkinson's disease.

The use of serious games (SG) has received increasing attention in health care, and can be applied for both rehabilitation and evaluation of motor signs of several diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the use of these instruments in clinical practice is poorly observed, since there is a scarcity of games that, during their development process, simultaneously address issues of usability and architectural design, contributing to the non-satisfaction of the actual needs of professionals and patients. Thus, this study aimed to present the architecture and usability evaluation at the design stage of a serious game, so-called RehaBEElitation, and assess the accessibility of the game. The game was created by a multidisciplinary team with experience in game development and PD, taking into consideration design guidelines for the development of SG. The user must control the movements of a bee in a 3D environment. The game tasks were designed to mimic the following movements found in the gold-standard method tool-Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS)-for the assessment of individuals with PD: hand opening and closing, hand extension and flexion, hand adduction and abduction, finger tapping, and forearm supination and pronation. The user interacts with the game using a wearable interface device that embeds inertial and tactile sensors. The architecture of RehaBEElitation was detailed using the business process model (BPM) notation and the usability of the architecture was evaluated using the Nielsen-Shneiderman heuristics. Game accessibility was evaluated by comparing the overall scores of each phase between 15 healthy participants and 15 PD patients. The PD group interacted with the game in both the ON and OFF states. The system was modularized in order to implement parallel, simultaneous and independent programming at different levels, requiring less computational effort and enabling fluidity between the game and the control of the interface elements in real time. The developed architecture allows the inclusion of new elements for patient status monitoring, extending the functionality of the tool without changing its fundamental characteristics. The heuristic evaluation contemplated all the 14 heuristics proposed by Shneiderman, which enabled the implementation of improvements in the game. The evaluation of accessibility revealed no statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between groups, except for the healthy group and the PD group in the OFF state of medication during Phase 3 of the game. The proposed architecture was presented in order to facilitate the reproduction of the system and extend its application to other scenarios. In the same way, the heuristic evaluation performed can serve as a contribution to the advancement of the SG design for PD. The accessibility evaluation revealed that the game is accessible to individuals with PD.