Improving mobile device interaction for Parkinson's disease patients via PD-helper

Abstract

In current era, smart devices play vital role in social connectivity and performing routinely activities. The motor and non-motor (rigidity, tremor at rest, dysarthria, slowness of movement, and depression) symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) have definite negative impacts on patients' interaction with smart devices. An adaptable interface named PD-Helper is designed and developed to meet the physical capabilities as well as social needs of patients and to improve the accessibility via smart devices. Single touch interaction is provided via scanning selection technique, video and web user controls and input method editor (IME) application allows PD patients to access web browsing, entertainment like watching videos, typing text and contacting medical stuff. 40 users with PD, participated in the evaluation process of the PD-Helper. Preliminary results are promising and satisfactory. Further studies are in progress to attest the PD helper potential, such as improving the quality of life of people with other Neurological disorders.