Motor performance of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy during the execution of computer tasks with different peripherals

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the effectiveness of using different input devices for computer access by children and adolescents with cerebral palsy and to verify the relationship of performance with age and level of motor classification. Methods: the study included 14 children and adolescents with cerebral palsy, aged 6 to 14 years, with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) levels from I to V. The participants’ performance was observed during the use of touch screen, conventional mouse and eye tracking mouse in performing specific tasks with softwares Discrete Aiming Task 2.0, Tracking Task 2.0 and Single Switch Performance Test (SSPT) 1.0. The following variables were analyzed: response time, frequency of errors, mean time to activate input devices, relationship between satisfaction with input devices and motor skill level. Results: results indicated significant differences in response time, frequency of errors, and triggering mean time depending on the input device used, and correlation between the motor ability level and satisfaction, using the device, and between the level of manual ability and satisfaction with the mouse. Conclusion: the eye tracking mouse and the touch screen were the most effective devices during the execution of tasks on the computer by study participants.