Hand Tremor Compensation Approach for Touch Screens

Project Summary/Abstract The proposed project relates to the development of an innovative technological intervention to improve the usability of smartphones and other electronics devices for persons suffering from hand tremor. Given the ubiquitous presence of such electronics technology, our proposed intervention aims to significantly improve the quality of life of individuals afflicted with action tremors. The proposed intervention is exclusively a software solution that compensates for tremor to allow inputs. It does not require users to procure, carry, wear or maintain any specialized tools or hardware and therefore will bring no known risk to the patients. There is substantial interest in nonpharmacological therapies and functional rehabilitation for patients with tremor that respond poorly to medication and are not surgical candidates. The phase I project will develop a prototype solution and evaluate its usability and acceptability in persons with hand tremor in a proof-of-concept trial at Mayo Clinic.