Abstract
Objective: Within the framework of the EU Horizon 2020, MAMEM project (Multimedia Authoring and Management using your Eyes and Mind), we developed for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients an innovative technology , that will enable them to have a better use of the computers, through mental commands and gaze activity. The objective of the present report is to provide the patients’ subjective impressions about their attempts to operate the computer by using their eyes only.
Background: The use of computers and information technologies is essential for social participation and productive life. Although PD patients consider computer use as an important part of their everyday life they face many operational difficulties and significant obstacles in computer operation due to the motor symptoms of the disease.
Design/Methods: Ten PD patients participated in the study (mean age:55.6±7.3 ; mean Hoehn & Yahr stage :2.1±0.3). Patients were provided with the MAMEM platform to use at their homes for one month. The apparatus included a standard laptop computer with GazeTheWeb, i.e., the tool that was developed within the MAMEM platform, that enables surfing the internet with the use of the eyes - installed on it, together with an eye tracking system. Patient satisfaction was assessed by the SUS (System Usability Scale) and QUEST 2.0 scale (Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology).
Results: The mean SUS score given to the MAMEM platform was 75.5±13 ( a SUS score over 68 is considered above average), the mean score for the QUEST 2.0 was 4.2±0.5 (QUEST 2.0 score 5 indicates highest satisfaction)
Conclusions: Our results show that the MAMEM platform is perceived by PD patients as a useful, usable and a satisfactory assistive device that enables computer usage and digital social activities. Further research is needed to realize how to utilize eye movements for functional compensation over motor disabilities in PD.
Disclosure: Dr. Bostantjopoulou-Kambouroglou has nothing to disclose. Dr. Katsarou has nothing to disclose. Dr. Plotnik has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zeilig has nothing to disclose. Dr. DAGLIS has nothing to disclose. Dr. LIAROS has nothing to disclose. Dr. KALAGANIS has nothing to disclose. Dr. Georgiadis has nothing to disclose. Dr. KOMPATSIARIS has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nikolopoulos has nothing to disclose.
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