Usability of Two New Interactive Game Sensor-Based Hand Training Devices in Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

This pilot cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the usability of two new interactive game sensor-based hand devices (GripAble and Smart Sensor Egg) in both healthy adults as well as in persons with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Eight healthy adults and eight persons with PD participated in this study. Besides a standardised usability measure, the state of flow after one training session and the effect of cognitive abilities on flow were evaluated. High system usability scores (SUS) were obtained both in healthy participants (72.5, IQR = 64.375–90, GripAble) as well as persons with PD (77.5, IQR = 70–80.625, GripAble; 77.5, IQR = 75–82.5, Smart Sensor Egg). Similarly, high FSSOT scores were achieved after one training session (42.5, IQR = 39.75–50, GripAble; 50, IQR = 47–50, Smart Sensor Egg; maximum score 55). Across both groups, FSSOT scores correlated significantly with SUS scores (r = 0.52, p = 0.039). Finally, MoCA did not correlate significantly with FSSOT scores (r = 0.02, p = 0.9). The present study shows high usability for both interactive game sensor-based hand training devices, for persons with PD and healthy participants.

Keywords

• exergaming
• sensor
• dexterity
• Parkinson’s Disease
• flow
• usability