Objective: Assistive devices based on keyboard access support communication and control tools for patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The aim of this work was to explore movement activity in the use of keyboards and identify markers for upper limb (UL) dysfunction.
Methods: We present a longitudinal study including 19 ALS patients, followed for 2-20 months. Typing activity was recorded with an accelerometer placed on the posterior part of patients' index finger. Participants performed the same 10-word typing task (2-6 assessments). Time and acceleration during keystroke were the main outcomes of this study. Patients were compared with 20 healthy subjects and 6 patients with other neuromuscular disorders.
Results: During disease progression, mean time in holding down a key increased and was longer than in control subjects. Acceleration at key press and key release decreased with progression of UL dysfunction. Delay between tapping and pressing down each key increased with UL dysfunction.
Conclusions: Delay in pressing and releasing keys are markers of UL dysfunction in ALS. The decrease in the acceleration of movements related to keystroke can contribute to monitor disease progression.
Significance: Typing activity can be explored to access remotely and continuously to ALS progression by patients who use assistive communication devices.
Keywords: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Assistive devices; Functional assessment; Home monitoring; Upper limbs dysfunction.
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