RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Evaluation of Different Visual Keyboard Organizations on People With Complex Sensorimotor Disabilities

This study is exploring how different layouts of on-screen keyboards can help people who have difficulty with movement and sensation. Many people rely on computers for everyday tasks, and this is especially true for those with complex disabilities. Some people find it hard to use a standard keyboard or mouse. For these individuals, special on-screen keyboards controlled by switches (like buttons) are often used. This research compares various designs of these on-screen keyboards to see which ones make typing and using computers quicker and simpler. The main goal is to improve how people with complex sensorimotor disabilities can access and use technology by making these essential tools more efficient.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

Start

17 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

01 May 2026

Complex Sensorimotor Disabilities

What is this study about?

This study is all about making computers easier to use for people who have challenges with their movement and sensing abilities, often called 'complex sensorimotor disabilities'. In today's world, computers and the internet are super important for everything from work and learning to hobbies and staying in touch with friends. For many, using a regular keyboard or mouse can be very difficult or even impossible.

Because of these difficulties, special 'visual keyboards' are often used. Imagine an on-screen keyboard where you don't type with your fingers, but instead use a switch (like a special button) to select letters or move a cursor. This study is trying out different ways these visual keyboards can be arranged to find out which design helps people type and use the computer most quickly and smoothly. They want to see if certain layouts, perhaps with word prediction features, can make a big difference.

Ultimately, this research aims to improve the lives of people with complex sensorimotor disabilities by making essential computer tools more efficient and user-friendly. By finding better ways to design these keyboards, they hope to help more people access the digital world, communicate effectively, and participate fully in society.

Key takeaways

Aims to make computer keyboards easier for people with movement difficulties.
Compares different designs of on-screen (visual) keyboards.
Focuses on improving typing speed for people who use switches to control computers.
Requires participants to own and use a computer with a virtual scanning keyboard.
Your input could help improve future assistive technology.
Researchers will conduct home visits.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older, and have complex difficulties with your movement and sensation that make it hard to type or communicate using regular methods. You should also be able to read and write in French, as the study materials will be in French. Crucially, you must already own and use a computer and have some experience using a special 'virtual scanning keyboard' to access it.

You also need to be covered by health insurance and be willing to sign a consent form, which means you understand what the study involves and agree to participate. If you have a guardian, they will need to sign too. Finally, researchers will need to visit you at home as part of the study, so you must be comfortable with that.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have severe eyesight problems that stop you from using a computer, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the study isn't suitable. People who are in prison or receiving certain types of government medical aid are also usually not eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have complex movement/sensation difficulties that affect your typing?
Can you read and write in French?
Do you own and regularly use a computer with an on-screen scanning keyboard?
Are you willing to have researchers visit your home?
Are you covered by health insurance?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be helping researchers understand how different on-screen keyboard layouts work. We don't have all the details on what each part of the study involves (like how many visits or how long it lasts), but generally, studies like this ask you to try out different keyboard setups on your own computer. You would use these keyboards for various tasks, and the researchers would measure things like how quickly and accurately you can type.

The study mentions that researchers will visit you at home. These visits would likely be to set up the equipment, explain the tasks, and collect any information. There's no mention of medication, so it's probably not a part of this study. The total duration of your involvement isn't specified, but during the consent process, you'd get all the details about how much time you'd need to commit.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer some benefits, such as helping to improve how on-screen keyboards are designed in the future, which could ultimately make computer use easier for many people with disabilities. You might also find that trying different keyboard layouts could improve your own typing speed or comfort. As for potential risks, these are usually very low in studies like this. It might involve some time and effort on your part, and you might experience some frustration if a keyboard layout isn't working well for you. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU Raymond Poincaré - APHP
Verified postcode
Garches, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'sensorimotor disability'?

It means you have difficulties with both your senses (like touch or awareness of your body) and your movement.

What is a 'visual keyboard'?

It's a keyboard shown on a computer screen that you control with a special switch or device, not by typing with your fingers.

Why are researchers visiting my home?

They likely need to set up the study equipment on your computer and teach you how to use it in your own environment.

Do I need to speak French to join?

Yes, the study currently requires you to be able to read and write in French.

Will this study change how I use my computer permanently?

No, the study is about trying different layouts. You'll likely go back to your usual setup after the study, unless you find a new layout you prefer.

How to find out more

SAMUEL POUPLIN, PhD

samuel.pouplin@aphp.fr +33171144921 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.