IBM Mouse Adapter Helps Hand-Tremor Sufferers

Computer users who suffer from hand tremors often find it difficult to negotiate a computer because shaking disturbs the smooth flow of the mouse. IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that its researchers had developed an Assistive Mouse Adapter that compensates for the involuntary motion and allows normal mouse use.

The company has licensed the technology to a small British firm, Montrose Secam, because it did not have a broad enough commercial application to justify Big Blue's developing it.

Montrose Secam's founder, James Cosgrave, has hand tremors, which, he said, did not alter his ability to drive or pilot a plane, but did stop him from using a computer.

His Story

Tremors may be caused by as many as 20 different conditions. Essential tremor is the most common among them. As many as 5 percent of people over 40 and 20 percent of people over 65 may have the condition, bringing the total to as many as 10 million people in the United States, according to the IETF.

The adapter is a box into which both a computer and a mouse are plugged. The device filters out shakes using technology similar to that used in camera lenses to calm the effects of unsteady hands. It can be used with any operating system or computer type without additional software.

"For me, as an Essential Tremor sufferer, the Assistive Mouse Adapter is very effective," Cosgrave told TechNewsWorld in an e-mail. "Without it I am unable to use a PC -- my tremor causes the cursor on the screen to be almost uncontrollable. When I switch on the AM Adapter its as though my tremor has disappeared and I can operate my PC as well as the average person."

The device, which is selling in the United States for US$99, has an added benefit. "There is also a relaxing feedback which reduces the tremor simply because you know that you have control," he said.

Cosgrace said he contacted IBM after hearing from the International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF) that the company was working on the assistive technology.

Technology Test

Cathy Bodine, project director for Assistive Technology Partners, is conducting a pilot study of the device at Colorado State University using members of the Denver IETF chapter.

"Our initial pilot findings indicated the mouse adapter was most useful for those participants with mild to moderate essential tremor," Bodine said.

"One individual was diagnosed as having a severe essential tremor, and he indicated the mouse adapter was somewhat helpful. Our preliminary findings suggest this device can be supportive for persons with essential tremors at the mild to moderate range and potentially or somewhat helpful for individuals with more severe essential tremors."