Aging, motor control, and the performance of computer mouse tasks

Because of the increased presence of computers in work and everyday life and the demographic "graying" of America, there is a need for interface designs that promote accessibility for older people. This study examined age differences in the performance of basic computer mouse control techniques. An additional goal of the study was to examine the influence of age-related changes in psychomotor abilities on mouse control. A total of 60 participants in 3 age groups (20-39 years, 40-59 years, and 60-75 years) performed 4 target acquisition tasks (pointing, clicking, double-clicking, and dragging) using a computer mouse. The data indicated that the older participants had more difficulty performing mouse tasks than the younger participants. Differences in performance attributable to age were found for the more complex tasks (clicking and double-clicking). Furthermore, age-related changes in psychomotor abilities were related to age differences in performance. We discuss applications to computer interface designs. Actual or potential applications of this research include specifications for computer mouse design to accommodate older populations.     

How Age Affects Pointing With Mouse and Touchpad: A Comparison of Young,Adult, and Elderly Users

Effects of age on pointing performance have become increasingly important as computers have become extensively used by still larger parts of the population. This study empirically investigates young (12–14 years), adult (25–33 years), and elderly (61–69 years) participants' performance when pointing with mouse and touchpad. The goal is to provide an integrated analysis of (a) how these three age groups differ in pointing performance, (b) how these differences are affected by the two pointing devices, and (c) how the submovement structure of cursor trajectories may explain performance differences. Results show that adult participants perform better than both young and elderly participants in that adult participants make fewer errors than young participants and complete trials quicker than elderly participants. Moreover, young participants are quicker than elderly participants, who make neither more nor less errors than young and adult participants. All three age groups were slower and made more errors with the touchpad than the mouse, but the touchpad slowed down elderly participants more than young participants, who in turn were slowed down more than adult participants. Adult participants made more efficient submovements than elderly participants; young participants had an intermediate position in that they were similar to adult participants for some submovement measures and similar to elderly participants for others.     

Understanding performance in touch selections: Tap,drag and radial pointing drag with finger,stylus and mouse

Touch-based interaction with computing devices is becoming more and more common. In order to design for this setting, it is critical to understand the basic human factors of touch interactions such as tapping and dragging; however, there is relatively little empirical research in this area, particularly for touch-based dragging.To provide foundational knowledge in this area, and to help designers understand the human factors of touch-based interactions, we conducted an experiment using three input devices (the finger, a stylus, and a mouse as a performance baseline) and three different pointing activities. The pointing activities were bidirectional tapping, one-dimensional dragging, and radial dragging (pointing to items arranged in a circle around the cursor). Tapping activities represent the elemental target selection method and are analysed as a performance baseline. Dragging is also a basic interaction method and understanding its performance is important for touch-based interfaces because it involves relatively high contact friction. Radial dragging is also important for touch-based systems as this technique is claimed to be well suited to direct input yet radial selections normally involve the relatively unstudied dragging action, and there have been few studies of the interaction mechanics of radial dragging. Performance models of tap, drag, and radial dragging are analysed.For tapping tasks, we confirm prior results showing finger pointing to be faster than the stylus/mouse but inaccurate, particularly with small targets. In dragging tasks, we also confirm that finger input is slower than the mouse and stylus, probably due to the relatively high surface friction. Dragging errors were low in all conditions. As expected, performance conformed to Fitts' Law.Our results for radial dragging are new, showing that errors, task time and movement distance are all linearly correlated with number of items available. We demonstrate that this performance is modelled by the Steering Law (where the tunnel width increases with movement distance) rather than Fitts' Law. Other radial dragging results showed that the stylus is fastest, followed by the mouse and finger, but that the stylus has the highest error rate of the three devices. Finger selections in the North-West direction were particularly slow and error prone, possibly due to a tendency for the finger to stick–slip when dragging in that direction.     

Input devices for web browsing: age and hand effects

The work reported in this paper examined performance on a mixed pointing and data entry task using direct and indirect positioning devices for younger, middle-aged, and older adults (n=72) who were experienced mouse users. Participants used both preferred and non-preferred hands to perform an item selection and text entry task simulating a typical web page interaction. Older adults performed more slowly than middle-aged adults who in turn performed more slowly than young adults. Performance efficiency was superior with the mouse for older adults only on the first two trial blocks. Thereafter mouse and light pen yielded equivalent performance. For other age groups, mouse and light pen were equivalent at all points of practice. Contrary to prior research revealing superior performance with a light pen for pure pointing tasks, these results suggest that older adults may initially perform worse with a light pen than a mouse for mixed tasks.     

Effect of tactile feedback on movement speed and precision during work-related tasks using a computer mouse

Effects of tactile feedback on movement accuracy and speed were studied. Younger and older participants performed three tasks (1, select and drag word; 2, menu navigation; 3, select and drag cell) using commercial software and a mouse with or without tactile feedback. Task time and error number were recorded. Tasks were divided according to presence or absence of tactile feedback, and participants were divided into subgroups (high, average, low) based on Task 1 performance. Overall, older participants took longer (p < .0001) and made more errors (p < .001) than younger participants. There was an effect of feedback by task in younger participants for all six outcomes (p < 0.02). At the task level, with feedback, younger participants reduced performance time (13%) and errors (24%) on Task 1. Low- and average-performance younger participants benefited most from feedback for Task 1. Older low-performance participants also benefited from feedback for Task 1. For Task 3, older participants tended to take more time and make more errors with feedback. Tactile feedback may enhance performance when feedback is event related. Older people may not integrate sensation as well as younger individuals to enhance performance. Potential applications of this research include the development of tactile feedback interfaces to facilitate computer use.     

Effects of computer mouse design and task on carpal tunnel pressure

Computer mouse use has become an integral part of office work in the past decade. Intensive mouse use has been associated with increased risk of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, including carpal tunnel syndrome. Sustained, elevated fluid pressure in the carpal tunnel may play a role in the pathophysiology of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel pressure was measured in 14 healthy individuals while they performed tasks using three different computer mice. Participants performed a multidirectional dragging (‘drag and drop’) task starting with the hand resting (static posture) on the mouse. With one mouse, an additional pointing (‘point-and-click’) task was performed. All mice were associated with similar wrist extension postures (p= 0.41) and carpal tunnel pressures (p= 0.48). Pressures were significantly greater during dragging and pointing tasks than when resting the hand (static posture) on the mouse (p= 0.003). The mean pressures during the dragging tasks were 28.8- 33.1 mmHg, ～ 12 mmHg greater than the static postures. Pressures during the dragging task were higher than the pointing task (33.1 versus 28.0 mmHg), although the difference was borderline non-significant (p= 0.06). In many participants the carpal tunnel pressures measured during mouse use were greater than pressures known to alter nerve function and structure, indicating that jobs with long periods of intensive mouse use may be at an increased risk of median mononeuropathy. A recommendation is made to minimize wrist extension, minimize prolonged dragging tasks and frequently perform other tasks with the mousing hand.     

Influences of general computer experience and age on library database search performance

Two experiments examined the effects of general computer experience and age on library system search performance among novice library system users. Twenty younger adults (10 with high and 10 with low computer experience) and 20 older adults (10 with low and 10 with no computer experience) performed 10 search tasks of varying difficulty. Search success, syntax errors, database field specifications, keyword specifications, and use of Boolean operators were examined. Among younger novices, high computer experience was associated with slightly better performance than low computer experience. Among older novices, having some computer experience was associated with much better performance than no computer experience. Older computer users showed lower overall success rates, made more syntax and field specification errors, and demonstrated poorer understanding of Boolean logic and keyword matching algorithms than younger adults with similar computer experience. Implications for interface design and training interventions for novice on-line library system users are discussed.     

Influences of general computer experience and age on library database search performance

Two experiments examined the effects of general computer experience and age on library system search performance among novice library system users. Twenty younger adults (10 with high and 10 with low computer experience) and 20 older adults (10 with low and 10 with no computer experience) performed 10 search tasks of varying difficulty. Search success, syntax errors, database field specifications, keyword specifications, and use of Boolean operators were examined. Among younger novices, high computer experience was associated with slightly better performance than low computer experience. Among older novices, having some computer experience was associated with much better performance than no computer experience. Older computer users showed lower overall success rates, made more syntax and field specification errors, and demonstrated poorer understanding of Boolean logic and keyword matching algorithms than younger adults with similar computer experience. Implications for interface design and training interventions for novice on-line library system users are discussed.     

Effects of computer mouse design and task on carpal tunnel pressure

Computer mouse use has become an integral part of office work in the past decade. Intensive mouse use has been associated with increased risk of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, including carpal tunnel syndrome. Sustained, elevated fluid pressure in the carpal tunnel may play a role in the pathophysiology of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel pressure was measured in 14 healthy individuals while they performed tasks using three different computer mice. Participants performed a multidirectional dragging ('drag and drop') task starting with the hand resting (static posture) on the mouse. With one mouse, an additional pointing ('point-and-click') task was performed. All mice were associated with similar wrist extension postures (p = 0.41) and carpal tunnel pressures (p = 0.48). Pressures were significantly greater during dragging and pointing tasks than when resting the hand (static posture) on the mouse (p = 0.003). The mean pressures during the dragging tasks were 28.8-33.1 mmHg, approximately 12 mmHg greater than the static postures. Pressures during the dragging task were higher than the pointing task (33.1 versus 28.0 mmHg), although the difference was borderline non-significant (p = 0.06). In many participants the carpal tunnel pressures measured during mouse use were greater than pressures known to alter nerve function and structure, indicating that jobs with long periods of intensive mouse use may be at an increased risk of median mononeuropathy. A recommendation is made to minimize wrist extension, minimize prolonged dragging tasks and frequently perform other tasks with the mousing hand.     

Computer use in older adults: Determinants and the relationship with cognitive change over a 6 year episode

Cognitively challenging activities may support the mental abilities of older adults. The use of computers and the Internet provides divergent cognitive challenges to older persons, and in previous studies, positive effects of computer and Internet use on the quality of life have been demonstrated. The present study addresses two research aims regarding predictors of computer use and the relationship between computer use and changes in cognitive abilities over a 6-year period in both younger (24-49 years) and older adults (older than 50 years). Data were obtained from an ongoing study into cognitive aging: the Maastricht Aging Study, involving 1823 normal aging adults who were followed for 9 years. The results showed age-related differences in predictors of computer use: the only predictor in younger participants was level of education, while in older participants computer use was also predicted by age, sex and feelings of loneliness. Protective effects of computer use were found for measures of selective attention and memory, in both older and younger participants. Effect sizes were small, which suggests that promotion of computer activities in older adults to prevent cognitive decline may not be an efficient strategy.     

Error detection through mouse movement in an online adaptive learning environment

While response time and accuracy indicate overall performance, their value in uncovering cognitive processes, underlying learning, is limited. A promising online measure, designed to track decision-making, is computer mouse tracking, where mouse attraction towards different locations may reflect the consideration of alternative response options. Using a speedy arithmetic multiple-choice game in an online adaptive learning environment, we examined whether mouse movements could reflect arithmetic difficulties when error rates are low. Results showed that mouse movements towards alternative responses in correctly answered questions mapped onto the frequency of errors made in this online learning system. This mapping was stronger for the younger children, as well as for easy arithmetic problems. On an individual level, users showed more mouse movement towards their previously made response errors than towards other alternative options. This opens the possibility of adapting feedback and instruction on an individual basis through mouse tracking.     

The effect of aging on muscle activation and postural control pattern for young and older computer users

A lot of older adults try to learn to use computers and might use different ways to perform a computer task compared to younger people. Fifteen healthy young and 15 healthy older adults participated in this study and all performed a series of mouse tasks. A three dimensional motion capture system and electromyographic analysis were used to obtain kinematic and kinetic data during performing the computer tasks. Three-way analysis of variance with repeated measures on task and time factors was used to analyze all dependent measurements. Older adults had higher RMS of forearm muscles compared to the young adults. The RMS of the finger extensor was highest when performing a dragging task. Compared with young adults, the older adults had greater cranial-cervical angle and neck flexion, but smaller head flexion, shoulder angle, elbow angle and ulnar deviation. Consequently, the older adults might have a greater risk of developing musculoskeletal disorder.     

Effects of Chinese character size,number of characters per line,and number of menu items on visual search task on tablet computer displays for different age groups

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of Chinese character size, number of characters per line, and number of menu items on visual search task performance on a tablet computer for different age group users. Forty-two participants participated the visual search experiment. Gender, age group (younger, middle-aged, and older), Chinese character size (15, 17, 19, 21, 23, and 25 point), number of characters per line (2–5 characters, 9–14 characters, and 15–18 characters), and number of menu items (5, 7, 9, 11, and 13 items) were the independent variables. The dependent variables included search time and error rate. Gender had a large effect size on search time. Female participants had a faster search time than male participants. Significant differences and large effect sizes were found in search performance for different character sizes, number of characters per line, and number of menu items. Nine to fourteen characters per line achieved the fastest search time and lowest error rate. The fastest search time was for a 19-point character size in the younger group; 21-point character size in the middle-aged group; and 23-point character size in the older group. Besides, the fastest search time was found when showing 9 items in the younger group; 7 items in the middle-aged group; and 5 items in the older group. The optimum visual search performance was achieved with 19-point character size showing 9 items and 9–14 characters per line for the younger group; 21-point character size showing 7 items and 9–14 characters per line for the middle-aged group; and 23-point character size showing 5 items and 9–14 characters per line for the older group. The results provide useful information for tablet computer interface-presentations for different age group users.     

Imaginal technology and management information processing: a review of the applied literature

The present study examined the reactions of older and younger workers to the situation of encountering an error during computer-based work. It was expected that older workers would have a stronger negative emotional reaction to such an error due to a combination of age-related factors. In both a questionnaire and an observational study among 134 office workers this was found to be the case. This age relationship remained after controlling for differences in computer experience, attitudes to new technology, education and the number of errors made by participants during a typical computer-based work session. More detailed analyses showed that in response to an error situation, older workers compared to younger ones stated they were significantly less likely to try and solve the problem entirely on their own; this was also partly supported by the observational data. In terms of the available options for helping rectify errors, older workers reported that they were more often likely to use written documentation and rely less on asking other workers. The implications of the findings are discussed in terms of interventions to ameliorate the impact of errors in computer-based work on an older workforce.     

Understanding sources of user variability in computer-based data entry performance

The pervasive use of computers in work settings implies that an increased number of workers, with varying levels of skills and abilities, will be performing computerbased tasks. This study investigated the impact of age, cognitive abilities, and computer experience on the performance of a real world data entry task. One hundred and ten subjects, ranging in age from 20 - 75 years, performed the task for nine hours following task training. The results indicated that abilities such as visuo-spatial skills, motor skills and processing speed had a significant impact on performance as did age and prior computer experience. With respect to age, the older participants completed less work than the younger and middle-aged subjects. Age differences in psychomotor skills and processing speed appeared to be important factors underlying age effects. In fact, the data indicated that after controlling for differences in these abilities age was no longer a significant predictor of work output. Further, after controlling for differences in work output the older people made fewer errors than the younger people. Overall the data suggest that older people will be at a disadvantage in the performance of computer-based data entry work to the extent to which speed of responding is emphasized. However, if speed of responding is not a critical element of performance they will be able to achieve comparable levels of performance to that of younger people.     

Computer usage patterns of university faculty members across the life span

The purpose of this study was to examine age-related trends in computer utilization. Faculty members at a southeastern university completed a questionnaire regarding their use of computers in general and a specific computer application, the on-line library system at the campus library. The 521 respondents were divided into four age groups (ages 25–34, 35–44, 45–54, and 55–64 years). At least 90% of each age group reported using computers weekly or more, but older faculty members did not use as many different computer applications as the younger cohorts. All age groups were equally familiar with the on-line library system, but the older respondents reported being less comfortable using it. The older faculty members appeared to be selective in the computer applications they used and were interested in receiving training on the library system. There was little evidence that these older individuals were avoidant of new technology. The results are discussed in light of common stereotypes of older adults and their technology utilization.     

Measuring the role of age in user performance during interaction with computers

The influence of aging on computer interaction has been widely analyzed in human–computer interaction research literature. Despite this, there are no age-based user maps that could support the user-interface customization. Studying the specific needs and constraints of these groups is crucial in order to adapt a user interface to the user’s interaction requirements. This work studies the performance of a sample of participants on three different basic tasks (pointing, dragging and dropping, and text selection) and the influence of age for each of them. It is concluded that this influence differs between specific activities. A group profile map that can support automatic classification in the future has been obtained.     

Issues in training older adults to use computers

Given the aging of the workforce and the general population, it is important to determine how best to train older adults to use computers. Generally, research has shown that training takes significantly more time for older adults compared with younger learners, and that older adults commit more errors in post-training evaluations. This paper reviews research demonstrating age differences in learning to use a computer. We also explore the effects of attitudes, anxiety, and cognitive abilities on computer use, as well as research on training novices to use computers. Finally, we discuss designing the human-computer interface for the advantage of older users.     

Age differences in reactions to errors in computer-based work

The present study examined the reactions of older and younger workers to the situation of encountering an error during computer-based work. It was expected that older workers would have a stronger negative emotional reaction to such an error due to a combination of age-related factors. In both a questionnaire and an observational study among 134 office workers this was found to be the case. This age relationship remained after controlling for differences in computer experience, attitudes to new technology, education and the number of errors made by participants during a typical computer-based work session. More detailed analyses showed that in response to an error situation, older workers compared to younger ones stated they were significantly less likely to try and solve the problem entirely on their own; this was also partly supported by the observational data. In terms of the available options for helping rectify errors, older workers reported that they were more often likely to use written documentation and rely less on asking other workers. The implications of the findings are discussed in terms of interventions to ameliorate the impact of errors in computer-based work on an older workforce.     

计算机指点装置的操作可控性及稳定性探讨

在当前计算机技术中,计算机指点装置是极为重要的组成部分,它是图形用户界面中常用到的技术,目前较为常见的指点装置就是鼠标。但如果计算机使用者长期使用鼠标,会导致其出现肌肉骨骼不适等问题。因此,必须要积极研究指点装置的操作特点,优化指点装置的设计,发挥其最大的作用,减少其在使用过程中对人体的伤害。稳定性以及可控性是评价计算机指点装置性能的主要指标,针对此指标做了详细的探讨。