Aim

1. Effect of dynamic keyboard and word-prediction systems on text input speed in persons with functional tetraplegia Samuel Pouplin, OT, MSc; Johanna Robertson, PT, PhD; Jean-Yves Antoine, PhD; Antoine Blanchet, Development Engineer; Jean Loup Kahloun, Development Engineer; Philippe Volle, Director; Justine Bouteille, OT; Frédéric Lofaso, MD, PhD; Djamel Bensmail, MD, PhD

2. Aim • Evaluate effect of dynamic on-screen keyboard (Custom Virtual Keyboard) and word-prediction system (Sibylle) on text input speed in participants with functional tetraplegia. • Relevance • Information technology plays very important role in society. • People with disabilities are often limited by slow text input speed despite assistive devices.

3. Method • 10 participants with tetraplegia tested 4 modes at home: • Static onscreen keyboard with and without word prediction. • Dynamic on-screen keyboard with and without word prediction. • Study set up: • Tested all 4 modes for 1 mo. • Chose 1 one mode and used it for another month. • Evaluated at baseline, end of 1st mo, and end of 2nd mo.

4. Results • Dynamic keyboard: • Reduced text input speed by 37% vs standard keyboard. • Addition of word prediction: • No effect on text input speed.

5. Conclusion • Current dynamic keyboards and word prediction may not be suitable for increasing text input speed, particularly for subjects who use pointing devices. • Future studies should evaluate: • Optimal ergonomic design of dynamic keyboards. • Number and position of words that should be predicted.