Towards remote handwriting deficits therapy: a study on the use of a touch-screen in replacing paper

Motivation -- This pilot study wants to explore the effect of a touch-screen on the rehabilitation of acquired dysgraphia. The outcomes of the study might be useful for the design of a tele-rehabilitation system for handwriting disorders. Research approach -- The touch-screen is compared with the more traditional, pencil-and-paper approach. A specific software application was designed, based on a User Centered Design (UCD) approach and involving patients and therapists. Findings/Design -- Two patients with moderate aphasia agreed to participate in testing the application. The results showed no negative effects on the treatment and revealed a positive attitude towards the touch-screen from both patients and therapists. Take away message -- This preliminary study shows a substantial effectiveness of the touch-screen used as a device in the rehabilitation of handwriting deficits, and brings out issues relevant to the development of a tele-rehabilitation system.