14 March 2005
A new device has been developed which allows computer users with severe hand tremors to use a mouse more easily.
As the price of Internet access in the UK continues to decline many more are buying and using computers, however, those with severe hand tremors are finding it almost impossible to take advantage of the digital revolution.
The new device, developed by US researchers at IBM, acts in a similar way to 'steady cam' device found on film cameras by filtering out erratic and shaky hand movements, reports the BBC.
According to the UK National Tremor Foundation around three million Britons suffer from a hand tremor condition, with causes ranging from Parkinson's disease to genetic and lifelong nervous disabilities.
IBM researcher Jim Levine apparently developed the Assistive Mouse Adapter (AMA) after seeing his uncle, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, struggle with conventional input devices.
Mr Levine told the BBC: "I knew that there must be way to improve the situation for him and the millions of other tremor sufferers around the world, including the elderly.
"The number of elderly computer users will increase as the population ages, and at the same time, the need for computer access grows," he said.© DeHavilland Information Services plc
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