Accessibility Solutions for Motor Control Deficits

Motor control is “the ability to regulate or direct the mechanisms essential to movement” (Schell & Gillen, 2019). Motor control can be affected by congenital conditions, illness or acquired injury.

Physical disabilities encompass any condition or diagnosis that prevents an individual from engaging in the world around them in a “normal” manner. A large spectrum of deficits can fall under physical disabilities such as vision/hearing impairments all the way to being wheelchair-bound. Many individuals with a physical disability need to adapt or adjust to their environment in a way that enriches their day-to-day life. Video games can be used to help improve range of motion, postural control, strengthening, functional use of the upper limbs, and improve engagement in fine motor tasks in people who have physical disabilities.

How can motor control affect game play?

Strength: Strength is required to press the buttons or move the controller(s).

Endurance: Games may require the participant to move for a period of time or the gamer may desire to play for a while, which requires endurance.

Bilateral Movement: Some games require the gamer to use both hands to operate the system in a traditional manner (i.e., traditional controllers and some movement focused controllers)

Timing: Games may require the player to press a button or move the controller in a timeframe to complete the task/action.