Assistive Technology for Enhancing Fine Motor Coordination: From Prototype to Implementation and Initial Acceptance Testing

Thiago Adriano Coleti; Victória Martins; Lucas Chaves Generoso; Gabriela Cristina de Oliveira; Maisa Lúcia Cacita Milani; Daniela de Freitas G. Trindade; Maria Renata de Mira Gobbo; Thais Helena C. Patelli; José Reinaldo Merlin

doi:10.5753/jis.2025.5355

Authors

Thiago Adriano Coleti State University of Northern Paraná https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1078-4334
Victória Martins State University of Northern Paraná https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5394-5197
Lucas Chaves Generoso State University of Northern Paraná https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4561-7238
Gabriela Cristina de Oliveira State University of Northern Paraná https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6875-4026
Maisa Lúcia Cacita Milani State University of Northern Paraná https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7494-3206
Daniela de Freitas G. Trindade State University of Northern Paraná https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4428-3295
Maria Renata de Mira Gobbo State University of Northern Paraná https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0357-9658
Thais Helena C. Patelli State University of Northern Paraná https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2981-6471
José Reinaldo Merlin State University of Northern Paraná https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9944-0537

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5753/jis.2025.5355

Keywords:

Assistive Technologies, Assistive Games, Final Motor Coordination, User-Centered Design

Abstract

Fine Motor Coordination (FMC) refers to the use of hand and wrist muscles and is related to functional activities of daily living, such as eating or studying. Individuals with Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder often exhibit have fine motor skills deficits, which can result in impaired joint mobility and muscle tone. Considering these characteristics and the importance of FMC in promoting independence, this project aimed to design an Assistive Technology in form of assistive games to support FMC evolution in institutions that work with people with disabilities. The project was performed in two stages. In the first, to design and refine the proposal, interviews with professionals, followed by prototyping and evaluation were conducted with the aim of creating and evaluating the prototypes, which were considered satisfactory. In the second phase, a functional tool comprising four assistive games was developed and applied at the Equotherapy Center. Professionals from the Equine Therapy Center used the tool with four practitioners and reported that it was well accepted and considered promising for long-term treatment.

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