Abstract
Purpose :
Most tests for eye hand coordination (EHC) either lack portability, lack established population norms, are not engaging or have subjective elements. However, the well-accepted digital Lee-Ryan EHC Test for iPad (now affectionately known as the ‘Slurp’ Test) overcomes these criticisms. Two quick and equivalent subtests, each of just six traces, have been devised and were used to investigate whether there is a significant difference in total subtest errors and time taken when a rubber-tipped stylus is used as against an iPencil.
Methods :
Subjects (n=217, ages 5-88 years mean 34.4±22.5 years) were seated at a desk wearing their habitual correction and viewing the iPad binocularly whilst undertaking either Subtest A or Subtest B or both. The castle item was used as the practice item prior to the testing session. For those taking both tests, the order A/B was randomised. Sixty-three percent undertook their EHC test using the Bluetooth iPencil® while 37% used a rubber-tipped stylus (Targus Slim, Anaheim, USA). Subjects were categorised within three age groups (5-12 years, 13-50, over 50 years). Any effect due to the type of stylus upon the total error scores and total time taken was analysed using the Mann-Whitney U Test.
Results :
The equivalence of Subtests A and B of the Slurp Test was confirmed with respect to both total error scores and total time taken for each of the six traces across all age groups, for both types of stylus under investigation. The use of an iPencil led to significantly (p<0.001) fewer errors tracing outside of the straw (approximately half the errors) and significantly (p<0.001) faster times (approximately 3/4 the time). The age effect with poorer total error scores and total time taken in the younger and older age groups was maintained across type of stylus.
Conclusions :
The comparability of Subtests A and B derived from the original 20-plate Slurp (Lee-Ryan) EHC Test has been confirmed, regardless whether a Bluetooth-style or rubber-tipped type of stylus is in use. However, the type of stylus used during the Slurp EHC Test for iPad is important when comparing total error or total time scores.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.