Using Fitts' Law to Detect Intentional Misrepresentation

ABSTRACTIn paralympic classification, tests of impaired coordination (e.g., reciprocal tapping tasks) are effort dependent and therefore susceptible to intentional misrepresentation of abilities (IM)—deliberate exaggeration of impairment severity. The authors investigated whether reciprocal tapping tasks performed submaximally could be differentiated from tapping tasks performed with maximal voluntary effort, based on conformity with Fitts' law. Ten nondisabled participants performed 14 tapping tasks with their dominant hand on 3 separate occasions. Seven tasks were performed with MVE and the other 7 at speeds that were at least 20% slower. Results revealed that evaluating conformity with Fitts' law is a potentially valid method for objectively detecting IM during reciprocal tapping. Evaluation of sensitivity and specificity of the method is now warranted.