OT's with Apps & Technology

   Motion of  a Finger app (free) for iPhone/iPad is a visual motor game requiring accuracy and speed while following a series of 15 different pathways that increase in difficulty. The app is a  Game Center app but did not require creating a user name or password to sign in. The app does have ads at the bottom of the screen but which are somewhat inconspicuous. Here are the 15 levels displayed on the main screen:

There is a practice mode and challenge mode. Each mode uses the same pathway .

1) Practice Mode
You can play all 15 possible stages.
The best 5 records are always shown at each stage.
You can check it out from the menu.
After your enough practicing, you will be ready for Challenge Mode!

2) Challenge Mode
You need to succeed to finish 5 stages.
In Challenge mode, the timer won’t stop until you finish once you tap Start.
You time record will be registered to Game Center.

The challenges  begin at start (S) and end at the goal (G). Each game starts in a different location requiring you to scan the screen prior to starting. As simple as the game is I like the fact that you have to start all over if you deviate off of the pathway. The time keeps going if you go off the path making you compete for accuracy and speed until you completely finish accurately. I found it really requires paying attention while trying to beat your time.

In the challenge mode you compete in 5 pathways or stages to try to beat your time. Hi-Scores are recorded in the app to compare a score highest scores or your total score of 5 stage challenge.

This is a very simple app which would be appropriate for students or adults who require visual motor control practice. Immediate feedback is given to the user is accuracy is not maintained. For users who like a time challenge, this app provides the motivation to beat your time and records individual challenge scores for you. Annotating scores of users to compare over time would be needed as data is only maintained for highest scores or when participating in a challenge game on your device. iPhone scores are recorded in the Game Center is you are interested.

There are no settings or options available for changing sounds, levels of accuracy or enrolling multiple users. It worked well using a stylus which helped viewing the pathway consistently. The app only presents itself in portrait view. Landscape view could provide additional challenges for individuals with neglect or difficulties with crossing the midline.

Motion of a Finger is available for iPhone/iPod/iPad (no iPad HD available) which allows the option of using it in 1x view (iPhone/iPod screen size) or 2x view (which expands the game to the full iPad screen). Playing the game in 1x view creates a smaller pathway versus playing it in 2x view which enlarges the pathway providing additional levels of challenge for the user.

Simple, easy to use and free can’t be beat if you are looking for a visual motor coordination app requiring speed and accuracy. Good option for your OT mTool Kit whether you are working with students or in adult rehab – or just have some fun yourself!

Carol