Gross Motor Movement

Large body movements involving the major muscle groups of the arms, legs, and torso, as opposed to fine motor movements that require precise control of small muscles in the fingers and hands. In assistive technology, the distinction between gross and fine motor abilities is critical for selecting appropriate input devices. Many people with motor disabilities retain gross motor control (moving an arm, tilting a hand, nodding the head) while lacking the fine motor precision needed for standard keyboard and mouse use. Input devices designed around gross motor movements — such as joysticks, trackballs, head pointers, dome-shaped controllers, and large buttons — can enable computer access for users who cannot perform the finger-level movements required by conventional keyboards.