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A Review on Smartphone Keystroke Dynamics as a Digital Biomarker for Understanding Neurocognitive Functioning
Theresa M Nguyen1,2, Alex D Leow1,2,3, Olusola Ajilore1
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Brain Sciences
|June 28, 2023
Summary
Smartphones offer a passive way to study cognition outside the lab. Keystroke dynamics from virtual keyboards provide objective, real-world data for cognitive monitoring and early detection of decline.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Cognitive Science
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Traditional cognitive assessments are limited to laboratory settings, providing only snapshots of cognitive states.
- Recent advancements enable real-world cognitive monitoring using ubiquitous digital devices.
- Intra-individual cognitive fluctuations can indicate early stages of cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of smartphone virtual keyboards for passive, unobtrusive cognitive data collection.
- To investigate the use of keystroke dynamics for real-world cognitive assessment.
- To highlight the benefits of continuous, objective data for understanding cognitive fluctuations.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing smartphone virtual keyboards for passive data collection without active participant engagement.
- Analyzing keystroke dynamics as a proxy for cognitive states.
- Collecting near-continuous, objective data in naturalistic environments.
Main Results:
- Passive data collection via smartphone keystrokes offers authentic insights into cognitive function.
- This method allows for the detection of subtle, intra-individual cognitive changes over time.
- Keystroke dynamics can serve as a valuable tool for cognitive evaluation outside clinical settings.
Conclusions:
- Smartphone-based passive data collection, particularly keystroke dynamics, presents a promising avenue for unobtrusive cognitive monitoring.
- This approach can enhance the understanding of cognitive health by capturing real-world fluctuations.
- Future research should address data privacy and consent while exploring further applications of digital data in cognitive science.
