Enabling a person with multiple disabilities and minimal motor behaviour to control environmental stimulation with chin movements

• Published in: Disability and rehabilitation 2004-11, Vol.26 (21-22), p.1291-1294
• Main Authors: Lancioni, GE, O'Reilly, MF, Sigafoos, J, Singh, NN, Oliva, D, Basili, G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abnormalities, Multiple - diagnosis; Abnormalities, Multiple - rehabilitation; Adolescent; Chin; Communication Aids for Disabled; Disabled Persons - rehabilitation; Environment; Equipment Design; Humans; Intellectual Disability - diagnosis; Intellectual Disability - rehabilitation; Male; Motor Skills Disorders - diagnosis; Motor Skills Disorders - rehabilitation; Physical Stimulation - methods; Risk Factors; Sensitivity and Specificity; Software; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0963-8288; 1464-5165
• DOI: 10.1080/09638280412331280316

Purpose: To assess whether a young man with multiple disabilities and minimal motor behaviour would learn to control environmental stimulation using chin movements and a mechanical microswitch. Method: The study was carried out according to an ABAB design in which A represented baseline and B intervention phases. The chin movements controlled the stimulation only during the intervention phases. A 2-month post-intervention check was conducted. Results: The man increased the frequency of his chin movements, thus increasing the level of environmental stimulation, during the intervention phases. This performance was maintained at the post-intervention check. Conclusion: The use of chin movements is a practical strategy for enabling individuals with minimal motor movements to control environmental stimulation. Future research should examine whether similar types of movements may enable some individuals to control voice-output communication devices.