Non-ambulatory People with Intellectual Disabilities Practice Functional Arm, Leg or Head Responses Via a Smartphone-Based Program

This study extended the research on technology-aided programs for promoting the independent performance (practice) of functional motor responses (e.g., arm or leg-foot movements) in people with intellectual disabilities and extensive motor impairments. Specifically, the study assessed (a) the suitab...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of developmental and physical disabilities 2019-04, Vol.31 (2), p.251-265
Main Authors: Lancioni, Giulio E., Singh, Nirbhay N., O’Reilly, Mark F., Sigafoos, Jeff, Alberti, Gloria, Campodonico, Francesca, Tedone, Rosanna, Quaranta, Sara, Caffò, Alessandro O.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behavioral Science and Psychology
Child and School Psychology
Exercise
Happiness
Intellectual disabilities
Intellectual Disability
Intervention
New technology
Original Article
Pediatrics
Physical activity
Psychology
Public Health
Smartphones
Stimulation
Suitability
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Summary:This study extended the research on technology-aided programs for promoting the independent performance (practice) of functional motor responses (e.g., arm or leg-foot movements) in people with intellectual disabilities and extensive motor impairments. Specifically, the study assessed (a) the suitability of simple commercial technology (i.e., a smartphone) to monitor the responses targeted and provide stimulation contingent on them, and (b) the impact of response performance on the participants’ level of physical exertion (heart rates) and mood. The results showed that the simple commercial technology was effective in helping the participants independently practice the two target responses selected for them. All participants had a significant increase in their heart rates during the intervention sessions, thus suggesting that the performance of the target responses represented a mild form of physical activity. Moreover, all participants displayed mood improvement (i.e., an increase in indices of happiness) during the intervention sessions. The implications of these results are discussed in terms of (a) new technology solutions for intervention programs with people with intellectual disabilities and extensive motor impairments, and (b) potential benefits of those programs.
ISSN:1056-263X
1573-3580
DOI:10.1007/s10882-018-9636-7