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

Disabil Rehabil. 2004 Nov;26(21-22):1291-4. doi: 10.1080/09638280412331280316.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 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