Gaze-based assistive technology in daily activities in children with severe physical impairments-An intervention study

Dev Neurorehabil. 2017 Apr;20(3):129-141. doi: 10.3109/17518423.2015.1132281. Epub 2016 Mar 1.

Abstract

Objective: To establish the impact of a gaze-based assistive technology (AT) intervention on activity repertoire, autonomous use, and goal attainment in children with severe physical impairments, and to examine parents' satisfaction with the gaze-based AT and with services related to the gaze-based AT intervention.

Methods: Non-experimental multiple case study with before, after, and follow-up design. Ten children with severe physical impairments without speaking ability (aged 1-15 years) participated in gaze-based AT intervention for 9-10 months, during which period the gaze-based AT was implemented in daily activities.

Results: Repertoire of computer activities increased for seven children. All children had sustained usage of gaze-based AT in daily activities at follow-up, all had attained goals, and parents' satisfaction with the AT and with services was high.

Discussion: The gaze-based AT intervention was effective in guiding parents and teachers to continue supporting the children to perform activities with the AT after the intervention program.

Keywords: Cerebral palsy; computer activities; eye-tracking technology; goal achievement; self-help devices.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Controlled Before-After Studies
  • Disabled Children*
  • Dyskinesias / rehabilitation*
  • Eye Movement Measurements*
  • Eye Movements / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Paralysis / rehabilitation*
  • Self-Help Devices*
  • Therapy, Computer-Assisted / methods*