Small hand-closure movements used as a response through microswitch technology by persons with multiple disabilities and minimal motor behavior

Percept Mot Skills. 2007 Jun;104(3 Pt 1):1027-34. doi: 10.2466/pms.104.3.1027-1034.

Abstract

This study assessed small hand-closure movements as a potential response for microswitch activation with two participants with profound multiple disabilities of 5.2 and 20.6 yr. of age. The microswitch consisted of a two-membrane thin pad fixed to the palm of the hand and a control system. The outer membrane (the one facing the fingers) was a touch-sensitive layer; the inner membrane was activated if the participant applied a pressure of over 20 gm. The activation of either membrane triggered an electronic control system, which in turn activated one or more preferred stimuli for 6 sec. except in baseline phases. Each participant received an ABAB sequence, in which A represented baseline and B intervention phases, and a 1-mo. postintervention check. Analysis showed both participants increased their responding during the intervention phases and maintained that responding at the postintervention check. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disabled Persons / rehabilitation*
  • Electronics, Medical / instrumentation*
  • Female
  • Hand / physiology*
  • Hand Strength / physiology
  • Humans
  • Motor Skills Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Movement / physiology
  • Self-Help Devices / statistics & numerical data*
  • Touch / physiology