title: Microswitch- and VOCA-assisted programs for two post-coma persons with minimally conscious state and pervasive motor disabilities.
abstract: Intervention programs, based on learning principles and assistive technology, were assessed in two studies with two post-coma men with minimally conscious state and pervasive motor disabilities. Study I assessed a program that included (a) an optic microswitch, activated via double blinking, which allowed a man direct access to brief music intervals, and (b) a voice output communication aid (VOCA) with two channels, activated via different hand-closure movements, which allowed the man to call his mother and a research assistant who provided stimulation events. Study II assessed a program that included (a) a pressure microswitch, activated via head movements, which allowed a man direct access to video-clips and music, and (b) a VOCA device, activated via prolonged eyelid closure, which allowed the man to call the caregiver (i.e., a research assistant) who provided attention and sung to him. Each of the two participants had significant increases in both microswitch- and VOCA-related responses during the intervention phases of the studies. Moreover, purposeful choice seemed to occur between the two VOCA responses in Study I. Implications of the findings for improving the situation of post-coma persons with minimally conscious state and pervasive motor disabilities are discussed.
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Bari, Via Quintino Sella 268, 70100 Bari, Italy. g.lancioni@psico.uniba.it
authors: Giulio E
authors: GE
authors: Lancioni
authors: Nirbhay N
authors: NN
authors: Singh
authors: Mark F
authors: MF
authors: O'Reilly
authors: Jeff
authors: J
authors: Sigafoos
authors: Francesca
authors: F
authors: Buonocunto
authors: Valentina
authors: V
authors: Sacco
authors: Fabio
authors: F
authors: Colonna
authors: Jorge
authors: J
authors: Navarro
authors: Doretta
authors: D
authors: Oliva
authors: Mario
authors: M
authors: Signorino
authors: Gianfranco
authors: G
authors: Megna
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001767:Blinking; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities / Q000592:standards*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement; D018458:Persistent Vegetative State / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D049250:Speech Recognition Software; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014831:Voice