A technology-based programme to help a post-coma man with profound multiple disabilities manage stimulation access and posture improvement.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a technology-based programme to help a post-coma man with multiple disabilities access stimulation and control head posture (i.e. reduce head forward tilting).


METHODS
The response targeted within the programme was closing the sweater's zipper. This response (which could be repeated since the zipper tended to reopen automatically) was selected, as it led the man to raise his head spontaneously. The programme relied on microswitch sensors to monitor the response and turn on preferred stimuli following response occurrences. The programme was assessed via an ABAB design.


RESULTS
Data showed that the man had significant increases in response frequencies during the intervention phases of the study with multiple occasions of stimulation access and head raising.


CONCLUSIONS
Technology-assisted programmes may represent a useful strategy for providing post-coma persons with multiple disabilities an active (self-control) role.
Lancioni
Giulio
G
University of Bari, Department of Psychology, Bari, Italy. g.lancioni@psico.uniba.it
O'Reilly
Mark
M
Singh
Nirbhay
N
Oliva
Doretta
D
D'Amico
Fiora
F
Megna
Gianfranco
G
Buonocunto
Francesca
F
Sacco
Valentina
V
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011187:Posture; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D014584:User-Computer Interface