title: Technology-based programs to improve walking behavior of persons with multiple disabilities: two single-case studies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Assessing two technology-based programs for reducing toe walking and breaks during walking of two men with multiple disabilities, respectively.
  
  
  METHODS
  The men were involved in separate single-case studies, each of which was carried out according to an ABAB design. The technology included a microprocessor with specific software, optic sensors, and visual plus vibrotactile or auditory systems for presenting preferred stimuli. In Study I, the man received 1 s of preferred flickering lights and vibratory input for each step performed with the heel of the left foot touching the ground or coming close to it (i.e. within a 2-mm distance). In Study II, the other man received 10 s of preferred music anytime he crossed one of the small marks present along the travel routes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The B phases showed that (a) the man included in Study I increased the percentages of left- and right-foot steps performed with the heels touching or nearing the ground to above 85% and 70%, respectively, and (b) the man included in Study II walked with very few breaks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Technology-based programs can be highly effective in helping persons with multiple disabilities improve their walking behavior.
authors.affiliation: University of Bari, Italy. g.lancioni@psico.uniba.it
authors.forename: Giulio E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Lancioni
authors.forename: Nirbhay N
authors.initials: NN
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Mark F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: O'Reilly
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sigafoos
authors.forename: Gloria
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Alberti
authors.forename: Adele
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boccasini
authors.forename: Doretta
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Oliva
authors.forename: Serafino
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Buono
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016730:Program Development; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult