A technology-assisted learning setup as assessment supplement for three persons with a diagnosis of post-coma vegetative state and pervasive motor impairment

作者：Lancioni Giulio E^*; Singh Nirbhay N; O'Reilly Mark F; Sigafoos Jeff; Buonocunto Francesca; Sacco Valentina; Colonna Fabio; Navarro Jorge; Lanzilotti Crocifissa; Bosco Andrea; Megna Gianfranco; De Tommaso Marina

来源：Research in Developmental Disabilities, 2009, 30(5): 1034-1043.

DOI：10.1016/j.ridd.2009.02.006

• Microswitch technology
• Eye blinking
• Hand closure
• Vegetative state
• Minimally conscious state
• Motor impairment

Post-coma persons in an apparent condition of vegetative state and pervasive motor impairment pose serious problems in terms of assessment and intervention options. A technology-based learning assessment procedure might serve for them as a diagnostic supplement with possible implications for rehabilitation intervention. The learning assessment procedure adopted in this study relied on hand-closure and eye-blinking responses and on microswitch technology to detect such responses and to present stimuli. Three participants were involved in the study. The technology consisted of a touch/pressure sensor fixed on the hand or an optic sensor mounted on an eyeglasses' frame, which were combined with a control system linked to stimulus sources. The study adopted an ABABCB sequence, in which A represented baseline periods, B intervention periods with stimuli contingent on the responses, and C a control condition with stimuli presented non-contingently. Data showed that the level of responding during the B phases was significantly higher than the levels observed during the A phases as well as the C phase for two of the three participants (i.e., indicating clear signs of learning by them). Learning might be deemed to represent basic levels of knowledge/consciousness. Thus, detecting signs of learning might help one revise a previous diagnosis of vegetative state with wide implications for rehabilitation perspectives.

• 出版日期2009-10