A technology-based programme to help a post-coma man with profound multiple disabilities manage stimulation access and posture improvement

作者：Lancioni Giulio^*; O'Reilly Mark; Singh Nirbhay; Oliva Doretta; D'Amico Fiora; Megna Gianfranco; Buonocunto Francesca; Sacco Valentina

来源：Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 2010, 13(3): 212-216.

DOI：10.3109/17518421003652858

• technology
• post-coma
• minimally conscious state
• multiple disabilities
• stimulation access
• posture control

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).
Method: 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.
Conclusion: Technology-assisted programmes may represent a useful strategy for providing post-coma persons with multiple disabilities an active (self-control) role.

• 出版日期2010