Wheelchair-Bound Persons with Multiple Disabilities Learning to Use Simple Foot–Leg Responses Within a Microswitch-Based Program

Author: Lancioni Giulio   Singh Nirbhay   O'Reilly Mark   Piazzolla Giorgia   Pidala Sara   Oliva Doretta  

Publisher: Springer Publishing Company

ISSN: 1056-263X

Source: Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, Vol.17, Iss.4, 2005-12, pp. : 327-336

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Abstract

Two wheelchair-bound adults with multiple disabilities were taught to use simple foot-leg responses to control environmental stimulation within a microswitch-based program.During the program, recording was also made of their mood (indices of happiness) and interviews were conducted with 10 health professionals on the possible benefits of the foot-leg responses.Data showed that both participants learned to use the foot-leg responses andmaintained them at high frequencies during the course of the study lasting about 3 months.They also had a substantial increase in their indices of happiness.Interview data indicated that the foot-leg responses were considered benefi-cial in terms of body awareness and muscular trophism. Implications of the findings are discussed.

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