Upper extremity neuro-rehabilitation through the use of power mobility

The Head Control Scale: Responsiveness and Concurrent Validity With the Alberta Infant Motor Scale

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the Head Control Scale's (HCS's) responsiveness and concurrent validity with the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS).

METHODS

The HCS and the AIMS were administered to 50 infants and young children. Thirty children were reevaluated at hospital discharge or at 18 months of age.

RESULTS

A statistically significant positive change was noted in mean score from the initial HCS assessment to the second assessment for total score and all position scores. Concurrent validity between HCS and AIMS total scores was excellent.

CONCLUSION

Responsiveness to changes in head control and concurrent validity with the AIMS were established, supporting HCS use in clinical practice.

Promoting Functional Activity Engagement in People with Multiple Disabilities through the Use of Microswitch-Aided Programs

Background

People with severe/profound multiple (e.g., intellectual, motor, or sensory–motor) disabilities are frequently restricted to a situation of inactivity and dependence, which may be modified by promoting functional activity engagement through assistive technology.

Methods

This study assessed the possibility of promoting functional activity engagement via microswitch-aided programs with nine participants with multiple disabilities between 10 and 29 years of age. Functional activity consisted of constructive interaction with the immediate environment (e.g., reaching/touching or putting away objects) through the use of response schemes considered practical and beneficial for the participants’ physical exercise and general condition. Microswitch-aided programs were used to monitor the participants’ responses and to automatically provide stimulation opportunities contingent on those responses.

Results

All participants had a large/significant increase in their activity engagement (i.e., response frequencies) during the microswitch-aided programs, when compared to the baseline periods. These data, which are in line with previous findings in the area, indicate that the programs targeted activity and responses suitable for the participants and ensured contingent stimulation effective to motivate them.

Conclusion

People with severe/profound multiple disabilities can engage in functional activity with the help of microswitch-aided programs.