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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G, Orlando I, Chiariello V, Desideri L. Enabling People With Intellectual and Sensory Disabilities to Trigger a Tablet's Delivery of Task Instructions by Walking to the Tablet: Proof-of-Concept Study. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 2024; 11:e59315. [PMID: 38865701 PMCID: PMC11208835 DOI: 10.2196/59315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with intellectual and sensory or sensory-motor disabilities tend to have problems performing multistep tasks. To alleviate their problems, technological solutions have been developed that provide task-step instructions. Instructions are generally delivered at people's request (eg, as they touch an area of a computer or tablet screen) or automatically, at preset intervals. OBJECTIVE This study carried out a preliminary assessment of a new tablet-based technology system that presented task-step instructions when participants with intellectual and sensory disabilities walked close to the tablet (ie, did not require participants to perform fine motor responses on the tablet screen). METHODS The system entailed a tablet and a wireless camera and was programmed to present instructions when participants approached the tablet, that is, when the camera positioned in front of the tablet detected them. Two instructions were available for each task step. One instruction concerned the object(s) that the participants were to collect, and the other instruction concerned the "where" and "how" the object(s) collected would need to be used. For 3 of the six participants, the two instructions were presented in succession, with the second instruction presented once the required object(s) had been collected. For the other 3 participants, the two instructions were presented simultaneously. Instructions consisted of pictorial representations combined with brief verbal phrases. The impact of the system was assessed for each of the 2 groups of participants using a nonconcurrent multiple baseline design across individuals. RESULTS All participants were successful in using the system. Their mean frequency of correct task steps was close to or above 11.5 for tasks including 12 steps. Their level of correct performance tended to be much lower during the baseline phase when they were to receive the task-step instructions from a regular tablet through scrolling responses. CONCLUSIONS The findings, which need to be interpreted with caution given the preliminary nature of the study, suggest that the new tablet-based technology system might be useful for helping people with intellectual and sensory disabilities perform multistep tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nirbhay N Singh
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Mark F O'Reilly
- College of Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | - Lorenzo Desideri
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy
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Piekema L, Ten Brug A, Waninge A, van der Putten A. From assistive to inclusive? A systematic review of the uses and effects of technology to support people with pervasive support needs. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2024; 37:e13181. [PMID: 38369310 DOI: 10.1111/jar.13181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although particular technologies can enhance the quality of life (QoL) of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (we use the term pervasive support needs), their objectives and outcomes are understudied. A systematic literature review was therefore conducted to explore this topic. METHOD A search of four databases yielded 64 studies. Data were extracted on their general characteristics, methods and sample characteristics as well as the technology types, QoL domains and application within ecological systems. A narrative synthesis was subsequently developed. RESULTS Most of the studies applied assistive technology (AT) and focused on personal development and self-determination on an individual level. CONCLUSIONS Technology can enhance the QoL of people with pervasive support needs. There are indications that although MT and UD-based technology are used in practice, few studies have examined these technologies. Therefore, there is a knowledge gap regarding the kinds of technology that are used in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte Piekema
- Department of Inclusive and Special Needs Education, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Annet Ten Brug
- Department of Inclusive and Special Needs Education, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Aly Waninge
- Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Health Psychology Research, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Annette van der Putten
- Department of Inclusive and Special Needs Education, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Jayousi S, Martinelli A, Lucattini P, Mucchi L. ICT Framework for Supporting Applied Behavior Analysis in the Social Inclusion of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:6914. [PMID: 37571692 PMCID: PMC10422576 DOI: 10.3390/s23156914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The applied behavior analysis (ABA) model emphasizes observable and measurable behaviors by carrying out decision making using experimental data (behavioral observation assessment strategies). In this framework, information and communication technology (ICT) becomes highly suitable for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the methodology. This paper aims to delve into the potential of ICT in providing innovative solutions to support ABA applications. It focuses on how ICT can contribute to fostering social inclusion with respect to children with neurodevelopmental disorders. ICT offers advanced solutions for continuous and context-aware monitoring, as well as automatic real-time behavior assessments. Wireless sensor systems (wearable perceptual, biomedical, motion, location, and environmental sensors) facilitate real-time behavioral monitoring in various contexts, enabling the collection of behavior-related data that may not be readily evident in traditional observational studies. Moreover, the incorporation of artificial intelligence algorithms that are appropriately trained can further assist therapists throughout the different phases of ABA therapy. These algorithms can provide intervention guidelines and deliver an automatic behavioral analysis that is personalized to the child's unique profile. By leveraging the power of ICT, ABA practitioners can benefit from cutting-edge technological advancements to optimize their therapeutic interventions and outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, ultimately contributing to their social inclusion and overall wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Jayousi
- Department of Information Engineering, Polo Universitario “Città di Prato”, 59100 Prato, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Lucattini
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Mucchi
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
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Stasolla F, Di Gioia M. Combining reinforcement learning and virtual reality in mild neurocognitive impairment: a new usability assessment on patients and caregivers. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1189498. [PMID: 37293666 PMCID: PMC10244593 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1189498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Alberti G, Chiariello V, Desideri L. A microswitch-aided program to enable people with extensive multiple disabilities to control environmental stimulation through different responses. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1073650. [PMID: 36569625 PMCID: PMC9780668 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1073650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study assessed whether a simple technology-aided program (i.e., a program involving the use of microswitches linked to a smartphone) could be set up to enable people with motor, sensory and intellectual disabilities to control preferred environmental stimulation through two different response movements. Methods Ten participants were involved in the study. Each of them was exposed to an ABAB design, in which A represented baseline phases without the program and B intervention phases with the use of the program. The study assessed whether the participants (a) had significant increases of each of the two response movements available and/or showed response variability across sessions and over time and (b) had signs of satisfaction/happiness during the study sessions, in connection with their stimulation access and control. Results The program was effective in increasing the participants' responding and consequently their self-regulated stimulation input. Half of the participants showed a significant increase of both responses available from the first intervention phase. Other participants seemed to focus more on one of the two responses. Even so, they tended to have occasionally high performance frequencies also with regard to their non-dominant (not significantly increased) response. Finally, all participants showed clear signs of satisfaction/happiness during the intervention sessions. Conclusions The program represents a potentially useful approach for enabling people with extensive multiple disabilities to self-regulate their access to preferred environmental stimulation and improve their mood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio E. Lancioni
- Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nirbhay N. Singh
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Mark F. O'Reilly
- College of Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Fabio RA, Giannatiempo S, Caprì T, Semino M. Repeated motor training on attention reaching skills and stereotypies in Rett Syndrome. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2022; 9:637-646. [DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Angela Fabio
- Department of Economics University of Messina, Via Verdi 75 Messina Italy
| | - Samantha Giannatiempo
- Centro AIRETT Ricerca e Innovazione (CARI), Research and Innovation Airett Center Verona Italy
| | - Tindara Caprì
- Department of Life and Health Sciences Link Campus University, Via del Casale di S. Pio V, 44 00165 Rome Italy
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB) , National Research Council of Italy (CNR) 98164 Messina Italy
| | - Martina Semino
- Centro AIRETT Ricerca e Innovazione (CARI), Research and Innovation Airett Center Verona Italy
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Stasolla F, Caffò AO, Bottiroli S, Ciarmoli D. An assistive technology program for enabling five adolescents emerging from a minimally conscious state to engage in communication, occupation, and leisure opportunities. Dev Neurorehabil 2022; 25:193-204. [PMID: 34895026 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2021.2011457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-coma patients emerging from a minimally conscious state may have extensive motor disabilities and pose serious challenges to medical centers and home settings. OBJECTIVES To promote academic performance and communication skills of post-coma individuals with traumatic brain injuries emerging from a minimally conscious state through an Assistive Technology setup. To evaluate its effects on the participants' positive participation. To generalize the learning process. To assess the intervention's clinical and social validity. METHOD Study I included five adolescents exposed to an Assistive Technology setup enabling them with targeted adaptive behaviors. Study II involved fifty external raters in a social validation assessment. RESULTS Data evidenced an improved performance of all the participants during the intervention, assessed through a concurrent multiple baseline design across participants. Social raters favorably scored the use of the technology. CONCLUSION An Assistive Technology setup may be helpful to enhance the performance and positive participation of adolescents with traumatic brain injuries emerging from a minimally conscious state.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandro O Caffò
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Sara Bottiroli
- "Giustino Fortunato" University of Benevento, Benevento, Italy.,IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Hirano D, Goto Y, Shoji H, Taniguchi T. Comparison of the presence and absence of an intervention to reduce hand stereotypies in individuals with Rett syndrome. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2021; 35:607-622. [PMID: 34962025 DOI: 10.1111/jar.12973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated how many individuals with Rett syndrome were undergoing interventions to reduce stereotypic hand movements and the factors determining the presence or absence of an intervention. METHOD A questionnaire was sent to 194 families. Each survey item was compared between the intervention and non-intervention groups according to the presence or absence of interventions to reduce hand stereotypies. RESULTS Information was acquired from 72 cases; 72.1% of individuals had received an intervention to reduce stereotypies at some point in their lives. An upper limb splint was the most common intervention. Age, locomotor and reaching function, diagnostic age, frequency and type of stereotypy, joint contractures and stereotypy-associated problems separated the presence or absence of a current or past intervention. CONCLUSIONS Interventions for stereotypy-associated problems are important and there are several variables related to whether an intervention is received.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Hirano
- Graduate School of Health and Welfare Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Otawara, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Goto
- Graduate School of Health and Welfare Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Chiba, Japan.,Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences at Fukuoka, International University of Health and Welfare, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Shoji
- Laboratory of Physiology, College of Education, Ibaraki University, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takamichi Taniguchi
- Graduate School of Health and Welfare Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Otawara, Japan
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Yang D, Robertson HL, Condliffe EG, Carter MT, Dewan T, Gnanakumar V. Rehabilitation therapies in Rett syndrome across the lifespan: A scoping review of human and animal studies. J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2021; 14:69-96. [PMID: 32894256 DOI: 10.3233/prm-200683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To perform a scoping review of the evidence for therapeutic interventions to manage functional impairments associated with Rett syndrome (RTT) throughout the lifespan. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus and Index to Chiropractic Literature were searched systematically up to December 2019. Two investigators independently reviewed all search results and extracted those that met the inclusion criteria. Human and animal model studies pertaining to therapies that increase functional ability or treat RTT-associated symptoms in all age groups were included. Relevant studies were grouped into intervention categories and rated using the Oxford Centre of Evidence Based Medicine Levels of Evidence. Demographics of participants, interventions, and outcomes were summarized. RESULTS Ninety-one articles representing 88 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 80 were human clinical studies and eight were studies using animal models. Study designs were primarily case series and only six studies involved participants above the age of 40. CONCLUSION A small number of rigorously studied rehabilitation interventions have been published. Published studies aim to address a wide variety of functional impairments. Research regarding implementation of therapies for older patients with RTT is lacking and requires further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Yang
- University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Helen Lee Robertson
- Liaison Librarian, Clinical Medicine, Health Sciences Library, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Elizabeth G Condliffe
- Departments of Clinical Neurosciences and Pediatrics, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Melissa T Carter
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Tammie Dewan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Vithya Gnanakumar
- Departments of Clinical Neurosciences and Pediatrics, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
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