ERIC Number: EJ947559
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0891-4222
EISSN: N/A
Technology-Based Programs to Promote Walking Fluency or Improve Foot-Ground Contact during Walking: Two Case Studies of Adults with Multiple Disabilities
Lancioni, Giulio E.; Singh, Nirbhay N.; O'Reilly, Mark F.; Sigafoos, Jeff; La Martire, Maria L.; Oliva, Doretta; Groeneweg, Jop
Research in Developmental Disabilities: A Multidisciplinary Journal, v33 n1 p111-118 Jan-Feb 2012
These two case studies assessed technology-based programs for promoting walking fluency and improving foot-ground contact during walking with a man and a woman with multiple disabilities, respectively. The man showed breaks during walking and the woman presented with toe walking. The technology used in the studies included a microprocessor with specific software, an MP3 with the recordings of preferred stimulus items, and optic sensors. Both studies were carried out according to an ABAB design. In Study I, the optic sensors were activated when the man crossed small marks distributed along the travel routes. At each sensor's activation, the man received a brief period of preferred stimulation. In Study II, the woman received preferred stimulation when the sensors at the toe and the heel of her shoes were activated in close time proximity. The man walked virtually without breaks and improved his mood (with an increase in indices of happiness) during the intervention phases of the study. The woman largely increased her percentages of steps with adequate foot-ground contact, which reached a mean of about 80 during the second intervention phase. The results were discussed in terms of rehabilitation implications and technology demands. (Contains 2 figures.)
Descriptors: Physical Activities, Multiple Disabilities, Adults, Psychomotor Skills, Stimulation, Case Studies, Technology
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A