Promoting foot-leg movements in children with multiple disabilities through the use of support devices and technology for regulating contingent stimulation

Cogn Process. 2007 Dec;8(4):279-83. doi: 10.1007/s10339-007-0179-6. Epub 2007 Aug 7.

Abstract

The present study assessed the possibility of promoting pre-ambulatory foot-leg movements in children with multiple disabilities by motivating their action through contingent stimulation combined with a support device. Two children aged 10 and 8 years participated. Microswitch technology (i.e., pressure sensors under the shoes or optic sensors at the front-inner side of the shoes) served for detecting the foot-leg movements and providing contingent stimulation on their occurrence. Sensor activation produced 5 s of stimulation during intervention. Data showed that both children had significant increases in foot-leg movements during the intervention phases. Implications of the data in terms of skill acquisition and further intervention prospects are discussed.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple / rehabilitation*
  • Behavior Therapy / instrumentation
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Child
  • Developmental Disabilities / rehabilitation*
  • Disabled Children / rehabilitation*
  • Discrimination Learning
  • Electronics, Medical / instrumentation
  • Feedback, Psychological
  • Female
  • Foot / physiology
  • Humans
  • Leg / physiology
  • Male
  • Movement
  • Muscle Hypotonia / rehabilitation*
  • Reinforcement, Psychology
  • Self-Help Devices*
  • Treatment Outcome