Microswitch-aided programs with contingent stimulation versus general stimulation programs for post-coma persons with multiple disabilities |
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| Authors: | Giulio E. Lancioni Nirbhay N. Singh Mark F. O’Reilly Vanessa A. Green Francesca Buonocunto Valentina Sacco |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of BariBariItaly;2. American Health and Wellness InstituteRaleigh, NCUSA;3. Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk, University of TexasAustin, TXUSA;4. School of Psychology and Pedagogy, Wellington Victoria UniversityWellingtonNew Zealand;5. S. Raffaele Rehabilitation CenterCeglie MessapicaItaly |
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| Abstract: | Objective: Assessing the impact of microswitch-aided programs with contingent stimulation on response engagement (Study I) and post-session alertness (Study II) of post-coma participants with multiple disabilities.Method: Study I included three participants whose scores on the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) were 11 or 13. Study II included three participants whose CRS-R scores were 19, 13, and 14. In both studies, the participants received sessions with contingent stimulation (i.e., sessions in which activation of a microswitch with an eyelid or hand response produced 15?s of preferred stimulation) and sessions with general, non-contingent stimulation (i.e., stimulation lasted throughout the sessions).Results: Study I showed an increase in response engagement/frequencies only during the contingent stimulation sessions. Study II showed that the participants’ level of vigilance after those sessions was higher than after non-contingent stimulation sessions.Conclusion: Microswitch-aided programs with contingent stimulation would be more beneficial than programs with general/non-contingent stimulation. |
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| Keywords: | Alertness consciousness disorders contingent stimulation microswitches motor impairment response engagement |
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