Wheelchair-Bound Persons with Multiple Disabilities Learning to use Simple Foot Leg Responses Within a Microswitch-Based Progra M

Lancioni, G.E.; Singh, N.N.; O'Reilly, M.F.; Piazzolla, G.; Pidala, S.; Oliva, D.; Lancioni, G.E; Singh, N.N; O&apo; Reilly, M.F; Piazzolla, G; Pidala, S; Oliva, D

doi:10.1007/s10882-005-6615-6

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Wheelchair-Bound Persons with Multiple Disabilities Learning to use Simple Foot Leg Responses Within a Microswitch-Based Progra M

Lancioni, G.E.; Singh, N.N.; O'Reilly, M.F.; Piazzolla, G.; Pidala, S.; Oliva, D.

Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities 17(4): 327-336

2005

ISSN/ISBN: 1056-263X

DOI: 10.1007/s10882-005-6615-6
Accession: 070263288

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Summary

Two wheelchair-bound adults with multiple disabilities were taught to use simple foot-leg responses to control environmental stimulation within a microswitch-based program. During the program, recording was also made of their mood (indices of happiness) and interviews were conducted with 10 health professionals on the possible benefits of the foot-leg responses. Data showed that both participants learned to use the foot-leg responses andmaintained them at high frequencies during the course of the study lasting about 3 months. They also had a substantial increase in their indices of happiness. Interview data indicated that the foot-leg responses were considered benefi-cial in terms of body awareness and muscular trophism. Implications of the findings are discussed.