Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026
A Structured Rehabilitation Protocol for Improved Multifunctional Prosthetic Control: A Case Study
Published on: November 6, 2015
Enabling a person with multiple disabilities and minimal motor behaviour to control environmental stimulation with
G E Lancioni1, M F O'Reilly, J Sigafoos
1Department of Psychology, University of Bari, via Quintino Sella 268, Bari 70100, Italy. g.lancioni@psico.uniba.it
Purpose:
To assess whether a young man with multiple disabilities and minimal motor behaviour would learn to control environmental stimulation using chin movements and a mechanical microswitch.
Method:
The study was carried out according to an ABAB design in which A represented baseline and B intervention phases. The chin movements controlled the stimulation only during the intervention phases. A 2-month post-intervention check was conducted.
Results:
The man increased the frequency of his chin movements, thus increasing the level of environmental stimulation, during the intervention phases. This performance was maintained at the post-intervention check.
Conclusion:
The use of chin movements is a practical strategy for enabling individuals with minimal motor movements to control environmental stimulation. Future research should examine whether similar types of movements may enable some individuals to control voice-output communication devices.
