Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
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Assessment and Communication for People with Disorders of Consciousness
Published on: August 1, 2017
A learning setup for a post-coma adolescent with profound multiple disabilities involving small forehead movements
Giulio E Lancioni1, Nirbhay N Singh, Mark F O'Reilly
1Department of Psychology, University of Bari, Via Quintino Sella 268, 70100 Bari, Italy. g.lancioni@psico.uniba.it
Disability and Rehabilitation. Assistive Technology
|March 6, 2009
Summary
This study demonstrates that an adolescent in a vegetative state learned to control forehead movements to interact with a learning system. This indicates potential for improved outcomes and revised diagnoses in individuals with profound multiple disabilities.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Technology
- Developmental Disabilities Research
Background:
- Assessing learning in individuals with profound multiple disabilities and a vegetative state diagnosis presents significant challenges.
- Traditional assessment methods may not capture subtle signs of cognitive function or responsiveness in this population.
Observation:
- A novel learning setup utilized forehead skin movement detected by microswitch technology (optic sensor, tagged forehead, electronic control system).
- An ABABACAB experimental design involved contingent and non-contingent stimuli presentation to assess learning.
- The participant's forehead skin movement served as the response modality.
Findings:
- Significantly higher response levels were observed during intervention (B phases) compared to baseline (A phases) and non-contingent control (C phase).
- These findings provide clear evidence of learning in the adolescent participant.
Implications:
- Learning-based intervention strategies and appropriate technology can potentially improve the condition and outlook for individuals with profound multiple disabilities and vegetative state.
- This approach may offer new avenues for diagnosis revision and enhancing quality of life.
