Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
A Human-machine-interface Integrating Low-cost Sensors with a Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation System for Post-stroke Balance Rehabilitation
Published on: April 12, 2016
A technology-based programme to help a post-coma man with profound multiple disabilities manage stimulation access
Giulio Lancioni1, Mark O'Reilly, Nirbhay Singh
1University of Bari, Department of Psychology, Bari, Italy. g.lancioni@psico.uniba.it
Objective:
To evaluate a technology-based programme to help a post-coma man with multiple disabilities access stimulation and control head posture (i.e. reduce head forward tilting).
Method:
The response targeted within the programme was closing the sweater's zipper. This response (which could be repeated since the zipper tended to reopen automatically) was selected, as it led the man to raise his head spontaneously. The programme relied on microswitch sensors to monitor the response and turn on preferred stimuli following response occurrences. The programme was assessed via an ABAB design.
Results:
Data showed that the man had significant increases in response frequencies during the intervention phases of the study with multiple occasions of stimulation access and head raising.
Conclusion:
Technology-assisted programmes may represent a useful strategy for providing post-coma persons with multiple disabilities an active (self-control) role.
