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Microswitch-aided programs with contingent stimulation versus general stimulation programs for post-coma persons with
Giulio E Lancioni1, Nirbhay N Singh, Mark F O'Reilly
1Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari , Bari , Italy .
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.
