Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
A Protocol for Comprehensive Assessment of Bulbar Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Published on: February 21, 2011
A man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis uses a mouth pressure microswitch to operate a text messaging system with a
Giulio E Lancioni1, Nirbhay N Singh, Mark F O'Reilly
1Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari , Italy.
Objective:
To assess whether a man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis could benefit from using (a) a mouth pressure microswitch instead of an optic microswitch activated via head movement and (b) a special word prediction function within a text messaging system.
Method:
Initially, both microswitches were used for operating the text messaging system, and their effectiveness and the man's preference were assessed. Subsequently, only the mouth microswitch was used and the messaging system was provided with a word prediction function.
Results:
The man was more efficient/rapid in using the text messaging (i.e., in writing) with the mouth microswitch and preferred such a microswitch. Similarly, he was more rapid in writing when the word prediction function was added (as opposed to the initial phase of the study when such function was not available) and preferred to use it.
Conclusion:
Technology updates are critical in helping persons with motor degeneration.
