Engineering therapy: an approach to treatment of a patient with severe cognitive and physical handicaps

"Engineering therapy" may be defined as therapeutic intervention based on technologic aids. The concept is illustrated by the case of a 63-year-old woman who sustained a traumatic brain injury that resulted in severely limited functional capabilities and inability to communicate or interact with her environment in any meaningful way. Although she participated in an intensive rehabilitation program, no significant improvement occurred and she was transferred to a nursing home. Two years postinjury a microcomputer and other technical aids were used to facilitate communication and interaction with her environment. During the course of the engineering therapy, voluntary motor skills and endurance significantly improved and communication skills markedly increased. Many secondary benefits were also noted such as increased participation by the nursing home staff in her therapy. It is concluded that engineering therapy can benefit severely handicapped patients even after many years of disability.