A new microswitch to enable a boy with minimal motor behavior to control environmental stimulation with eye blinks

Abstract

This study assessed whether a boy with profound multiple disabilities and minimal motor behavior would be able to control environmental stimulation using repeated eye blinks with a newly developed microswitch (i.e. an electronically regulated optic sensor mounted on an eyeglasses frame). The study was carried out according to an ABAB design and included a 3 month post-intervention check. Data showed that the boy had a large increase in the target response (repeated eye blinks) to activate the microswitch and produce environmental stimulation during the B (intervention) phases. This performance was maintained at the post-intervention check. Practical and developmental implications of the findings were discussed.

Peripheral Autonomic Signals as Access Pathways for Individuals with Severe Disabilities: A Literature Appraisal

“…(1), this binary switch is traditionally controlled via the muscles of the somatic nervous system. A wide variety of mechanical switches have been developed to exploit various types of controlled motor activities, including for example, head movement [6], eye blinks [7], eyelid movements [8], chin movements [9], muscle contractions via electromyographic (EMG) switches [10] and changes in gaze direction as determined by videooculography *Address correspondence to this author at the Bloorview Research Institute, Bloorview Kids Rehab, Toronto, M4G IR8 Canada; E-mail: tom.chau@utoronto.ca (VOG) or electrooculography (EOG) [11]. These aforementioned access pathways, or methods of interfacing with the target assistive technology, are compromised in individuals with severe motor disabilities, either because the pathology of their conditions cause the loss of all voluntary control of their somatic muscles, or because their reliable motor movements are confounded by factors such as involuntary movements and fatigue.…”

Microswitch programs for persons with multiple disabilities: an overview of the responses adopted for microswitch activation

“…Out of those options, blinking response patterns and chin movements might be considered most plausible in terms of applicability. Replicating their use across individuals may show whether some variations/adaptations are desirable to improve their suitability and, consequently, their positive impact (Fuhrer et al 2003;Lancioni et al 2004cLancioni et al , g, 2005aRichards et al 1999).…”

“…These persons could hardly ever be considered for intervention programs involving typical motor responses and traditional microswitches used in combination with those responses (Lancioni et al 2004c(Lancioni et al , g, 2005a. The possibility of offering these individuals a chance to be active and reach effective self-determination, in pursuing environmental stimulation according to their own preferences, can be considered highly relevant.…”

“…The boy's response frequency increased more than twofold during the intervention phases compared to the baseline periods. Lancioni et al (2005a) addressed the situation of a boy, aged 9 years, who presented profound developmental and physical disabilities, with a largely static body position. The most reliable response for him seemed to be eye blinking.…”

Engaging Students with Profound and Multiple Disabilities Using Humanoid Robots

“…Work by Lancioni [7] has demonstrated there is a way for almost anyone to activate a microswitch, the most common being a push switch, which is activated by applying pressure to a large button. However they can also be triggered by pressure sensors on the armrest of a wheelchair, by chin or eyelid movement [8] or by vocalisation [9]. This then allows the user to exert environmental control, activate a piece of equipment which may produce speech on their behalf, or begin a pleasurable stimulus for the user.…”