Movement-to-music computer technology: a developmental play experience for children with severe physical disabilities

Towards E-textiles in augmentative and alternative communication - user scenarios developed by speech and language therapists

PURPOSE

E-textiles have been the focus of interest in health technology, but little research has been done so far on how they could support persons with complex communication needs. A global estimate is that 97 million people may benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Unfortunately, despite the growing body of research, many persons with complex communication needs are left without functional means to communicate. This study aimed to address the lack of research in textile-based AAC and to build a picture of the issues that affect novel textile-based technology development.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We arranged a focus group study for altogether 12 speech and language therapists to elicit user scenarios to understand needs, activities, and contexts when implementing a novel, textile-based technology in a user-centred approach.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

As a result, we present six user scenarios that were created for children to enhance their social interaction in everyday life when using textile-based technology that recognizes touch or detects motion. The persistent availability and the individual design to meet a person's capability along with ease of use and personalization were perceived important requirements. Through these scenarios, we identified technological constraints regarding the development of e-textile technology and its use in the AAC field, such as issues regarding sensors and providing power supply. Resolving the design constraints will lead to a feasible and portable e-textile AAC system.

How Technology Applied to Music-Therapy and Sound-Based Activities Addresses Motor and Social Skills in Autistic Children

Autism affects how people perceive and make sense of the world around them. Autism is a spectrum condition which impacts people in different ways. Also referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it is characterized by challenges in the domains of social, cognitive and motor functioning, which differ in severity. Previous research suggests that music can have cognitive, psychosocial, behavioural, and motor benefits in this population. We systematically review the use of technology in Music-therapy and related sound-based activities to improve the motor and social skills of children. In May 2020 we conducted a systematic search on Music-therapy and musical activities for autistic children in research databases including Science Direct, APA PsycNet, Cochrane, IEE and Web of Science, to collect relevant studies. We initially collected 5179 papers of which only 27 studies were identified as suitable for the scope of this review. In the paper, we analyse and describe key characteristics of each project. We then highlight the commonalities, strengths and limitations of existing work, and identify implications for future interaction design.

Robots and ICT to support play in children with severe physical disabilities: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Play is an essential part of children's lives. Children with physical disabilities experience difficulties in play, especially those with severe physical disabilities. With the progress of innovative technology, the possibilities to support play are increasing. The purpose of this literature study is to gain insight into the aims, control options and commercial availability of information and communication technology (ICT) and robots to support play (especially play for the sake of play) in children with severe physical disabilities.

METHODS

A systematic literature search in the databases PubMed, CINAHL, IEEE and ERIC was carried out. Titles and abstracts were assessed independently by three reviewers. In addition, studies were selected using Google Scholar, conference proceedings and reference lists.

RESULTS

Three main groups of technology for play could be distinguished: robots (n = 8), virtual reality systems (n = 15) and computer systems (n = 4). Besides, ICT and robots developed for specific therapy or educational goals using play-like activities, five of the in total 27 technologies in this study described the aim of "play for play's sake".

CONCLUSIONS

Many ICT systems and robots to support play in children with physical disabilities were found. Numerous technologies use play-like activities to achieve therapeutic or educational goals. Robots especially are used for "play for play's sake". Implications for Rehabilitation This study gives insight into the aims, control options and commercial availability for application of robots and ICT to support play in children with severe physical disabilities. This overview can be used in both the fields of rehabilitation and special education to search for new innovative intervention options and it can stimulate them to use these innovative play materials. Especially robots may have great potential in supporting "play for play's sake".

Motion interactive video games in home training for children with cerebral palsy: parents' perceptions

PURPOSE

To explore parents' perceptions of using low-cost motion interactive video games as home training for their children with mild/moderate cerebral palsy.

METHOD

Semi-structured interviews were carried out with parents from 15 families after participation in an intervention where motion interactive games were used daily in home training for their child. A qualitative content analysis approach was applied.

RESULTS

The parents' perception of the training was very positive. They expressed the view that motion interactive video games may promote positive experiences of physical training in rehabilitation, where the social aspects of gaming were especially valued. Further, the parents experienced less need to take on coaching while gaming stimulated independent training. However, there was a desire for more controlled and individualized games to better challenge the specific rehabilitative need of each child.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-cost motion interactive games may provide increased motivation and social interaction to home training and promote independent training with reduced coaching efforts for the parents. In future designs of interactive games for rehabilitation purposes, it is important to preserve the motivational and social features of games while optimizing the individualized physical exercise.

How do Computer Assistive Technologies Enhance Participation in Childhood Occupations for Children with Multiple and Complex Disabilities? A Review of the Current Literature

Functional impairments can limit the participation of children with disabilities in childhood occupations, which can be detrimental to their overall development and social and emotional wellbeing. The primary goal of occupational therapy for children with disabilities is to facilitate and enable active participation in meaningful occupations. Computer-based assistive technologies can be used as an enabler, allowing children with severe disabilities access to a variety of activities. The aim of this study was to establish how computer assistive technologies can have an impact on the participation of children with complex and multiple disabilities in childhood occupations and in the development of their occupational roles.

A comprehensive and systematic search and review of contemporary literature pertaining to computer use by children with severe and complex disabilities and its impact on a child's participation was undertaken. Articles included were critically appraised and analysed using a conceptual model of occupational therapy, with findings relating to the occupational performance areas of productivity, self-maintenance and leisure (a summary table is included). The findings supported the use of computer technologies for participation to a varying degree in all occupational performance areas, but were particularly positive in the areas of education, communication and play activities for children with disabilities.

Interactive computer play in rehabilitation of children with sensorimotor disorders: a systematic review

The aim of this review was to examine systematically the evidence for the application of interactive computer play in the rehabilitation of children with sensorimotor disorders. A literature search of 11 electronic databases was conducted to identify articles published between January 1995 and May 2008. The review was restricted to reports of intervention studies evaluating the impact of interactive computer play on motor rehabilitation in children. For each study the quality of the methods and the strength of the evidence were assessed by two independent reviewers using the guidelines of the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine. A total of 74 articles were identified, of which 16 met the inclusion criteria. Three studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and half were case series or case reports. Areas investigated were movement quality, spatial orientation and mobility, and motivational aspects. Thirteen studies presented positive findings. Two of the three RCTs investigating movement quality and one level III study examining spatial orientation showed no significant improvements. Interactive computer play is a potentially promising tool for the motor rehabilitation of children but the level of evidence is too limited to assess its value fully. Further and more convincing research is needed.