A man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis uses a mouth pressure microswitch to operate a text messaging system with a word prediction function

• Published in: Developmental neurorehabilitation Vol. 16; no. 5; pp. 315 - 320
• Main Authors: Lancioni, Giulio E., Singh, Nirbhay N., O'Reilly, Mark F., Green, Vanessa A., Ferlisi, Gabriele, Ferrarese, Giacomina, Zullo, Valeria, Schirone, Simona, Oliva, Doretta
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Informa UK Ltd 01.10.2013
• Subjects: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - rehabilitation; Communication Aids for Disabled; Equipment Design; Head Movements; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth; Text Messaging - instrumentation; Writing
• ISSN: 1751-8423; 1751-8431
• DOI: 10.3109/17518423.2012.731086

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.