A man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis uses a mouth pressure microswitch to operate a text messaging system with a word prediction function
Giulio E. Lancioni, Nirbhay Nand Singh, Mark F. O’Reilly, Vanessa A. Green, Gabriele Ferlisi, Giacomina Ferrarese, Valeria Zullo, Simona Schirone, Doretta Oliva · Developmental Neurorehabilitation · 2013
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.