Observing the use of an input device for rehabilitation purposes
Cristina Manresa-Yee, Pere Ponsa, Iosune Salinas, Francisco J. Perales, Francisca Negre Bennásar, Javier Varona · Behaviour and Information Technology · 2013
We designed and developed a vision-based computer interface which works with head movements. The system was implemented in a centre for users with cerebral palsy and they used it in contexts related with recreation or with education. During this process, it was observed that the continued use of the interface with a set of training tasks may act as a physical and cognitive rehabilitation tool and complement users’ rehabilitation therapy. We comment on five case studies of users who have worked with the interface for five months and whose qualitative outcomes, observed by the therapists who accompanied them, were positive; specifically there was improvement in work posture, head control, increased endurance, decreased involuntary movements and improved spatial orientation. The case studies also showed the need to supervise the users’ work in order to achieve these aims, along with the importance of motivation and active, voluntary participation of users in the rehabilitation process.