Infrared thermography as an access pathway for individuals with severe motor impairments

As the number of individuals without physical access to communication or environmental interaction escalates, there are increasing efforts to uncover novel and unconventional access pathways. In this chapter, we introduce three emerging access technologies for individuals with severe disabilities: near-infrared spectroscopy, electroencephalographic measurement of visually-evoked potentials and infrared thermographic imaging of the face. The first two technologies harness activity directly from the brain while the third exploits spontaneous temperature changes in the face. For each technology, we discuss the physiological underpinnings, the requisite instrumentation, the scientific evidence to date and the future outlook.

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New and emerging access technologies for adults with complex communication needs and severe motor impairments: State of the science

Augmentative and Alternative Communication ◽

10.1080/07434618.2018.1556730 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 35 (1) ◽

pp. 13-25 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Susan Koch Fager ◽

Melanie Fried-Oken ◽

Tom Jakobs ◽

David R. Beukelman

Keyword(s):

Motor Impairments ◽

Complex Communication Needs ◽

Severe Motor ◽

Communication Needs ◽

State Of The Science

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Gaze-controlled Laser Pointer Platform for People with Severe Motor Impairments: Preliminary Test in Telepresence

2018 40th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC) ◽

10.1109/embc.2018.8512722 ◽

2018 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alexey Petrushin ◽

Giacinto Barresi ◽

Leonardo S. Mattos

Keyword(s):

Preliminary Test ◽

Laser Pointer ◽

Motor Impairments ◽

Severe Motor

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Assisted Movement With Enhanced Sensation (AMES): Coupling Motor and Sensory to Remediate Motor Deficits in Chronic Stroke Patients

Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair ◽

10.1177/1545968308317437 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 23 (1) ◽

pp. 67-77 ◽

Cited By ~ 57

Author(s):

Paul Cordo ◽

Helmi Lutsep ◽

Linda Cordo ◽

W. Geoffrey Wright ◽

Timothy Cacciatore ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lower Extremity ◽

Motor Deficits ◽

Motor Impairments ◽

Joint Rotation ◽

Motor Disability ◽

Stroke Impact Scale ◽

Impact Scale ◽

Severe Motor ◽

The Subject ◽

Flexion And Extension

Background. Conventional methods of rehabilitation in patients with chronic, severe motor impairments after stroke usually do not lessen paresis. Objective. A novel therapeutic approach (assisted movement with enhanced sensation [AMES]) was employed in a medical device phase I clinical trial to reduce paresis and spasticity and, thereby, to improve motor function. Methods. Twenty subjects more than 1 year poststroke with severe motor disability of the upper or lower extremity were studied. A robotic device cycled the ankle or the wrist and fingers at 5°/s through ±17.5° in flexion and extension while the subject assisted this motion. Feedback of the subject's active torque was displayed on a monitor. Simultaneously, 2 vibrators applied a 60 pps stimulus to the tendons of the lengthening muscles, alternating from flexors to extensors as the joint rotation reversed from extension to flexion, respectively. Subjects treated themselves at home for 30 min/day for 6 months. Every other day prior to treatment, the therapy device performed automated tests of strength and joint positioning. Functional testing was performed prior to enrollment, immediately after completing the protocol, and 6 months later. Functional tests included gait and weight distribution (lower extremity subjects only) and the Stroke Impact Scale. Results. Most subjects improved on most tests, and gains were sustained for 6 months in most subjects. No safety problems arose. Conclusion. The AMES strategy appears safe and possibly effective in patients with severe chronic impairments. The mechanism underlying these gains is likely to be multifactorial.

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