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Original Research

Piano jacket for perceiving and playing music for patients with cerebral palsy

, &
Pages 221-225 | Received 22 Sep 2017, Accepted 16 Dec 2017, Published online: 23 Dec 2017
 

Abstract

Purpose: Patients with cerebral palsy with severe motor disabilities are limited not only in everyday life activities but also in choice of their hobbies. Playing a musical instrument is for the majority not possible, even though music constitutes a central component of many relaxation activities for people with disabilities. To give affected patients the opportunity to make music and to learn piano playing through somatosensory perception, a prototype of piano jacket was developed.

Method: A cycling jacket was equipped with boxes, each representing a musical note, incorporated into the sleeves. Each box contains vibration motors and LEDs. These can be used to translate the sequences of piano key presses performed at an external E-piano. An additional operation mode allows the user to actively play a melody himself by touching the same boxes that also incorporate touch sensor components.

Results: A working prototype of the piano jacket was developed.

Conclusion: The sensory piano jacket provides patients with cerebral palsy and contractures the possibility to develop sensorimotor skills, motor abilities and participation in music-related activities. The jacket is planned to be used in music lessons.

    Implications for Rehabilitation

  • The system is suitable even for patients with severe motor disabilities and especially joint contractures.

  • Excellent handling through large easily accessible communication buttons.

  • All building blocks are held in a garment, which allows for easy portability and gripping comfort.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest in this work.

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