Abstract
Children with hyperkinetic movement (HKM) often have limited access to traditional augmentative and alternative communication technologies (e.g., mechanical switches). To seek a communication solution for these children, this study explored the possibility that discernable biomechanical patterns, related to preference, exist amid HKM. We deployed a unified approach to analyse a child’s movements, fusing caregiver and clinician observations with quantitative data (accelerations of the upper extremities). Two case studies were examined. In both, the accelerometer data identified preference at adjusted accuracies statistically above chance using a linear discriminant classifier. Visually, communicative movement patterns were identified in the first child (κ = 0.25-0.27) but not in the second child (κ = 0.03-0.11). Implications of this study include possible enhancement in communication and independence for these children.
Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.
Notes
1. ±1.5g–6g Three Axis Low-g Micromachined Accelerometer [Apparatus and software]. (2005). Chandler, AZ: Freescale.
2. 16-Bit, 250 kS/s M Series Multifunction DAQ, Bus-Powered [Apparatus and software]. (2009). Vaudreuil-Dorion, QB: National Instruments Corporation.
3. Labview 2009 [Computer software]. (2009) Vaudreuil-Dorion, QB: National Instruments Corporation.
4. Handycam Camcorders [Apparatus and software]. (2005). Toronto, ON: Sony of Canada Ltd.
5. MATLAB Statistics Toolbox (2009b) [Computer software]. Natick, MA: MathWorks.