Evaluation of technology-assisted learning setups for undertaking assessment and providing intervention to persons with a diagnosis of vegetative state.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the viability of technology-assisted learning setups for undertaking assessment and providing intervention to persons in vegetative state.

METHOD

Study I investigated whether three persons with a diagnosis of vegetative state could associate eye blinking or hand closure responses with contingent, positive stimulation, thus increasing their frequencies (showing signs of learning). Study II extended the learning process (introducing a new response and new stimuli) for one of the participants of Study I.

RESULTS

Two of the participants of Study I succeeded in increasing their responses, indicating signs of learning. Study II showed that the participant (one of the two succeeding in Study I) acquired a new response to access new stimuli and could alternate this response with the one acquired in Study I.

CONCLUSION

Learning might represent a basic level of knowledge and consciousness. Detecting signs of learning might help modify a previous diagnosis of vegetative state and support intervention/rehabilitation efforts.