Microswitch-aided programs with contingent stimulation versus general stimulation programs for post-coma persons with multiple disabilities

Objective: Assessing the impact of microswitch-aided programs with contingent stimulation on response engagement (Study I) and post-session alertness (Study II) of post-coma participants with multiple disabilities. Method: Study I included three participants whose scores on the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) were 11 or 13. Study II included three participants whose CRS-R scores were 19, 13, and 14. In both studies, the participants received sessions with contingent stimulation (i.e., sessions in which activation of a microswitch with an eyelid or hand response produced 15 s of preferred stimulation) and sessions with general, non-contingent stimulation (i.e., stimulation lasted throughout the sessions). Results: Study I showed an increase in response engagement/frequencies only during the contingent stimulation sessions. Study II showed that the participants’ level of vigilance after those sessions was higher than after non-contingent stimulation sessions. Conclusion: Microswitch-aided programs with contingent stimulation would be more beneficial than programs with general/non-contingent stimulation.