Horseback riding therapy for a deafblind individual enabled by a haptic interface
File(s)deafblindFinal.pdf (3.89 MB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Ogrinc Ms, M
Farkhatdinov PhD, I
Walker Ms, R
Burdet, E
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We present a haptic interface to help deafblind people to practice horseback riding as a recreational and therapeutic activity. Horseback riding is a form of therapy which can improve self-esteem and sensation of independence. It has been shown to benefit people with various medical conditions-including autism. However, in the case of deafblind riders, an interpreter must stand by at all times to communicate with the rider by touch. We developed a simple interface that enables deafblind people to enjoy horseback riding while the instructor is remotely providing cues, which improves their independence. Experiments demonstrated that an autistic deafblind individual exhibits similar responses to navigational cues as an unimpaired rider. Motivation is an important factor in therapy, and is frequently determinant of its outcome; therefore, the user attitude toward the therapy methods is key. The answers to questionnaires filled by the rider, family, and the instructor show that our technique gives the rider a greater sense of independence and more joy compared to standard riding where the instructor is walking along with the horse.
Date Issued
2018-06-01
Date Acceptance
2017-01-24
Citation
Assistive Technology: The Offical Journal of RESNA, 2018, 30 (3), pp.143-150
ISSN
1949-3614
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Start Page
143
End Page
150
Journal / Book Title
Assistive Technology: The Offical Journal of RESNA
Volume
30
Issue
3
Copyright Statement
© 2017 RESNA. This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Assistive Technology: The Offical Journal of RESNA on 27 Mar 2017, available online: https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2017.1288178
Sponsor
Commission of the European Communities
Commission of the European Communities
Commission of the European Communities
Commission of the European Communities
Identifier
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28346067
Grant Number
PITN-GA-2012-317488
601003
611626
644727
Subjects
Autism
deafblind
navigation
vibrotactile
0903 Biomedical Engineering
1303 Specialist Studies In Education
Rehabilitation
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
United States
Date Publish Online
2017-03-27