The influence of sensory stimulation on leisure engagement by individuals with neuropalliative conditions

• Main Author: Fenech, Anne (Author)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2014-07.
• Subjects: Article
• Online Access: Get fulltext

 This article describes a multiple, single-case design study and uses an occupational science focus to explore engagement with a filmshow and an "Interactive Video" installation by participants with neuropalliative conditions. Data was collected using the Individual Child Engagement Record with 14 participants (who had Barthel scores averaging 7/100). The time-sampled observations of engagement showed a significant difference between the scores for the control condition, engagement in a passive spectator role at a filmshow and engagement in a potentially active role at an "Interactive Video" session. The Control condition involved doing nothing in a room with very limited sensory stimulation. The Passive video projection involved a group of residents watching a filmshow of their choosing, on a large screen in a cinema like atmosphere. The potentially active "Interactive Video" installation combined video and motion detection to enable participants to influence the projection, giving the sense that they are moving through the artwork and therefore part of it. The results showed a difference in the participants' engagement across the cases. Therefore, passive film watching role appears to be less engaging while the potentially active role offered by the "Interactive Video" installation appears to offer an engaging use of free time for participants with neuropalliative conditions