The SUNY Journal of the Scholarship of Engagement: JoSE
Abstract
This study focused on the application of a unique technology originally designed to supply biofeedback to dancers, but in this case was used to assist a child learning to walk while battling the effects of Cerebral Palsy. The musical shoes, called ElectroskipTM, utilize a biofeedback system that generates variable sounds/beats/songs when an individual is walking and placing pressure on their heel or toe. The study lasted six weeks with two sessions per week. Each session started with shoes fitted with ElectroskipTM technology placed on the child’s feet. When instructed by the researcher the child would proceed to a size appropriate set of parallel bars to begin the pre-test walking trial. Gripping the parallel bars the child would attempt to complete two passes, back and forth, walking along the 2.4 meter length of the bars. ElectroskipTM and video data from each walking attempt was recorded. The child would then have a free play time followed by a post-test walking trial. While the ElectroskipTM technology was worn for each session to make sure the session routine was consistent for the child, it was only activated every other session. Following each session the number of steps taken during the pre-test and post-test trials recorded with the ElectroskipTM software was compared to the visual information found in the video record. Data indicated that at the end of the study the child was able to walk better, based on a comparison of pre and post study scores from the Test of Gross Motor Development II (TGMD-II) evaluation instrument administered by the director of the SIMs Laboratory on the SUNY Cortland campus.
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