Smart toys designed for detecting developmental delays

In this paper,we describe the design considerations and implementation of a smart toy system,a technology for supporting the automatic recording and analysis for detecting developmental delays recognition when children play using the smart toy. To achieve this goal,we take advantage of the current commercial sensor features (reliability,low consumption,easy integration,etc.) to develop a series of sensor-based low-cost devices. Specifically,our prototype system consists of a tower of cubes augmented with wireless sensing capabilities and a mobile computing platform that collect the information sent from the cubes allowing the later analysis by childhood development professionals in order to verify a normal behaviour or to detect a potential disorder. This paper presents the requirements of the toy and discusses our choices in toy design,technology used,selected sensors,process to gather data from the sensors and generate information that will help in the decision-making and communication of the information to the collector system. In addition,we also describe the play activities the system supportsAuthors would like to thank the National Programme for Research, Development and Innovation, oriented to Societal Challenges, of the Spanish Ministry for Economy and Competitiveness that supported the results of this paper through EDUCERE project (TIN2013-47803-C2-2-R), and to Universidad de Alcala that supported them through EDUSENS project (CCG2014/EXP-008

Podejście Neuro-Edu-Techno (NET) w badaniach nad terapią pedagogiczną: Kazus ogniskowej dysplazji korowej

Background: Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) may vary in size and be located in any area of the human brain. In general, FCD causes epilepsy and it is usually associated with mental retardation. Even in case of epilepsy various types of treatment are identified, there is no complete educational therapy for developmental delays caused by FCD. Moreover, there are no works that synthetically discuss the possibilities of supporting such therapy by technology-based solutions. Method: Here, we investigate this issue using a systematic literature review. Results: Despite the fact that we were dealing with the lack of studies on technology-based educational therapy for students with cognitive problems due to FCD, we point out several potential benefits of this type of assistance. Discussion and conclusions: Our study clearly demonstrates that technology may strongly enhance educational therapy for developmental delays caused by focal cortical dysplasia and that there is a need for further neuro-edu-techno (NET) studies on this topic

Evaluation of manual dexterity in early education

Part of the recent research on fine motor skills questions the existence of a general factor of manual dexterity. If this manual dexterity factor is not proved this would affect the suitability of using motor development scales. The present study aimed at developing a set of tasks to evaluate manual dexterity in early education involving each hand to identify hand preference development. Specifically, the aim was to explore inter- and intra-task correlations by way of a series of object-manipulation tasks using objects of a size and weight adapted to children 3-6 years old, and to be administered easily by staff working in early education settings. In a first study using three tasks -Posting coins, Moving pegs, and Threading eyebolts- involving separately left and right hand (6 trials), 151 children aged 3-6 years have participated. The results show high inter- and intra-task correlations, and one factor explaining 64.03% of the total variance. Individual differences in motor skills and in hand preference are confirmed a year later, and correlate with children?s writing skills when starting compulsory education. Implications for school and home are mentioned, emphasizing the interest of these type of studies for detecting typical/atypical developmental pathway

From AAL to ambient assisted rehabilitation: a research pilot protocol based on smart objects and biofeedback

AbstractThe progressive miniaturization of electronic devices and their exponential increase in processing, storage and transmission capabilities, represent key factors of the current digital transformation, also sustaining the great development of Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) and the Internet of Things. Although most of the investigations in the recent years focused on remote monitoring and diagnostics, rehabilitation too could be positively affected by the widespread integrated use of these devices. Smart Objects in particular may be among the enablers to new quantitative approaches. In this paper, we present a proof-of-concept and some preliminary results of an innovative pediatric rehabilitation protocol based on Smart Objects and biofeedback, which we administered to a sample of children with unilateral cerebral palsy. The novelty of the approach mainly consists in placing the sensing device into a common toy (a ball in our protocol) and using the information measured by the device to administer multimedia-enriched type of exercises, more engaging if compared to the usual rehabilitation activities used in clinical settings. We also introduce a couple of performance indexes, which could be helpful for a quantitative continuous evaluation of movements during the exercises. Even if the number of children involved and sessions performed are not suitable to assess any change in the subjects' abilities, nor to derive solid statistical inferences, the novel approach resulted very engaging and enjoyable by all the children participating in the study. Moreover, given the almost non-existent literature on the use of Smart Objects in pediatric rehabilitation, the few qualitative/quantitative results here reported may promote the scientific and clinical discussion regarding AAL solutions in a "Computer Assisted Rehabilitation" perspective, towards what can be defined "Pediatric Rehabilitation 2.0"

A user-centred design framework for the development of speech and language therapeutic toys

Therapy in early childhood is facilitated through toys and play. While mainstream toys are designed for children, therapeutic toys need to satisfy requirements from clinicians, caregivers, and children. The study presented in this paper investigated the challenges that 22 international toy designers encounter during the design process and whether support is required when developing products for speech and language therapy, through a mixed-method approach. Results show that considerable challenges are encountered during the early design stages. Nonetheless, the toy design process remains unsupported, while no support is available for designers to consider therapeutic needs. Based on the feedback received, eleven requirements were identified upon which a user-centred design support framework was proposed to assist toy designers during the task clarification stage, taking into account the affordances that therapeutic toys should have without inhibiting the creative process.peer-reviewe

Children’s Fitness and Quality of Movement

Introduction: Movement is essential to life and plays a key role in development throughout childhood. Movement can be assessed by its quantity and quality. Movement is important to measure as it can aid early intervention. Current research suggests that global levels of fitness are declining, with a lack of research surrounding children’s natural fitness levels as they get older. Quantity of movement is commonly studied, however quality is becoming increasingly popular. A clear understanding of the methods of technology used to measure quality of movement is important as understanding this area will aid in designing appropriate interventions.Methods: This thesis comprises of two experimental studies. Study one is a repeated measures design using previously collected Swanlinx data to investigate how components of children’s fitness change over a one-year period. Study two is a scoping review investigating the measurement of quality of movement with technology in the form of MEM’s devices, while aiming to gain clarity on the definition of quality.Results: Study one revealed that children’s fitness levels increase across a one-year period, in all components of fitness, except sit and reach. Boys performed significantly better in all fitness components, apart from sit and reach. Study two demonstrated the broad field that is included under the term of quality, showing clarity is needed in this area. A large number of devices, movements and populations are being observed, with multiple definitions of quality which is dependent on the metrics collected.Conclusion: Study one concludes that children’s fitness levels increase over one-year, with boys performing better than girls. This can be used to understand children’s natural fitness levels and aid future interventions in participation. Study two concludes that there are multiple ways to assess quality of movement however a clear definition of the quality should be stated, aiding comparison of quality