Walking Motivator
By Musgrave, Thomas; Schmidt, Andrew; Martin, Lorie; Goldberg, Richard; Caves, Kevin; NSF 2006 Engineering Senior Design Projects to Aid Persons With Disabilities, pp. 80-81Publication Date:
Description of a music-playing system that acts as a motivator to walk. Developed at Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering, the device was developed for an 8-year-old boy with cerebral palsy and autism who, after recent leg surgery, was reluctant to walk. The Walking Motivator includes a pedometer to detect motion, a microprocessor, an MP3 music player, and headphones. Other than the headphones, the entire system fits inside a small pouch that straps onto the client’s hip. As long as the client walks, the music plays; when he stops, he receives a message to motivate him to keep walking. After the client was introduced to the Walking Motivator, his therapist commented on the boy’s acceptance of the device and reported that the system’s most efficient operation, when steps were continuously taken, contributed toward the goal of steady walking she set for the client.
Published by: Creative Learning Press, Inc. (Website:http://www.creativelearningpress.com)
Link to text: http://nsf-pad.bme.uconn.edu/2006/Chapter7,%20Duke%20University.pdf
ISBN: 1-931280-08-8
