Promoting mouth drying to reduce the effects of drooling in a woman with multiple disabilities: a new evaluation of microswitch-programme conditions.

Objective: Extending the use of microswitch-based programmes to (a) establish mouth-drying responses and reduce the effects of drooling, (b) assess the possibility of widening inter-response intervals and (c) determine whether different microswitch solutions would impact the accuracy/effectiveness of mouth drying.

Method: During the intervention phases of the study, the participant (woman) performed mouth-drying responses via a special napkin. Such napkin contained two pressure sensors/microswitches, a microprocessor and an MP3 serving to monitor responses and ensure stimulation contingent on them.

Results: The participant (a) learned to dry her mouth and reduce her chin wetness, (b) stabilized her responding at lower frequencies (i.e. when the stimulation period was extended) and (c) produced more accurate/effective responses when she was required to trigger both sensors of the napkin.

Conclusion: Microswitch-based programmes may promote practically sustainable and effective mouth drying to reduce drooling effects in persons with multiple disabilities.