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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of art electric feeder, a device designed to increase independence in self-feeding tasks for persons with physical disabilities. This study used a single-subject research design across 4 subjects and two settings. Variables measured were the length of the meal, the amount of physical assistance needed, and the percentage of the meal eaten. The subjects also answered a questionnaire concerning their satisfaction with the feeder. The results of the study indicated that the use of the electric feeder increased the length of the meal in some cases and decreased the percentage of food eaten in all cases. Two of the 4 subjects showed a clear decrease in the amount of staff time needed when using the feeder. All subjects stated that the feeder increased independence, but only 2 indicated they would use it on a regular basis.

Keywords

activities of daily living cerebral palsy feeding equipment adapted

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The Electric Feeder: An Efficacy Study

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