The use of ecological sounds in facilitation of tool use in apraxia

Abstract

The CogWatch project (www.cogwatch.eu) aims to create an intelligent assistance system to improve activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke survivors, who suffer from impaired ability to use everyday tools (apraxia). This study explores the use of cues, based on ecological sound linked to the action goal, in prospective facilitation of tool use in those patients. We hypothesize those patients with apraxia benefit from supplementary sensory information relevant to the task, which reinforces the selection of the appropriate motor plan ahead of time. The aim is to support the development of assistive device that could provide guidance for the patients during ADL.