Article

The aim of this study was to explore the potential of ZORA robot-based
interventions in rehabilitation and special education for children with severe
physical disabilities. A two-centre explorative pilot study was carried out over
a 2.5-month period involving children with severe physical disabilities with a
developmental age ranging from 2 to 8 years. Children participated in six
sessions with the ZORA robot in individual or in group sessions. Qualitative and
quantitative methods were used to collect data on aspects of feasibility,
usability, barriers and facilitators for the child as well as for the therapist
and to obtain an indication of the effects on playfulness and the achievement of
goals. In total, 17 children and seven professionals participated in the study.
The results of this study show a positive contribution of ZORA in achieving
therapy and educational goals. Moreover, sessions with ZORA were indicated as
playful. Three main domains were indicated to be the most promising for the
application of ZORA: movement skills, communication skills and cognitive skills.
Furthermore, ZORA can contribute towards eliciting motivation, concentration,
taking initiative and improving attention span of the children. On the basis of
the results of the study, it can be concluded that ZORA has potential in therapy
and education for children with severe physical disabilities. More research is
needed to gain insight into how ZORA can be applied best in rehabilitation and
special education.

Langue : ANGLAIS