Spasticity is a consequence of Cerebral Palsy, one of the most common physical disabilities in childhood. Spasticity makes daily tasks harder due to the lack of control over the muscles. This study explores the potential use of shape-changing haptic technology to help manage spasticity. Being part of the user group, the author employed an autobiographical design process to develop the CalmaKit, a wearable band and an accompanying app that allows the user to apply controlled and personalized pressure patterns. The results show that the CalmaKit aids in managing spasticity by reducing perceived muscle stiffness. Although verbal comments from participants vary on whether this technology helps reduce spasticity, non-verbal data from the body maps strongly suggested that such intervention eases stiffness. However, it is not clear exactly why and further research is needed to evaluate the prototype and the effectiveness of it.
Sebastian Hallman (Wed,) studied this question.