Background: Individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) experience a large number of difficulties when engaging in activities. Because vestibular stimulation has been described as a precondition for other types of stimulation, the present study focuses on this type of stimulation.
Method: Video observations were conducted for 21 participants during one-on-one interactions with a direct support person (DSP) in three different situations: 1) vestibular stimulation, 2) visual/auditory stimulation, and 3) visual/auditory stimulation following vestibular stimulation with alertness as the dependent variable. Each situation was videotaped once for each participant.
Results: The descriptive statistics revealed several differences in alertness reactions between the conditions. Still, these differences were not statistically significant. In addition, large differences between subgroups based on gender, age groups, visual impairment, and epilepsy have been found.
Conclusions: DSPs can be advised to adapt the stimulation situation to the individual needs and preferences before presenting vestibular stimulation to individuals with PIMD in clinical practice.
Keywords: Alertness, individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities, vestibular stimulation, distant stimulation