Harničárová et al_dataset

The research hypothesis proposed that a locally-developed multimodal sensory stimulation device combining LED lighting, textured surfaces, and 177 Hz vibration would significantly improve therapeutic outcomes in children with combined central nervous system disabilities compared to existing commercial solutions. This hypothesis emerged from limitations in imported devices including fragility, poor customization, short battery life, and prohibitive costs.
Data collection employed a two-phase approach evaluating technical performance and clinical efficacy. Phase one involved five experienced therapists evaluating the device over four weeks using standardized questionnaires assessing seven parameters on a ten-point scale. Results demonstrated exceptional performance with therapeutic value rating 9.2±0.3, battery life 9.1±0.2, and mechanical durability 9.0±0.4. All parameters scored above 8.5, indicating strong therapist satisfaction.
Phase two involved fifteen children aged three to twelve with various disabilities participating in six thirty-minute therapy sessions over one week. The population included seven with cerebral palsy, four with genetic disorders, and four with autism spectrum disorders. Primary outcome measures showed dramatic improvements with attention time increasing from 3.2±1.8 to 7.4±2.1 minutes representing 131% improvement, spontaneous interactions rising from 2.1±1.2 to 5.8±1.9 per ten minutes showing 176% increase, therapeutic engagement improving from 4.3±1.5 to 7.9±1.2 on a ten-point scale indicating 84% enhancement, and motor response advancing from 3.8±1.4 to 6.7±1.8 demonstrating 76% improvement.
Statistical analysis using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon tests revealed p-values below 0.001 for all measures. Cohen's d effect sizes ranged from 1.84 to 2.67, representing very large clinical effects. Diagnosis-specific analysis showed cerebral palsy patients achieving 140% average improvement, autism spectrum disorder children demonstrating 125% enhancement with 75% showing increased tactile tolerance, and genetic disorder patients exhibiting 118% improvement with consistent responses.
The 177 Hz vibration frequency proved optimal for proprioceptive stimulation across all groups. Technical specifications including PET-G construction withstanding one-meter drops, adjustable activation force from 0.5-5N, and 72-hour battery life contributed to therapeutic success. Manufacturing via 3D printing reduced costs by 65% compared to imports while enabling rapid customization.
Notable findings included unexpected positive responses from autism spectrum children typically averse to sensory stimulation, universal effectiveness across diverse diagnoses suggesting fundamental sensory processing mechanisms, and synergistic effects of multimodal stimulation exceeding individual sensory inputs. The device's robust design eliminated fragility concerns while extended battery life ensured continuous availability.