Objective: To assess the utility of digital art making in patients diagnosed with ALS and determine if this medium can improve self-expression, enhance well-being, and assist in identifying psychological needs.

In ALS the progressive loss of mobility, independence, and speech contribute to erosion of quality of life. Patients often experience fear, depression, anxiety, and challenges of purpose and meaning. Limitations in verbal ability can preclude patients’ abilities to express their feelings and needs. The BRIDGE study aims to explore new and better ways to communicate with such patients, enhance self-expression, and improve well-being and quality of life. 

Following informed consent each study subject engaged a multidisciplinary team including a dynamic sculptor and a board-certified art therapist. Noninvasive sensors of galvanic skin response and eye tracking were used to acquire nonverbal data translated through a digital interface to create real-time dynamic imagery projected onto a flat surface. This dynamic art served as an interface for the art therapist to explore psychological, emotional, and existential well-being, improve self-expression, and identify therapeutic goals. Standardized outcome measures included the ALS Assessment Questionnaire (ALSAQ-40), Caregivers Strain index (CSI), and the Cambridge Behavioral Inventory Revised (CBI-R). The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for mood and energy was measured pre- and post-art making. 

Eight patients diagnosed with ALS participated in digital art making, while six participated in quantitative data collections. 100% of subjects reported art making as “beneficial to me”, 100% would “recommend art therapy to other patients and their caregivers”, and 83% of reported art making “allowed me to relax”.  There were no adverse effects.