Sensory Integration Therapy Research Articles

Wpływ terapii integracji sensorycznej na funkcje motoryki dużej u dzieci po prenatalnej ekspozycji na alkohol

Introduction: In Poland there are 900 cases of full-blown foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in neonates per year, and in 9000 children there are some symptoms of it. Aim of the research: To analyse the impact of sensory integration (SI) therapy on gross motor skills function in children after prenatal exposure to alcohol. Material and methods: The study was conducted on a group of 20 children aged 4–5 years with information from an interview about prenatal exposure to alcohol. The diagnosis of sensory integration disorder consisted of two 60-minute diagnostics meetings. Twelve trials with clinical observations were performed by Ayres: finger to nose, cocontraction, prone extension posture, flexed position supine, asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATOS), symmetrical tonic neck reflex (STOS), muscle tension, Schilder test, dynamic balance, static balance, gravitational insecurity, and trunk stabilisation. The therapeutic program included: normalisation of the vestibular and proprioceptive system, normalisation of the touch system, strengthening muscle tension, development of motion planning, development of oculomotor performance, development of motor coordination, hand therapy, integration of ATOS, STOS, development of locomotion and balance functions, and improving efficiency of gross and small motor skills. Results and conclusions: High efficiency of SI therapy has been shown in children after prenatal exposure to alcohol on the example of gross motor skills. Positive effects of SI therapy have been shown for tests: finger to nose, in the erect position on the stomach, the flexural position on the back, ATOS, STOS, Schilder test, dynamic balance, static balance, and the uncertainty of gravity and trunk stabilisation. Only cocontraction and muscle tension tests showed no efficacy of SI therapy. The a-Cronbach position analysis showed high reliability of the performed tests both before and after the therapy. It is advisable to continue the study on a larger sample and observation of the functional status of children after therapy.

감각통합치료효과에 대한 단일대상연구의 특성과 질적 수준에 대한 고찰

감각통합치료효과에 대한 단일대상연구의 특성과 질적 수준에 대한 고찰

A study of safety and tolerability of rotatory vestibular input for preschool children.

The objectives of this study were to determine a safe rotatory vestibular stimulation input for preschool children and to study the effects of grade level and sex of preschool children during active, passive, clockwise, and counterclockwise rotation vestibular input. This study adopted purposive sampling with 120 children from three kindergarten levels (K1, K2, and K3) in Taiwan. The subjects ranged in age from 46 to 79 months of age (mean: 62.1 months; standard deviation =9.60). This study included testing with four types of vestibular rotations. The number, duration, and speed of rotations were recorded. The study found that the mean number of active rotations was 10.28; the mean duration of rotation was 24.17 seconds; and the mean speed was 2.29 seconds per rotation. The mean number of passive rotations was 23.04. The differences in number of rotations in clockwise, counterclockwise, active, and passive rotations were not statistically significant. Sex and grade level were not important related factors in the speed and time of active rotation. Different sexes, rotation methods (active, passive), and grades made significant differences in the number of rotations. The safety and tolerability of rotatory vestibular stimulation input data obtained in this study can provide useful reference data for therapists using sensory integration therapy.

Using Posturography to Examine the Immediate Effects of Vestibular Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Feasibility Study

ABSTRACTAims: The primary objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of using posturography to monitor acute changes in postural control induced by a Sensory Integration (SI) therapy intervention. A secondary objective was to identify which posturography outcome parameters, tests conditions and data analysis methods might be most useful in identifying post-intervention changes. Methods: Five children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and five children with typical development (TD) participated in a 10 min vestibular swing activity and had their postural stability evaluated pre- and post-intervention under four different sensory testing conditions. Sway ranges, mean sway velocity, sway root mean square (RMS), and sample entropy were calculated from center of pressure (COP) data. Results: All five children with ASD demonstrated decreased mean sway velocity in the eyes open/flat plate condition post-intervention with an average decrease of 5.87 ± 2.69 mm/s. Four of the five children with ASD demonstrated an increase in RMS and a decrease in anterior/posterior sample entropy post-intervention in the eyes closed, foam pad condition and eyes open, flat plate condition respectively. Conclusion: Posturography may be useful for assessing acute physiologic responses to an SI therapy intervention and warrants further investigation.

Meta-analysis of Research on Sensory Integration Therapy for Individuals with Developmental and Learning Disabilities

Sensory integration therapy (SIT) is a widely used intervention for people with disabilities to address educationally related outcomes and has been subject to ongoing controversy. The outcomes from 30 comparison group studies on sensory integration therapy for people with, or at-risk of, a developmental or learning disability, disorder, or delay were reviewed and analyzed. Studies comparing SIT to no treatment yielded a statistically significant but small effect. However, when SIT was compared to alternative interventions, differences were non-significant. Numerous methodological flaws were identified, such as issues in clearly defining treatment and evaluating integrity, poor quality of research, and diversity of outcome measures. There was little evidence that SIT was an effective intervention for any diagnostic group, particularly when functional blinded outcome measures were examined. Minimum methodological requirements for any future research studies are discussed.

The effects of sensory integration therapy on verbal expression and engagement in children with autism

Background/Aim: Sensory-based interventions, including sensory integration therapy (SIT), are one of the most highly requested and provided services for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Although SIT is predominantly provided by occupational therapists, other service providers, including speech-language pathologists, are expected to understand and, on occasion, are requested to integrate SIT into their treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine whether: (a) SIT improved the communication skills of children with autism, specifically spontaneity, complexity of utterance, and engagement; (b) effects continued following the provision of SIT; and (c) effects were consistent across young children with autism with different learning profiles. Methods: A single-subject applied behaviour analysis design was implemented to assess the effectiveness of SIT on verbal spontaneity, grammatical complexity (measured through mean length of utterance) and engagement in four young children with ASD, measuring each area before, during and after SIT. The effects of sensory integration intervention were measured by comparing each participant's expressive language and engagement in a no-treatment phase (A phase) to those same skills in the treatment phase (B phase). Findings: All of the participants performed best in the occupational therapy or post-occupational therapy conditions for spontaneity, complexity of utterance, and engagement, and the worst in the pre-occupational therapy condition. Specifically, the greatest percentage of spontaneity was noted post-SIT, with the longest measured length of utterance during SIT, and the greatest engagement found both during and post-SIT. The pre-SIT condition consistently ranked as the lowest for all dependent measures. Conclusions: Results from this small study indicate that the SIT condition (occupational therapy) yielded better communication and engagement than the condition immediately prior (pre-occupational therapy); therefore, specific components of SIT need to be examined, particularly issues of motivation and momentum.

Effects of integrative body-mind training with cognitive rehabilitation based on the sensory integration training theory on executive function and anxiety and depression mood in patients with traumatic brain injury

Objective To study the effects of integrative body-mind training with cognitive rehabilitation based on the sensory integration training theory on executive function and anxiety and depression mood in patients with traumatic brain injury.Methods 85 cases were randomly divided into the control group (42 cases) and the treatment group (43 cases).The control group took targeted cognitive rehabilitation with sensory integration training theory and the treatment group was given targeted integrative bodymind training based on this training.Before training and after 3 months,the cognitive function and executive function were detected by the Behavioral Assessment of Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS); the cognitive dysfunction were evaluated by Loewenstein Occupation Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA); Anxiety and Depression were evaluated by Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS).Results There was no marked differences in BADS,LOTCA,SDS and SAS scores before treatment; Compared with the control group,they were much improved after training; Moreover,they were much more improved in the treatment group than those of the control group.Conclusions Integrative bodymind training with cognitive rehabilitation based on the sensory integration training theory can improve the executive function and regulate the mood on cognitive dysfunction in patients with traumatic brain injury. Key words: Sensory integration training; Body-mind training; Traumatic brain injury; Executive function; Anxiety and depression

Robot-assisted vs. sensory integration training in treating gait and balance dysfunctions in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Extensive research on both healthy subjects and patients with central nervous damage has elucidated a crucial role of postural adjustment reactions and central sensory integration processes in generating and “shaping” locomotor function, respectively. Whether robotic-assisted gait devices might improve these functions in Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is not fully investigated in literature.Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of end-effector robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) and sensory integration balance training (SIBT) in improving walking and balance performance in patients with MS.Methods: Twenty-two patients with MS (EDSS: 1.5–6.5) were randomly assigned to two groups. The RAGT group (n = 12) underwent end-effector system training. The SIBT group (n = 10) underwent specific balance exercises. Each patient received twelve 50-min treatment sessions (2 days/week). A blinded rater evaluated patients before and after treatment as well as 1 month post treatment. Primary outcomes were walking speed and Berg Balance Scale. Secondary outcomes were the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Sensory Organization Balance Test, Stabilometric Assessment, Fatigue Severity Scale, cadence, step length, single and double support time, Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54.Results: Between groups comparisons showed no significant differences on primary and secondary outcome measures over time. Within group comparisons showed significant improvements in both groups on the Berg Balance Scale (P = 0.001). Changes approaching significance were found on gait speed (P = 0.07) only in the RAGT group. Significant changes in balance task-related domains during standing and walking conditions were found in the SIBT group.Conclusion: Balance disorders in patients with MS may be ameliorated by RAGT and by SIBT.

The Effectiveness of the Snug Vest on Stereotypic Behaviors in Children Diagnosed With an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Various reviews of the effects of sensory integration therapy (SIT) have concluded that such interventions fail to reduce stereotypy. However, a new, and as yet untested, SIT iteration, an inflatable wearable vest known as the Snug Vest purports to decrease such repetitive behavior. In the current study, three children who emitted different forms of stereotypy participated in an alternating treatments design in which each participant wore a fully inflated vest and either a fully deflated vest or no vest. The results of the study show that the Snug Vest failed to reduce any participants' stereotypy. We highlight our findings in the context of professional practice and discuss several potential limitations.

Investigating the Effects of Sensory Integration Therapy in Decreasing Stereotypy

Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) is a popular treatment for Pervasive Developmental Disorders that involves therapists using various strategies and manipulanda to provide sensory stimulation to improve behavioral dysfunctions. Although SIT is popular, the research literature demonstrates little experimental proof of effectiveness. Many published studies find little to no causal relationship between SIT and improvements in target behaviors. There are numerous internal and external validity threats that preclude confidence in a functional relationship for those studies that report positive changes. The current study attempted to evaluate the impact of different SIT techniques on the behavioral excesses of children diagnosed with autism, while using research designs that adhered to commonly accepted standards for internal and external validity controls. The results showed that there was no causal relationship between the sensory procedures and improvements in the targeted dependent variables. Thus, SIT remains an unproven treatment for autism.

Sensory Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorders

The aim of this review is to summarize the recent literature regarding abnormalities in sensory functioning in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including evidence regarding the neurobiological basis of these symptoms, their clinical correlates, and their treatment. Abnormalities in responses to sensory stimuli are highly prevalent in individuals with ASD. The underlying neurobiology of these symptoms is unclear, but several theories have been proposed linking possible etiologies of sensory dysfunction with known abnormalities in brain structure and function that are associated with ASD. In addition to the distress that sensory symptoms can cause patients and caregivers, these phenomena have been correlated with several other problematic symptoms and behaviors associated with ASD, including restrictive and repetitive behavior, self-injurious behavior, anxiety, inattention, and gastrointestinal complaints. It is unclear whether these correlations are causative in nature or whether they are due to shared underlying pathophysiology. The best-known treatments for sensory symptoms in ASD involve a program of occupational therapy that is specifically tailored to the needs of the individual and that may include sensory integration therapy, a sensory diet, and environmental modifications. While some empirical evidence supports these treatments, more research is needed to evaluate their efficacy, and other means of alleviating these symptoms, including possible psychopharmacological interventions, need to be explored. Additional research into the sensory symptoms associated with ASD has the potential to shed more light on the nature and pathophysiology of these disorders and to open new avenues of effective treatments.

Intérêts de la psychothérapie à médiation sensorielle dans le cadre de la prise en charge des troubles de la relation et de la communication chez des enfants autistes sévèrement déficitaires I : introduction aux applications cliniques

BackgroundSensory and emotional disorders are typical in autism spectrum and were analyzed by psychological, neuropsychological and psychodynamic models of interpretation. ObjectivesIn the current article, we aim: to analyze the theoretical models relating to the explanation of the autistic syndrome, with a particular focus on the place of its sensory features; to conceptualize an approach of psychotherapy with sensory mediation intended to formulate therapeutic proposals for remediation of relationship and communication disorders. MethodWe develop the framework of such an approach by combining the theoretical and practical foundations of: sensory integration therapies and Snoezelen approach for the matter of sensory and embodiment development (neuropsychological perspective); basal stimulation and psychomotor therapies for the stabilization of the corporeal image and body image; touch therapy and relaxation in relation to the “skin–ego” construction; and music therapy for the relational and communicative skills development. The following article will present a clinical illustration of this theoretical study. We will demonstrate our care devices and their application within the framework of a research program, and results obtained with five patients exposed during 18 months to individual and weekly sessions of psychotherapy with sensory mediation.

A systematic review of sensory processing interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders

Children with autism spectrum disorders often exhibit co-occurring sensory processing problems and receive interventions that target self-regulation. In current practice, sensory interventions apply different theoretic constructs, focus on different goals, use a variety of sensory modalities, and involve markedly disparate procedures. Previous reviews examined the effects of sensory interventions without acknowledging these inconsistencies. This systematic review examined the research evidence (2000-2012) of two forms of sensory interventions, sensory integration therapy and sensory-based intervention, for children with autism spectrum disorders and concurrent sensory processing problems. A total of 19 studies were reviewed: 5 examined the effects of sensory integration therapy and 14 sensory-based intervention. The studies defined sensory integration therapies as clinic-based interventions that use sensory-rich, child-directed activities to improve a child's adaptive responses to sensory experiences. Two randomized controlled trials found positive effects for sensory integration therapy on child performance using Goal Attainment Scaling (effect sizes ranging from .72 to 1.62); other studies (Levels III-IV) found positive effects on reducing behaviors linked to sensory problems. Sensory-based interventions are characterized as classroom-based interventions that use single-sensory strategies, for example, weighted vests or therapy balls, to influence a child's state of arousal. Few positive effects were found in sensory-based intervention studies. Studies of sensory-based interventions suggest that they may not be effective; however, they did not follow recommended protocols or target sensory processing problems. Although small randomized controlled trials resulted in positive effects for sensory integration therapies, additional rigorous trials using manualized protocols for sensory integration therapy are needed to evaluate effects for children with autism spectrum disorders and sensory processing problems.

Factors Influencing Obstacle Crossing Performance in Patients with Parkinson's Disease

BackgroundTripping over obstacles is the major cause of falls in community-dwelling patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Understanding the factors associated with the obstacle crossing behavior may help to develop possible training programs for crossing performance. This study aimed to identify the relationships and important factors determining obstacle crossing performance in patients with PD.MethodsForty-two idiopathic patients with PD (Hoehn and Yahr stages I to III) participated in this study. Obstacle crossing performance was recorded by the Liberty system, a three-dimensional motion capture device. Maximal isometric strength of the lower extremity was measured by a handheld dynamometer. Dynamic balance and sensory integration ability were assessed using the Balance Master system. Movement velocity (MV), maximal excursion (ME), and directional control (DC) were obtained during the limits of stability test to quantify dynamic balance. The sum of sensory organization test (SOT) scores was used to quantify sensory organization ability.ResultsBoth crossing stride length and stride velocity correlated significantly with lower extremity muscle strength, dynamic balance control (forward and sideward), and sum of SOT scores. From the regression model, forward DC and ankle dorsiflexor strength were identified as two major determinants for crossing performance (R2 = .37 to.41 for the crossing stride length, R2 = .43 to.44 for the crossing stride velocity).ConclusionsLower extremity muscle strength, dynamic balance control and sensory integration ability significantly influence obstacle crossing performance. We suggest an emphasis on muscle strengthening exercises (especially ankle dorsiflexors), balance training (especially forward DC), and sensory integration training to improve obstacle crossing performance in patients with PD.

The use of sensory integration therapy in Malaysia and Singapore by special education teachers in early intervention settings

Background Sensory integration (SI) therapy is an intervention widely used with children with disability despite the lack of evidence regarding its efficacy.Method A questionnaire was distributed to early intervention teachers in Malaysia and Singapore. Information was sought on how early intervention teachers learned about SI therapy, the forms of SI therapy they used, and the benefits they expected.Results Many activities reported as SI therapy were common early intervention activities. Teachers appeared to be particularly interested in SI therapy as an intervention for challenging behaviours related to sensory stimuli but had difficulty explaining how the therapy resulted in the benefits they perceived. Teachers also reported limited monitoring of student outcomes when using SI therapy.Conclusions In light of the very weak evidence for the efficacy of SI therapy, but noting that the intervention continues to be used, it is recommended that good monitoring practices are maintained by teachers. The intervention should be discontinued where clear progress is not evident. Teachers and therapists need additional training in evidence-based practices. Further, alternative intervention strategies should be considered for challenging behaviours related to sensory stimuli.

Pilot Study: Efficacy of Sensory Integration Therapy for Japanese Children with High‐Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study's objective was to investigate the efficacy of sensory integration therapy (SIT) for children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD). The subjects were 20 HFASD children with IQs above 70 selected from previously collected data. Eight participated in individual SIT sessions, and 12 participated in group therapy (GT) including social skill training, communication training, kinetic activities, and child-parent play for 8-10 months. Changes in Total score and five Index scores on the Japanese version of the Miller Assessment for Preschoolers before and after therapy between children in the SIT and GT groups were compared. The results showed that Total score and all Index scores except for Verbal Index increased significantly in the SIT group, while only Total score increased in the GT group. Furthermore, the SIT group showed more improvement compared with the GT group in Total score and on Coordination, Non-verbal, and Complex Index scores. SIT might have a more positive effect on motor coordination abilities, non-verbal cognitive abilities, and combined abilities of sensory motor and cognition in children with HFASD when compared with GT. This study has limitations such as being an analysis of previously collected data. Further study should be conducted with a randomized control trial.

Effect of sensory integration training on motor function of cerebral palsy children

Objective To observe the effect of sensory integration training on motor function of cerebral palsy children.Methods 42 children with cerebral palsy were divided into two groups,with 22 cases in observation group,20 cases in control group.All children were treated with mainly Bobath technique based rehabilitation therapy,while those of observation group were added sensory integration training for 3 months.We used GMFM-88 to estimate the gross motor function of the two groups.Results After treatment,the scores of GMFM-88 significantly improved in both groups,GMFM scores of the observation group were more effective than thoes of the control group(t =2.481,P =0.018).Conclusion Sensory integration training based on tradition neural movement therapy can improve gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy,can significantly improve the curative effect of rehabilitation. Key words: Cerebral palsy; Child; Hospitals, convalescent

1193 – Comorbid autism spectrum disorder and problem behaviours: a case study of home-based sensory integrative therapy

The vast majority considered pharmacological intervention as a legitimate treatment for behavioural problems in adults with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (ID). Yet, sensory integrative therapy (SIT) has in recent years acquired increasing attention with regard to its improvements in functioning. To report a case of ASD and ID presented with severe problem behaviors. To present and discuss the effect of a combined intervention of home-based SIT and pharmacological therapy on daily functioning. Case study and literature review. A 24-year-old male with moderate grade ASD and ID was referred to a home-based training service. He exhibited poor attention, daily self-stimulating behaviors and self-injurious behaviors (SIB). He was treated with 1/2 mg/day of Apohaloperidol. Home-based SIT (Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique) which evokes calming was first started on a weekly interval for five months and then on a daily basis for another five months. Improvement was first demonstrated by a reduction in temper tantrum and SIB during weekly treatment. When treatment became daily, he was able to demonstrate increasing attention in self-care activities as well as reducing frequency and duration of self-injurious and stimulating behaviors. Despite paucity of published evidence, our findings lend initial support to the effectiveness of SIT as a complimentary approach to treat behavioural problems and enhance daily functioning. Hence, SIT can be incorporated into treatment plan on behavioural problems. Further research using experimental design is called for given the promise of the present findings.

Progress in Pediatrics in 2012: choices in allergy, endocrinology, gastroenterology, hematology, infectious diseases, neurology, nutrition and respiratory tract illnesses

In this review, we summarize the progresses in allergy, endocrinology, gastroenterology, hematology, infectious diseases, neurology, nutrition and respiratory tract illnesses that have been published in The Italian Journal of Pediatrics in 2012. The induction of Treg activity by probiotics might be effective for promoting tolerance towards food allergens. Nasal cytology is useful in patients with rhinitis for diagnosing chronic non-allergic non-infectious diseases. Atopic eczema is associated both with an aberrant skin matrix and impaired systemic immune response. Therefore, isolated topical treatment may have suboptimal effect. Diagnostic work-up of exercise-induced anaphylaxis, including exercise challenge test, is necessary to reach a diagnosis. Studies may support a role for nutrition on prevention of asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Clinicians need to early identify adolescent menstrual abnormalities to minimize sequelae, and to promote health information. In Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2B investigations include acetylcholinesterase study of rectal mucosa followed by the molecular analysis of RET mutation. Low adherence to gluten-free diet and osteopenia are common problems in children with diabetes mellitus type 1 and celiac disease. In infantile colic, laboratory tests are usually unnecessary and the treatment is based on reassurance. Prevalence of obesity and stunting is elucidated by several studies. Evidences are growing that dietetic measures are needed to prevent obesity in children with acute leukemia. Treatment studies for infectious diseases show promise for probiotics along with standard triple therapy in children with Helicobacter pilori infection, while zinc has no effect on pneumonia. Educational programs about the proper management of the febrile child are warranted. A new hour-specific total serum bilirubin nomogram has been shown to be able to predict newborns without hyperbilirubinemia after 48 to 72 hours of life. Newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy present ECG and cardiac enzymes alterations leading to reduced neonatal survival. Rehabilitation programs including sensory integration therapy and motor performance, may improve activities of daily life in children with developmental coordination disorder. Aerobic exercise training in addition to chest physiotherapy might be useful in children with cystic fibrosis. Studies on effectiveness of leukotriene receptor antagonists, alone or with other drugs in preschool wheezing are needed.

A COMPARISON OF SENSORY INTEGRATIVE AND BEHAVIORAL THERAPIES AS TREATMENT FOR PEDIATRIC FEEDING DISORDERS

We compared the effects of escape extinction (EE) plus noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) with sensory integration therapy as treatment for the feeding problems of 2 children. Results indicated that EE plus NCR was more effective in increasing acceptance, decreasing inappropriate behavior, and increasing amount consumed relative to sensory integration for both children. The results are discussed in terms of the challenges of evaluating sensory-integration-based treatments, and the reasons why component analyses of multicomponent treatments like sensory integration are important.