Sensory Processing Skills Research Articles

Effects of Perceptual-motor Exercises Based on Multi-sensory Therapy on Sensory Processing of Older Adults

Objectives Aging is one of the stages of the life cycle that is accompanied by sensory changes and bodily awareness. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of perceptual-motor exercises based on multi-sensory therapy on body image and sensory processing in elderly individuals with cognitive impairments. Methods & Materials The present study is a clinical trial with a pre-test-post-test design with an experimental and a control group, conducted in a double-blind manner. The samples were selected using the available sampling method and were randomly assigned to the control and experimental groups (15 participants in each group). The interventions were performed individually for each participant in 8 treatment sessions, 2 days a week, for a duration of 1 month. The assessment tools included the multidimensional body-self relations questionnaire (MBSRQ) and the sensory profile questionnaire. Results The results showed that the perceptual-motor exercises based on multi-sensory therapy had a significant difference in all cases of the MBSRQ (except for body satisfaction and preoccupation with excess body) and the sensory profile questionnaire in both groups (P<0.05). Additionally, the analysis of covariance in both questionnaires and in both groups was calculated to be less than 0.05 and significant. Conclusion The findings of this study showed that perceptual-motor exercises based on multi-sensory methods can improve body image and enhance sensory processing skills in elderly individuals with cognitive impairments. Therefore, educating and repeating these exercises can greatly assist therapists and clients in achieving more beneficial results.

Examination of the Relationship Between Sensory Processing Skills, Kinesiophobia and Fear of Falling in Older Adults with Hypertension and Normotension

ABSTRACT Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate fear of falling, kinesiophobia, and sensory processing in older adults with hypertension and normotension. Methods Older adults, 62 with hypertension and 62 with normotension, aged 65–84 years were included in the study. The assessment of fear of falling was conducted using the Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale, kinesiophobia was evaluated with the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale, and sensory processing skills were analyzed with the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile. Results Significant differences were found between the groups in terms of vestibular processing, visual processing and activity level, fear of falling and kinesiophobia (p < .05). No significant differences were found between the groups with respect to taste/smell, tactile, and auditory processing skills. The findings revealed that older adults with hypertension exhibited diminished vestibular and visual processing abilities, reduced activity levels, and heightened concerns about falling and a tendency to experience kinesiophobia. Fear of falling and kinesiophobia were found to increase with decreasing vestibular processing skills and activity levels in both groups (p < .05). Regression analysis revealed that age, kinesiophobia, vestibular processing, and activity levels were significant determinants of fear of falling (p < .05). Conclusion It is recommended that older adults with hypertension be assessed in terms of sensory, functional, and mental health, with the objective of planning appropriate intervention approaches.

Relationship between sensory processing skills and motor skills in 12-month-old infants.

Identifying sensory processing problems of 12-month-old preterm and term children and defining their relationship with motor skills are essential for appropriate interventions and optimal sensory-motor development. This study aimed to determine sensory processing difficulties in 12-month-old babies and examine their relationship with motor skills. This cross-sectional study included 61 infants (28 preterm and 33 full-term, ages 12 months). The infants' sensory processing skills were evaluated using the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants (TSFI), and their gross and fine motor skills were assessed with the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 (PDMS-2). Sensory processing difficulties were more common in preterm babies. Multiple linear regression models indicated a significant positive association between PDMS-2 gross/fine motor scores and TFSI total scores, reactivity to tactile deep pressure, and ocular-motor control in the total sample. Furthermore, there was a relationship between gross motor and adaptive motor function, and fine motor scores were found to be associated with visual-tactile integration sensory scores. Preterm babies are more likely than their full-term peers to have sensory processing problems around the age of one, which can affect their motor skills. The results support the relationship between children's sensory and motor processing skills. Practitioners such as occupational and physical therapists should be alert to this relationship in infants with sensory processing and motor problems. Taking this relationship into consideration when planning intervention programs can be a guide for an effective intervention.

The Effect of Touch and Massage Techniques Applied to Children on Parental Role Perception and Perceived Stress

Aim: The study examined the effects of tactile and massage techniques on the occupational therapist’s perspective on the role perception and stress levels of parents and the changes in children’s sensory processing. Method: A total of 30 children, (18 females and 12 males), aged 3-6, with normal development, and their parents were included in the study. A diverse community sample of mothers (M=33.6±5.521 years) and their preschool-aged children (M=4.5±1.2 years) participated in the study. The following instruments were employed: Parental Stress Index, Self-Perception Scale for Parenting Role, and Sensory Profile Test. Parents were instructed in a number of touch and massage techniques devised by the Occupational Therapist within the framework of Sensory Integration Theory. Following the 15-minute and 20-session implementation period, the parents were then tested. After the sessions were completed, the tests were repeated. Results: The findings indicated that at the end of the study, there was a decrease in parental stress levels, and an increase in parental role perception and children's sensory processing skills (p &amp;lt;0.05). The study demonstrated that touch and massage techniques can positively impact parent-child interaction. Conclusion: Studies examining the potential enduring effects of positive parental touch on stress levels and parental role perception rarely extend beyond infancy. It is believed that research with a larger sample size on this topic would contribute significantly to the existing literature.

Do auditory brainstem implants favor the development of sensory integration and cognitive functions?

Information about the development of cognitive skills and the effect of sensory integration in children using auditory brainstem implants (ABIs) is still limited. This study primarily aims to investigate the relationship between sensory processing skills and attention and memory abilities in children with ABI, and secondarily aims to examine the effects of implant duration on sensory processing and cognitive skills in these children. The study included 25 children between the ages of 6 and 10 years (mean age: 14 girls and 11 boys) with inner ear and/or auditory nerve anomalies using auditory brainstem implants. Visual-Aural Digit Span Test B, Marking Test, Dunn Sensory Profile Questionnaire were applied to all children. The sensory processing skills of children are statistically significant and positive, and moderately related to their cognitive skills. As the duration of implant use increases, better attention and memory performances have been observed (p<.05). The study demonstrated the positive impact of sensory processing on the development of memory and attention skills in children with ABI. It will contribute to evaluating the effectiveness of attention, memory, and sensory integration skills, and aiding in the development of more effective educational strategies for these children.

Interaction of sensory processing and balance in adult cochlear implant users.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensory processing skills, quality of life and balance performance in adult cochlear implant users. A sample of 40 individuals was studied in two groups; 20 normal hearing individuals (37.84 ± 15.39 years old) and 20 cochlear implant users (35.58 ± 11.22 year old). Balance performance was assessed by Computerized Dynamic Posturography. The Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile completed by the individual was used to assess sensory processing skills. Finally, quality of life was assessed with the Short Form-36. Among the different sensory processing parameters in the adolescent/adult sensory profile, a significant difference was found between the two groups in the parameters of low registration, sensory sensitivity and sensory avoidance (p < .05). Visual, vestibular and composite scores were found to be lower in cochlear implant users by Computerised Dynamic Posturography assessment (p < .05). When assessing quality of life, emotional well-being and social functioning parameters were found to be lower in cochlear implant users (p < .05). Factors such as the inability to reach sufficient auditory stimuli due to hearing loss and the occurrence of vestibular problems after cochlear implant surgery limit the quantity and quality of sensory stimuli from the environment. Individuals with cochlear implants may prefer to live isolated from society because they cannot adequately process incoming sensory stimuli due to hearing/balance problems, and this may negatively affect the quality of life of individuals. Our findings revealed the necessity of multisensory assessment and therapy protocols when rehabilitating individuals with cochlear implants.

The Impact of Screen Exposure on Screen Addiction and Sensory Processing in Typically Developing Children Aged 6-10 Years.

As technology continues to develop, children are spending more time in front of screens, which can lead to significant problems. For children aged 5 years and above, screen time of 2 or more hours per day on average is considered problematic. This study aimed to investigate the impact of screen exposure on screen addiction and sensory processing in typically developing children aged 6-10 years. The study analyzed 74 children who had a screen exposure time of 2 h or more and 71 children who had a screen exposure time of less than 2 h. The Dunn Sensory Profile was used to evaluate sensory processing skills, and the Problematic Media Use Scale was used to measure screen addiction. The group with high screen exposure showed statistically significant differences in screen addiction, distraction, and sedentary factors (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in other parameters. Based on these findings, it has been determined that excessive screen exposure leads to a more sedentary lifestyle, increased screen addiction, and distraction in typically developing children aged 6-10 years. It is important to consider the duration of screen exposure in typically developing children aged 6-10 years and to conduct further studies on this topic.

The relationship between home environment affordances and motor development and sensory processing skills in premature infants

The availability of stimulating materials in the home environment is of great importance to optimizing an infant's development. This study, which has a cross-sectional study design, was conducted to examine the relationship between home environment conditions and equipment support and the motor development and sensory processing skills of premature infants. Children born premature, aged 10–16 months, were included in the study. Motor development was evaluated with the Peabody Motor Development Scale-2, and sensory processing skills were evaluated with the Test of Sensory Function in Infants. The Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development-Infant Scale was used to evaluate the home environment. A total of 51 premature infants were included in the study. It was determined that there was a significant relationship between physical space, stimulus variety and fine motor toys in the home environment and Peabody Motor Development Scale-2 gross motor and fine motor development scores. It was also shown that there was a relationship between the tactile and total scores of the Test of Sensory Function in Infants Scale and the variety of stimuli in the home environment and gross motor toy scores. These findings show that the opportunities provided in the home environment of premature infants may be related to their motor development and sensory processing skills. Consequently, the home environment may be associated with experiencing movements and sensory experiences.

Investigation of the Relationship between Sensory-Processing Skills and Motor Functions in Children with Cerebral Palsy.

The main purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between sensory-processing skills and gross motor functions, bimanual motor functions, and balance in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A total of 47 patients between the ages of 3 and 10, diagnosed with CP, who received or applied for treatment in our physical therapy and rehabilitation unit were included in the study. Sensory profiling (SP), assisting hand assessment (AHA), the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66), and the Pediatric Berg Balance Scale (PBBS) were used in the evaluation of the children with CP who participated in the study. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was used to classify the children based on functional abilities and limitations, and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) was used to classify the children based on manual dexterity. The SP parameters were compared with AHA, GMFM-66, and PBBS results, and with GMFCS and MACS levels. Statistically significant relationships were found between AHA and SP, PBBS, and SP and between GMFM-66 and SP (p < 0.05). Our study shows that there are some disorders in sensory processing in children with CP. We think that sensory evaluations should be included in the CP rehabilitation program.

An investigation of motor development and sensory processing skills in infants with a history of hyperbilirubinemia

BackgroundHyperbilirubinemia is a clinical picture frequently occurring in the neonatal period and may negatively affect the development of infants. AimsTo evaluate term infants with hyperbilirubinemia in terms of both motor development and sensory processing skills and to compare them with their healthy peers without hyperbilirubinemia. Study designA cross-sectional study. SubjectsChildren born at term, aged 10–18 months, with and without a history of hyperbilirubinemia were included in the study. Outcome measuresAfter demographic information was recorded, motor development was evaluated with the Peabody Motor Development Scale-2 and sensory processing skills were evaluated with the Test of Sensory Function in Infant. ResultsA total of 42 children (mean ± SD age of the children 13.07 ± 1.47 months, 22 with hyperbilirubinemia and 20 without hyperbilirubinemia) were included in the study. A statistically significant difference was found in the gross motor (p = 0.02), fine motor (p = 0.03), and total motor (p = 0.017) development scores of the Peabody Motor Development Scale-2 and in the adaptive motor functions (p = 0.004), visual tactile integration (p < 0.001), and total scores (p = 0.004) of The Test of Sensory Function in Infant in favor of the control group. ConclusionsThe motor and sensory processing skills of children born at term with hyperbilirubinemia may be negatively affected. Infants with hyperbilirubinemia should be evaluated from the early period not only in terms of motor but also sensory processing skills and should be supported with appropriate intervention programs.

Examining the Sensory Processing Skills and Occupational Performance of People with Multiple Sclerosis

This study aimed to compare sensory processing skills and occupational performance between participants with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls. Eighty participants were enrolled in this study, 40 with multiple sclerosis and 40 with healthy controls. Participants were between 18 and 65 years of age and asked to complete the Adult Sensory Profile, and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. The findings of the study revealed that participants with multiple sclerosis had a lower ability to register sensory input, a higher sensory sensitivity, and avoidance, as well as lower levels of performance and satisfaction in their daily occupations, compared to the healthy controls (p < 0.05). People with multiple sclerosis often experience difficulties with sensory processing and occupational performance in daily life. More research and practice are needed on the role of sensory processing and occupational performance in daily life in people with multiple sclerosis.

Relationship between Sensory Processing Skills and Feeding Behaviors in Children Aged 3-6 Years with Cerebral Palsy with Cerebral Visual Impairment.

The current study aimed to examine the relationship between sensory processing skills and feeding behavior in cerebral palsy (CP) children aged 3-6 years with cerebral visual impairment (CVI). A total of ninety mothers participated in the study in three groups: thirty mothers of children with CP with CVI, thirty mothers of children with CP without CVI, and thirty mothers of children with typical development (TD). The sensory processing skill of the children was evaluated with the Sensory Profile (SP), and feeding behavior was evaluated with the the Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS). In the triple comparison, a significant difference was found between the groups in all SP parameter and BPFAS scores (p < 0.001). Post hoc analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the groups in all parameters (p < 0.001). Feeding problems were detected in 65% of all groups. In the correlation analysis, a significant relationship was found between all parameters of the SP and the BPFAS (p < 0.05). In terms of sensory processing skills and feeding status, it was determined that children with CVI with CP had more problems than children with CP without CVI, and children with CP without CVI had more problems than children with TD. With these results, it was concluded that sensory processing problems affect feeding status, and visual impairment causes both sensory problems and feeding problems.

Sensory profiles of children using cochlear implant and auditory brainstem implant

• Inattention/distraction was found to be high in children using ABI. • Sensory processing skills of children using auditory implants should be supported. • In addition to hearing loss, amplification devices used in individuals with hearing loss also affect sensory processing skills.

The Relationship Between Attention, Sensory Processing, and Social Responsiveness Among Adults on the Autism Spectrum.

This study evaluated attention, sensory processing, and social responsiveness and the relationship between these constructs among autistic and neurotypical adults. Participants included 24 autistic adults (17-30years) and 24 neurotypical peers who completed the Test of Everyday Attention, Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), and the Social Responsiveness Scale-2. Autistic individuals showed greater attention, sensory processing, and social responsiveness challenges compared to neurotypical peers. Using mediation models, we showed that the relationship between attention and social responsiveness was mediated by sensory processing, specifically the low registration and sensation-seeking AASP quadrants. The relationship between attention, sensory processing, and social responsiveness suggests that adults with greater attention issues may have greater sensory and social challenges. Specifically, having poor attention may lead to poor sensory processing skills which compound poor social responsiveness. Understanding the relationships between these domains is critical for developing effective interventions and support for autistic adults.

Optimizing Sensory Loads Using a Sensory Processing Skills Therapy among Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Introduction Sensory integration therapy can improve language skills, attention, and social interactions in children with ASD. However, it is also important to note that research in this field is ongoing and more studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of these therapies. The present study is aimed to identify the effects of occupational therapy-based sensory processing skill therapies in improving the autism severity and QoL among ASD children. Methodology The intervention was performed for 12-weeks, 6 sessions per week, each session based on 60 minutes of duration. The treatment protocol comprised four sensory processing skills in which Each child was trained on every skill for 15 minutes, making a total of 60 minutes of duration for a single session. Results Significant improvements in CARS, CGAS and PedsQL (p&lt;0.001) were observed after 12-weeks of intervention. Conclusion Sensory processing skills therapies are a practical treatment approach in optimizing sensory load among ASD children. Keywords Art therapies, Autism, Quality of life, Sensory integration

A comparison of the sensory processing skills of children (6-10 years old) with autism and those that are typically developing as assessed by a short sensory profile in Harare, Zimbabwe

Background: Sensory processing is a key component in the development of children. We sought to compare the sensory processing problems experienced by children (6-10 years) with and without autism in Harare, Zimbabwe.&#x0D; Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional study was done at public hospitals, non-profit organisations and urban public primary schools. Sensory processing abilities of children were assessed using the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) and compared between those with autism and those without, using Multivariate Analysis Of Variance (MANOVA). Ethical approval was granted and participants were voluntary.&#x0D; Results: Seventy-four primary caregivers and their children participated in the study (40 for typically developing and 34 for those with autism). The overall mean age of the children was 8.1 years (SD 1.2), children with autism were older (mean 8.2 years SD 1.2) but not attending school. Those without autism were purposively matched for gender while there were more males (61.8%) than females among children with autism. Over 95% of children without Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) were rated as displaying normal sensory processing skills in all domains except for movement sensitivity where a quarter did not display typical performance. This was in contrast to less than half of children with ASD who displayed normal sensory processing domains. The only exception was visual/auditory acuity in 70.6% of children with ASD displayed normal sensory processing skills. There was a statistically significant difference in sensory processing skills between children with and without ASD in all domains (p=&lt;0.01) with those with ASD displaying poorer performance.&#x0D; Conclusion: Children with autism performed poorer than their typically developing peers on the SSP. The areas in which these children experience greatest impairment need to be targeted in interventions and caregivers should be equipped to address some of these problems.

The Effectiveness of Sensory Integration Interventions on Motor and Sensory Functions in Infants with Cortical Vision Impairment and Cerebral Palsy: A Single Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Cortical vision impairment (CVI) and Cerebral Palsy (CP) lead to decrement in sensory and motor functions of infants. The current study examined the effectiveness of sensory integration interventions on sensory, motor, and oculomotor skills in infants with cortical vision impairment. Thirty-four infants with and CP aged 12–18 months were enrolled to the study. The infants were randomly divided into two groups as the control and intervention groups. The intervention group took sensory integration intervention 2 days a week for 8 weeks in addition to conventional physiotherapy 2 days a week for 8 weeks. The control group only received the conventional physiotherapy program 2 days a week for 8 weeks. The duration of the treatment sessions were 45 min for both interventions. Before and after the intervention, sensory processing functions were evaluated with the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants (TSFI), and motor functions were evaluated with the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). There was a statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-test mean TSFI total and AIMS scores in the intervention group and control group (p < 0.001). The intervention group mean TSFI scores were more statistically significant than the those of the control group. Mean post-intervention AIMS scores did not differ between groups. Sensory integration intervention delivered with the conventional physiotherapy program was more effective than the conventional physiotherapy program in increasing sensory processing skills in one measure in infants with CVI and CP.

Comparing Sensory Processing and Perceived Motor Competence Between Three Groups of Students with Special Learning Disabilities

Introduction: Identifying the contributing factors to a specific learning disorder and comparing these factors in different types of this disorder will lead to using more proper interventions in the future. Therefore, this study aimed to compare sensory processing skills and perceived motor competence between three groups of students with specific learning disabilities (reading and writing disorders, math disorders, and combination disorders).&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study. The participants were 48 children (16 in each group, aged 8-12 years). They were selected from Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran, by the simple convenience sampling method. The participants’ sensory processing was measured with sensory profile 2 and their perceived motor competency with Marsh perceived motor competence questionnaire.&#x0D; Results: The results showed a significant difference between the three groups in the sensory sensitivity, low registration sensory patterns and processing of tactile, and body position senses (P &lt;0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between groups in other components of sensory processing and perceived motor competence (P&gt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The results indicate that therapeutic interventions in the group with reading and writing disorders should focus on increasing sensory registration and processing of tactile and body position senses and reducing sensory sensitivity in the mathematical group.

Sensory processing and adaptive behavior in Phelan-McDermid syndrome: a cross-sectional study

Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation or deletion of the SHANK3 gene (chromosome 22q13.3), characterized by different sensory processing anomalies. The objective of this study is to expand and provide a detailed definition of the sensory profile of patients with PMS. The secondary objective was to examine the relationship between sensory patterns and adaptive behavior. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 51 Spanish patients with a confirmed genetic diagnosis of PMS. All the participants’ parents completed the Short Sensory Profile-Spanish (SSP-S) and the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System II (ABAS-II). Correlational, multiple regression and hierarchical cluster analyses were performed. An atypical sensory profile was identified in almost 75% of PMS patients. Definite differences were found among scores; nonetheless, sub-threshold values were observed in tactile sensitivity, underresponsive/seeks sensation, auditory filtering, and low energy/weak sensory categories. Conceptual, social, and practical domains, as well as the General Adaptive Composite (GAC) of the ABAS-II showed extremely low scores (i.e., <70). Significant correlations were found (p<0.005) between SSP-S scores and the conceptual, social, practical, and GAC index of the ABAS-II, whereby higher SSP-S scores were associated with better skills and higher adaptive performance. The cluster analysis indicated that the group with the largest mutation size (7.23 Mb) showed the greatest sensory processing difficulties and very low adaptive skills.Conclusions: Patients with PMS show an atypical sensory profile, which correlates with limitations in general adaptive behaviors.What is Known:• PMS sensory processing difficulties were associated with a pattern of underresponsive/seeks sensation, low energy/weak, and tactilehyporeactivity.• Sensory processing difficulties have been associated with limitations in the development of appropriate adaptive communication andinteraction behaviors.What is New:• Sensory definite differences associated with tactile hyperreactivity, as well as significant effects of underresponsiveness/seeks sensation and auditory filtering categories on the adaptive abilities were found in SHANK3deletionpatients.• Cluster analysis suggests that smaller mutation sizes were related to better sensory processing and higher adaptive skills, while patients with larger deletion sizes have greater adaptive difficulties and worse sensory processing skills.

Sensory Integration Based Program Developed According to the Model of Creative Ability in an Individual with Schizophrenia: An Occupational Therapy Case Report

Schizophrenia is a serious brain disease that causes individuals to be unable to distinguish between real and unreal phenomena, preventing healthy thought flow, emotion control and normal behavior. Symptoms of schizophrenia that begin at an early age are accompanied by positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive symptoms. Understanding the neurological processes accompanying clinical symptoms in schizophrenia is of great importance in terms of defining, researching, and improving mental health disorders The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of a sensory-based occupational therapy intervention developed according to the Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability on the clinical symptoms and sensory processing skills of an individual with schizophrenia. Creative ability level was evaluated with Model of Creative Ability, positive and negative symptoms as clinical symptoms were evaluated with Positive and Negative Symptom Scale, and cognitive symptoms as other clinical symptoms were evaluated with Mini Mental State Exemination, and sensory processing process were evaluated with Adolesan/ Adult Sensory Profile. Evaluations were applied twice, before and after the intervention. According to the results of the research, it was observed that the 8-week occupational therapy intervention applied to the patient with schizophrenia reduced clinical symptoms and improved sensory processing skills and creative abilities. This study showed that when an individual with schizophrenia is supported with a developmental occupational therapy program that includes sensory integration-based behaviors and abilities, sensory processing skills, positive and negative symptoms, cognitive symptoms, and creative ability levels improve.