Sensory 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.

Sensory augmentation for a rapid motor task in a multisensory environment.

Sensory substitution and augmentation systems (SSASy) seek to either replace or enhance existing sensory skills by providing a new route to access information about the world. Tests of such systems have largely been limited to untimed, unisensory tasks. To test the use of a SSASy for rapid, ballistic motor actions in a multisensory environment. Participants played a stripped-down version of air hockey in virtual reality with motion controls (Oculus Touch). They were trained to use a simple SASSy (novel audio cue) for the puck's location. They were tested on ability to strike an oncoming puck with the SASSy, degraded vision, or both. Participants coordinated vision and the SSASy to strike the target with their hand more consistently than with the best single cue alone, t(13) = 9.16, p <.001, Cohen's d = 2.448. People can adapt flexibly to using a SSASy in tasks that require tightly timed, precise, and rapid body movements. SSASys can augment and coordinate with existing sensorimotor skills rather than being limited to replacement use cases - in particular, there is potential scope for treating moderate vision loss. These findings point to the potential for augmenting human abilities, not only for static perceptual judgments, but in rapid and demanding perceptual-motor tasks.

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.

Evaluating the Benefits of Occupational Therapy in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Using the Autism Behavior Checklist.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder typically manifesting before the age of three years, characterized by significant impairments in social interaction and communication, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of interests and activities. In our study, we assessed the benefits of sensory integration therapy in children with ASDusing the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), focusing on improvements in sensory processing, relationship-building, language skills, and social and self-care abilities. The study was conducted with 40 children aged three to nine years, diagnosed with ASD, and whose parents provided consent for their participation in therapy between December 2022 and March 2023 at the Private Adana Metro Hospital Child Psychiatry Clinic. The ages and genders of the patients were recorded. Before occupational therapy, after five sessions of occupational therapy, and after 10 sessions of occupational therapy, the ABC test was administered under the supervision of a child psychiatrist and an occupational therapist. The results were recorded, and statistical analyses were performed. In the ABC test conducted after 10 sessions, a decreasing trend was observed in sensory, relationship-building, body and object usage, language skills, social and self-care, and total scale scores compared to pre-occupational therapy test scores (p < 0.000). Occupational therapy improves sensory skills, relationship-building skills, body and object usage abilities, language skills, and social and self-care skills.

Interventions to Improve Sensory Tactile, Auditory, and Visual Down Syndrome Children by Families

Various interventions aimed at addressing sensory challenges are available for Down Syndrome children, but interventions made based on the results of sensory intervention are exciting challenges to research. This study aims to determine the improvement of sensory abilities through stimuli designed based on the results of sensory. This study used a pre-post quantitative method that measured the sensory skills of Down syndrome children. The study was conducted on 8 participants of Down Syndrome children for 12 months. Data analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank test obtained an Asymp value. Sig. (2-tailed) or p-value &lt; 0.05 so that the conclusion is rejected H0 or sufficient evidence that the pretest and post-test sensory development values are different and Asymp values are obtained. The application of examination-based sensory interventions reportedly provided significant improvements in sensory skills in 8 Down Syndrome children after receiving based interventions by following procedures and validated interventions in the form of guidance for parents for 12 months of routine home interventions.

Utilising Behavioural and Sensory Profiles and Associated Perinatal Factors to Identify Meaningful Subgroups in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) clinically and aetiologically hinders intervention matching and prediction of outcomes. This study investigated if the behavioural, sensory, and perinatal factor profiles of autistic children could be used to identify distinct subgroups. Participants on the autism spectrum aged 2 to 17 years and their families were sourced via the Australian Autism Biobank (AAB). Latent class analysis was used to identify subgroups within this cohort, utilising twenty-six latent variables representing child's behavioural and sensory features and perinatal factors. Four distinct subgroups within the sample (n = 1168) distinguished by sensory and behavioural autism traits and exposure to perinatal determinants were identified. Class 2 and Class 4, which displayed the greatest behavioural and sensory impairment respectively, were associated with the highest perinatal factor exposure. Class 1, labelled "Most behavioural concerns and moderate sensory and behavioural skills concerns" had mixed exposure to perinatal determinants while Class 3, named "Least sensory and behavioural skills concerns" had the least perinatal determinant exposure, indicating a directly proportional correlation between severity of clinical features and perinatal factor exposure. Additionally, association between specific exposures such as maternal mental illness in Class 1 and significant behavioural concerns was recognised. Identifying distinct subgroups among autistic children can lead to development of targeted interventions and supports. Close monitoring of children exposed to specific perinatal determinants for developmental differences could assist early intervention and supports.

ДЕТСКОЕ ИГРОВОЕ ПРОСТРАНСТВО В СТРУКТУРЕ СОВРЕМЕННОГО МУЗЕЯ

The article identifies new trends in the design of play spaces in the structure of museums of various profiles, created for spending time and ensuring the cognitive process of children: acquaintance with history, regional characteristics and familiarization with culture. The emphasis in the study is on playgrounds aimed at developing children's sensory play activities, tactile sensations and skills. Play objects and areas for children designed in museum spaces and during exhibitions are analyzed. The following museum formats of game scenarios have been identified: archaeological, construction, sound, spatial, plot, adventure, solitary. Each of them differs in the types of activities taking place on the sites and the activity of the gameplay.

Techniques for Designing Puzzle Shapes and their Role in Children’s Learning

This research aims to study designing puzzle shapes techniques and their use in teaching children. Puzzle games contribute to developing cognitive, sensory, and motor skills that require concentration and logical thinking, which can be effective in stimulating learning in children and developing their mental skills. The design idea was studied in terms of simplicity, complexity, types of traditional and digital puzzle games, and their use. Structural elements in design, such as drawings, shapes, and typographic elements, according to the Gestalt theory in designing puzzle shapes that aim to teach children, and verifying their effectiveness in stimulating their learning. This study also included an analysis of some of the techniques used in designing puzzle shapes and some mechanisms and theories of learning through games.

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.

Relationship between sensory processing patterns and gross motor function of children and adolescents with Down syndrome and typical development: a cross-sectional study.

Children and adolescents with Down syndrome (DS) may experience impairments in sensory and motor skills that can be interrelated. The purposes of this study were (i) to compare the sensory processing patterns and gross motor function between children and adolescents with DS and with typical development (TD) and (ii) to explore associations between these areas in both DS and TD groups. This cross-sectional study involved a sample size of 25 participants with DS (mean age 10.24±2.04years) and 25 participants with TD (mean age 10.04±2.82years). The sensory processing patterns were assessed using the Sensory Profile Second Version questionnaire, and the gross motor function was measured with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) dimensions (D) standing, and (E) walking, running, and jumping. Differences between groups were tested using the Mann-Whitney test, and the relationship between the variables was examined using Spearman's correlation tests, with a significance level set at 5%. Children with DS showed greater difficulties with sensory processing than TD children in Seeker (P<0.001), Avoider (P<0.001), Sensitivity (P<0.001), Registration (P<0.001), Auditory (P<0.001), Touch (P=0.001), Movements (P=0.001), Oral (P=0.028), Conduct (P=0.005), Socioemotional (P<0.001), and Attentional (P<0.001) domains. Additionally, children with DS presented lower gross motor function than TD in GMFM-88, standing (P<0.001) and walking, running, and jumping (P<0.001). Correlations were found between greater difficulties with sensory processing in Touch and lower gross motor function in walking, running, and jumping for the DS group. Our results suggest there are more difficulties in sensory processing patterns and gross motor function in children with DS than in TD. Also, there is a single association between more difficulties in sensory processing and less well-developed motor function in the DS group. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of all these aspects should be performed in children and adolescents with DS, along with the provision of relevant interventions addressing specific needs.

Leveraging Coffee Waste for Social Impact: A Sustainable Toolkit for Enhancing Sensory Skills and Therapeutic Exercises in Educational and Therapeutic Settings

In an era of increasing focus on sensory development, mental well-being, and sustainability, we present herein a Coffee-Infused Soap-Making Toolkit as an innovative solution to the intersecting challenges born out of these factors. This study aims to develop and assess a novel toolkit designed to integrate sensory stimulation with therapeutic hand exercises while promoting sustainable practices. The problem addressed is a gap in the literature regarding educational and therapeutic tools that are effective and eco-friendly, which simultaneously support sensory and cognitive development. The research employs a descriptive design which is intended to be carried out with a sample of 100 participants, including children with sensory processing issues, older adults with motor function decline, and educators. Data collection will involve both quantitative and qualitative methods, utilizing surveys, structured interviews, and observational data to evaluate the toolkit’s impact on sensory engagement, motor function improvement, and overall well-being. Statistical and thematic analyses will be applied to interpret the data. The aim of this intended research is to determine whether the Coffee-Infused Soap-Making Toolkit, which aligns with sustainable practices by incorporating eco-friendly materials, effectively enhances sensory skills and motor functions by leveraging the tactile and olfactory benefits of coffee grounds, as well as its effectiveness in supporting therapeutic hand exercises. This study underscores the potential of integrating sensory enrichment with sustainability in educational and therapeutic settings, offering practical implications for educators and therapists. The toolkit is not only designed to foster cognitive and motor development, but also exemplifies how environmental responsibility can be embedded into therapeutic interventions. Future research should focus on empirical validation across diverse populations and explore the broader implications of sustainable practices in therapeutic tools.

The Effect of Applied Behavior Analysis (Discrete Trial Training) in Improving Sensory Skills in Mentessori Approach for Children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

The Effect of Applied Behavior Analysis (Discrete Trial Training) in Improving Sensory Skills in Mentessori Approach for Children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Effect of non-invasive brain stimulation in children with acquired brain injury-a scoping review.

Children and young people (CYP) with acquired brain injury (ABI) require early and effective neurorehabilitation to improve long-term functional outcomes. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), have been used to improve motor and sensory skills for children with cerebral palsy. However, there is limited evidence supporting its use in CYP with ABI. To systematically review the TMS and tDCS intervention effects on motor, sensory and other functional issues in CYP with ABI as reported in the literature. A comprehensive online bibliographic databases search was performed in various databases using keywords related to NIBS and CYP with ABI. Studies that examine the effect of NIBS intervention on motor function and other functional difficulties either as a primary or secondary objective were included in this review. Fourteen studies (10 single case reports, one retrospective analysis, one case series, one randomised and one quasi-randomised controlled trial) published between 2006 and 2023 were identified. These studies examined the use of NIBS to manage motor disorders, hearing, vision, headaches, speech and language and memory issues. Seventy-six children with mild to severe ABI had received NIBS. The session frequency (3-20), duration (10-45 min) was variable, and NIBS delivered between 3 and 28 days. The literature describing NIBS interventions in CYP with ABI is scarce. An insufficient number of studies, inadequate information reported in them, and small sample sizes limit the ability to conclude how effective NIBS is in improving motor function and other functional issues in this cohort. Further studies are therefore necessary to examine the therapeutic effects of NIBS to manage various functional problems in the CYP with ABI.

IMPROVE THE SENSORY AND MOTOR ABILITIS OF CHILDREN USING EDUCATIONAL GAMES AGE 5-7 YEARS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL 24 RAMBUTAN

This service was carried out at the State Elementary School 24 Rambutan, Durian Gadis Village, Banyuasin district. Data collection techniques using observation, documentation, action, and reflection are used to collect data. The child's learning results and the analysis of the sensory and motor skills of the child in learning with the learning of numbers and letters through the combination of educational learning models and play models are carried out to know the speed of development by observing the child after being given home tasks in accordance with the rules that have been determined. The results showed an improvement in fine motor, auditory, visual, and gross motor skills in which the child’s activity meets the criteria of being highly active and the development of the sensory motor aspects of the child reaches the expected indicators of success. The results of this dedication show that the child's development in the State Elementary School 24 Village Durian Gadis Prefecture district of Banyuasin has been optimal.

Thalamic Foxp2 regulates output connectivity and sensory-motor impairments in a model of Huntington’s Disease

BackgroundHuntington's Disease (HD) is a disorder that affects body movements. Altered glutamatergic innervation of the striatum is a major hallmark of the disease. Approximately 30% of those glutamatergic inputs come from thalamic nuclei. Foxp2 is a transcription factor involved in cell differentiation and reported low in patients with HD. However, the role of the Foxp2 in the thalamus in HD remains unexplored.MethodsWe used two different mouse models of HD, the R6/1 and the HdhQ111 mice, to demonstrate a consistent thalamic Foxp2 reduction in the context of HD. We used in vivo electrophysiological recordings, microdialysis in behaving mice and rabies virus-based monosynaptic tracing to study thalamo-striatal and thalamo-cortical synaptic connectivity in R6/1 mice. Micro-structural synaptic plasticity was also evaluated in the striatum and cortex of R6/1 mice. We over-expressed Foxp2 in the thalamus of R6/1 mice or reduced Foxp2 in the thalamus of wild type mice to evaluate its role in sensory and motor skills deficiencies, as well as thalamo-striatal and thalamo-cortical connectivity in such mouse models.ResultsHere, we demonstrate in a HD mouse model a clear and early thalamo-striatal aberrant connectivity associated with a reduction of thalamic Foxp2 levels. Recovering thalamic Foxp2 levels in the mouse rescued motor coordination and sensory skills concomitant with an amelioration of neuropathological features and with a repair of the structural and functional connectivity through a restoration of neurotransmitter release. In addition, reduction of thalamic Foxp2 levels in wild type mice induced HD-like phenotypes.ConclusionsIn conclusion, we show that a novel identified thalamic Foxp2 dysregulation alters basal ganglia circuits implicated in the pathophysiology of HD.