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Snoezelen: a controlled multi-sensory stimulation therapy for children recovering from severe brain injury
Gillian A Hotz1, Andrea Castelblanco, Isabel M Lara
1DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Ryder Trauma Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA. ghotz@med.miami.edu
Insights
Snoezelen therapy positively impacted children recovering from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Significant improvements were observed in physiological measures, including decreased heart rate and muscle tone, alongside enhanced cognitive function and reduced agitation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pediatric Care
Background:
- Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) presents complex challenges for pediatric recovery.
- Restorative therapies are crucial for improving outcomes in children with TBI.
- Multi-sensory environments offer potential therapeutic benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Snoezelen therapy in children recovering from severe TBI.
- To assess the impact of Snoezelen therapy on physiological, cognitive, and behavioral parameters.
- To explore Snoezelen therapy as a supportive intervention in pediatric TBI rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- An observational study design was employed.
- Fifteen pediatric subjects with severe TBI participated.
- Data collected over 10 Snoezelen therapy sessions included physiological, cognitive, and behavioral measures.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in heart rate (p = 0.032) and muscle tone in affected extremities were observed.
- Agitation levels decreased over the course of therapy.
- Cognitive outcome measures demonstrated significant improvement from pre- to post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Snoezelen therapy shows promise as a beneficial intervention for children recovering from severe TBI.
- Further evidence-based research is needed to solidify its role in this patient population.
- Multi-sensory environments warrant continued investigation for pediatric neuro-rehabilitation.
Objective:
To investigate the effects of Snoezelen therapy on physiological, cognitive and behavioural changes in children recovering from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Methods:
An observational study was conducted to assess the physiological, cognitive and behavioural changes of children recovering from severe TBI while receiving Snoezelen therapy. Fifteen subjects completed the pre- and post-Snoezelen treatment measurements computed over 10 consecutive sessions. Physiological, cognitive and behavioural measures were administered. Data was collected prospectively on each session in the Snoezelen room and were analysed by calculating the difference between pre- and post-treatment measurements for each Snoezelen session.
Results:
Results revealed significant changes on physiological measures. Heart rates decreased for each subject in each treatment session and were found to be significant (p = 0.032). Muscle tone was decreased in all the affected extremities (right upper extremity p = 0.009, left upper extremity p = 0.020, right lower extremity p = 0.036 and left lower extremity p = 0.018). Agitation levels decreased over time and the overall cognitive outcome measures showed significant improvement when comparing the beginning of treatment with the end.
Conclusion:
This study revealed a beneficial use of Snoezelen therapy with children recovering from severe brain injury. However, there continues to be a critical need for evidenced-based research for this patient population and others in this multi-sensory environment.
