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Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy Using a Sensory Integration Approach: A Multiple-Baseline Design Study
Lauren Andelin1, Stacey Reynolds2, Sarah Schoen3
1Lauren Andelin, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond; akselrodls@vcu.edu.
Summary
Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) therapy improved motor skills and goal achievement in children with sensory processing challenges. This study supports ASI as an effective intervention for enhancing functional performance in this population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Occupational Therapy
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) is a common occupational therapy approach.
- Limited research exists on ASI for children with idiopathic sensory processing challenges without autism.
- Sensory-based motor disorder (SBMD) affects motor coordination and functional performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of ASI in children diagnosed with SBMD.
- To assess ASI's impact on motor coordination and functional performance.
- To provide evidence for ASI in treating idiopathic sensory processing challenges.
Main Methods:
- Nonconcurrent, multiple baseline, single-subject design.
- Outpatient pediatric hospital setting.
- Three boys (ages 5-8) with SBMD received ASI therapy 3x/week for 10 weeks.
- Outcomes included motor probes, Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS), and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Second Edition (BOT-2).
Main Results:
- All participants demonstrated significant improvements in motor probes.
- Statistically significant gains were observed in GAS goals.
- Large effect sizes were noted on the BOT-2, indicating substantial improvements in motor proficiency.
Conclusions:
- ASI therapy appears effective for improving motor performance in children with sensory processing and integration challenges.
- High goal achievement was noted in participants receiving ASI.
- This study supports ASI as a beneficial intervention for enhancing functional performance in children with SBMD.
