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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
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Published on: April 22, 2015
Sensory processing and its relevance to occupational performance: a systematic review
Alicia Gibello-Rufo1, Elisa M Garrido-Ardila2, María Jiménez-Palomares2
1Faculty of Nursing and Occupational Therapy at the University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
Background:
Sensory processing allows us to interpret and respond adaptively to internal and external stimuli. Its alteration can cause difficulties in sensory modulation, integration or discrimination, affecting negatively occupational performance, functional participation, well-being, and quality of life. Understanding these alterations is essential for designing personalised interventions that promote autonomy and participation in daily life.
Objectives:
To analyse the relationship between sensory processing and performance.
Methodology:
A systematic review with PROSPERO ID number is CRD420251102155, was conducted following the PRISMA protocol. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, including studies published between 2015 and 2025. Participants with or without a diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions from childhood to old age were considered, as well as interventions that analysed the relationship between sensory processing and occupational performance. Studies with a quantitative, qualitative or mixed approach were considered, with results reflecting the relationship between sensory processing and occupational performance assessed using a standardised or validated tool. Methodological quality was assessed using CASPe and STROBE, depending on the study design.
Results:
Twenty studies were included, with considerable heterogeneity in terms of design, sample, age, and variables. Consistent associations were identified between sensory processing disorders-especially hyperactivity, avoidance, and under-registration-and difficulties in personal autonomy, motor planning, social participation, emotional self-regulation, and psychological well-being.
Conclusion:
Sensory processing is key to understanding occupational performance. Sensory difficulties significantly affect occupational participation and individual functionality. Systematically assessing the sensory processing allows for more effective interventions. The importance of further research using rigorous methodologies, especially in undiagnosed adults and community settings, is highlighted.
Systematic Review Registration:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251102155; Registration number CRD42025110215.
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