Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy Using a Sensory Integration Approach: A Multiple-Baseline Design Study

Abstract

Importance: Occupational therapy using an Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) approach is a common intervention that has not been extensively studied in children with idiopathic sensory processing and integration challenges (e.g., without a diagnosis of autism). Objective: To test the effectiveness of ASI using measures related to motor coordination and functional performance in children with a sensory-based motor disorder (SBMD). Design: Nonconcurrent, multiple baseline, single subject. Setting: Outpatient clinic that was part of a children’s hospital in an urban setting. Participants: Three boys (ages 5–8 yr) with an SBMD. Intervention: Each participant received ASI 3 times per week for 10 wk. Outcomes and Measures: Three motor probes were measured weekly. Pre- and posttest assessments included goal attainment scaling (GAS) and the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency–Second Edition (BOT–2). Results: All 3 participants showed improvements in motor probes during the intervention period on the basis of a 2 SD band method of analysis. Statistically significant improvements were noted across GAS goals, and positive changes were found on the BOT–2, with large effect sizes. Conclusions and Relevance: Findings suggest improved motor performance and high goal achievement using ASI for children with idiopathic sensory processing and integration challenges. What This Article Adds: This study adds to a body of literature suggesting that ASI is effective in increasing functional performance in children with sensory processing and integration challenges. Future studies using multiple baseline designs are feasible in the clinic setting and can help build the evidence base for ASI.