Effectiveness of sensory integration therapy in children, focusing on Korean children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Seri Oh; Jong-Sik Jang; A-Ra Jeon; Geonwoo Kim; Mihwa Kwon; Bahoe Cho; Narae Lee

doi:10.12998/wjcc.v12.i7.1260

Effectiveness of sensory integration therapy in children, focusing on Korean children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

World J Clin Cases. 2024 Mar 6;12(7):1260-1271. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i7.1260.

Authors

Seri Oh¹, Jong-Sik Jang², A-Ra Jeon³, Geonwoo Kim¹, Mihwa Kwon⁴, Bahoe Cho⁵, Narae Lee⁶

Affiliations

¹ Department of Occupational Therapy, Kangwon National University Graduate School, Samcheok 25949, South Korea.
² Department of Occupational Therapy, Kangwon National University, Samcheok 25949, South Korea.
³ Department of Occupational Therapy, Ju-Ju Children Development Center, Nonsan-si 32985, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea.
⁴ Department of Occupation Therapy, Suwon Women's University, Gyeonggi-do 16632, South Korea.
⁵ Hijam Center for Development of Children, Ochang 28117, South Korea.
⁶ Department of Occupational Therapy, U1 University, Chung-cheong bukdo 25949, South Korea. nereis1004@gmail.com.

Abstract

Background: Sensory integration intervention is highly related to the child's effective interaction with the environment and the child's development. Currently, various sensory integration interventions are being applied, but research methodological problems are arising due to unsystematic protocols. This study aims to present the optimal intervention protocol by presenting scientific standards for sensory integration intervention through meta-analysis.

Aim: To prove the effectiveness of sensory integration therapy, examine the latest trend of sensory integration studies in Korea, and provide clinical evidence for sensory integration therapies.

Methods: The database of Korean search engines, including RISS, KISS, and DBpia, was used to search for related literature published from 2001 to October 2020. The keywords, "Children", "Sensory integration", "Integrated sensory", "Sensory-motor", and "Sensory stimulation" were used in this search. Then, a meta-analysis was conducted on 24 selected studiesRISS, KISS, and DBpia, was used to search for related literature published from 2001 to October 2020. The keywords, "Children", "Sensory integration", "Integrated sensory", "Sensory-motor", and "Sensory stimulation" were used in this search. Then, a meta-analysis was conducted on 24 selected studies.

Results: Sensory integration intervention has been proven effective in children with cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, developmental disorder, and intellectual disability in relation to the diagnosis of children. Regarding sensory integration therapies, 1:1 individual treatment with a therapist or a therapy session lasting for 40 min was most effective. In terms of dependent variables, sensory integration therapy effectively promoted social skills, adaptive behavior, sensory processing, and gross motor and fine motor skills.

Conclusion: The results of this study may be used as therapeutic evidence for sensory integration intervention in the clinical field of occupational therapy for children, and can help to present standards for sensory integration intervention protocols.

Keywords: Children; Meta-analysis; Occupational therapy; Sensory integration; Sensory processing; Social skills.