Coming Soon! Sensory Integration Courses

The recognition, organization, and interpretation of information from our sensory systems is known as sensory processing. Individuals with sensory processing disorder may therefore be overly or under responsive to sensations. For example, sensations that are typically not noticed by most of us, such as a light touch on the arm, may be extremely bothersome to an individual with the over-responsive type of sensory processing disorder; conversely sensations that we normally orient to, such as our name being called, may not be recognized by individuals with the under-responsive type of sensory processing disorder.

This abnormal responsiveness to sensations often interferes with functional behaviors, social interaction and learning activities, and thus, occupational therapists work with these individual's to help them function more competently. To help individuals with sensory processing disorders, it is necessary to understand both its neural basis and its impact on behavior, and our program of research addresses both aspects. The knowledge generated from our ongoing studies will provide a basis for developing and testing the effectiveness of occupational therapy intervention strategies aimed at reducing abnormal sensory responsiveness and improving functional & relational behaviors.

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Upcoming Graduate Student Research

Kripalu Yoga Study:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Kripalu yoga on adults with sensory defensiveness. Sensory defensiveness is a larger reaction to and less tolerance of typical levels of sound, touch, smell, lights, and movement in the environment that most others would find harmless. This study examines whether participating in Kripalu yoga a minimum of six times with a certified instructor is effective in decreasing sensory defensiveness in adults. These adults may experience negative outcomes when participating in chosen occupations.

Studies have shown that yoga reduces autonomic nervous system tone, provides proprioceptive input, and engages the relaxation response through the neuromuscular and limbic systems. Proprioceptive activities may enhance self-regulation, decrease sensory defensiveness, and improve body awareness. Participation in yoga provides a substantial amount of proprioceptive input and, therefore, it is hypothesized that participation in yoga will help decrease sensory defensiveness and improve participation in social activities. Possible direct benefits to the subjects may include identification of atypical sensory sensitivity; a greater understanding of self-management techniques that reduce sensory reactivity and anxiety; and better engagement in daily occupations, routines, and perceived roles with resultant successful outcomes.

The specific aims of this study are to:

• understand how sensory defensiveness can impact social participation;
  
• understand the role of yoga in decreasing sensory defensiveness; and
  
• determine if Kripalu Yoga is an effective intervention for decreasing sensory reactivity and improving participation for adults with sensory defensiveness.

In order to participate in this study you:

• must be over 21 years of age;
  
• must have no medical complications (ie: history of heart problems or seizures);
  
• must not be taking medications that affect cardiac or sweat gland activity (ie, beta blockers to treat high blood pressure, SSRI anti-depressants, ADHD medications, some anti-anxiety medications, or Ditropan); and
  
• must not be pregnant.

Participants will be asked to:

• participate in a non-invasive laboratory procedure called the Sensory Challenge Protocol, which measures heart rate and sweat gland responses to sensory stimulation of sound, touch, light, and movement;
  
• fill out a demographics form;
  
• fill out the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile; and
  
• fill out the State Trait Anxiety Inventory.

Research Questions:

• Is participation in Kripalu Yoga 3 times per week under the supervision of a trained yoga instructor/Occupational Therapy student an effective Occupational Therapy intervention to decrease sensory defensiveness, decrease anxiety, and enhance social participation?
  
• Does cardiac vagal tone as a measure of improved self-regulation in response to stimuli increase (increase = good response) in individuals with sensory defensiveness after participation in a Kripalu Yoga intervention?

References:

Blanche, E. & Schaaf, R. (2001). Proprioception: A cornerstone of sensory integrative intervention. In Roley, S., Blanche, E., & Schaaf, R. (Eds). Understanding the Nature of Sensory Integration With Diverse Populations. San Antonio, TX: The Psychological Corporation.

Faulds, R. (2006). Kripalu Yoga: A Guide to Practice On and Off the Mat. Bantam Dell: A Division of Random House, Inc. New York, NY.

Kinnealey, M., & Fuiek, M. (1999). The relationship between sensory defensiveness, anxiety, depression, and perception of pain in adults. Occupational Therapy International, 6(3), 195-206.

Pfeiffer, B. & Kinnealey, M. (2003.) Treatment of sensory defensiveness in adults. Occupational Therapy International, 10(3), 175-184.

Riley, D. (2004). Hatha yoga and the treatment of illness. Alternative Therapies 10(2), 20-21.