Instructor: Felicia Chew, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA
Reference: Cole MB, Tufano R. Applied Theories in Occupational Therapy: A Practical Approach © 2020 SLACK Incorporated.
Sensory Integration (Ayres, 1960’s)
Neurodevelopmental Theory (NDT) (Bobath, 1990)
Sensorimotor Approach (Rood, 1954)
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) (Knott and Voss, 1968)
Movement Therapy (Brunnstrom, 1970)
Sensation impacts lived experiences.
Dysfunctions include:
Hypersensitivity
Tactile defensiveness
Vestibular issues
Postural control challenges
CNS Neuroplasticity: The brain's ability to reorganize itself.
Staged Development: Development occurs in stages, with critical milestones.
Integrated Brain Function: The brain works as an integrated whole.
Adaptive Interactions: Engage with environment for sensory integration.
Inner Drive: Motivation to develop skills and behaviors.
Phase 1: Integration of tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive senses (1st year).
Phase 2: Establishing foundations for emotional stability and body perception (2nd year).
Phase 3: Incorporate auditory and visual inputs, purposeful activity (3rd year).
Phase 4: Dominance development through cooperation of brain and body (4-5 years).
Function: Participation in self-directed activities.
Dysfunction: Responses to sensory stimuli—overreaction or underreaction.
Administration Time: ~2 hours for all tests; ~10 min for each test.
Methods: Norm-referenced, clinician-administered.
Subscales Include: Space Visualization, Figure Ground Perception, etc.
Requires specialist training in sensory integration.
Focus Areas:
Play
Equipment group dynamics
Sensory environments.
Emphasizes reflex modification in normal development.
Addresses dysfunction from CVA or brain damage.
Developmental Recovery Sequence: Progress from flaccidity to voluntary movements.
Balanced movement between antagonistic muscles.
Movement Progressions: Cephalocaudal, proximodistal.
Incorporation of natural movement patterns and goal-directed activities.
Initially for motor control issues (CP, etc.).
Movement emerges from subcortical reflex patterns.
Sensory stimulation impacts motor responses—either facilitory or inhibitory.
Importance of repetition in learning.
Objective: Restore skilled voluntary movements in individuals.
Focus on normal growth, motor milestones, and reflex hierarchies.
Recognizes various reflex types: primitive, righting, protective.
Motor control development is hierarchical:
Cephalocaudal,
Proximal to distal,
Gross to fine.
Children internalize movement sensations.
Stability must precede mobility.
Treatment should be functionally oriented and integrative.
Evaluation and treatment are dynamic, collaborative processes.
Acknowledges the holistic nature of therapy and interdisciplinary cooperation.
Functional motor control: Ability to perform voluntary skilled movements.
Dysfunctions include:
Lack of postural control,
Abnormal tone,
Sensory disturbances.
Change facilitated through techniques:
Handling,
Inhibition and facilitation.
Reflex-inhibiting patterns (RIPs).
Evaluation methods:
Observational assessment,
Collaborative goal setting.
Interventions focus on:
Functional movement practice,
Utilization of occupations as means and ends.
Reference: Cole chapter 21.
Integrated from various disciplines:
Psychology, neurology, behavioral sciences.
Focus on task performance as central to learning.
Aimed at a wide range of health conditions.
Emphasizes client-chosen meaningful tasks.
Grounded in:
Nonlinear science,
Neuroplasticity,
Social cognitive theory.
Associative Learning: Procedural and declarative forms.
Nonassociative Learning: Habituation and sensitization principles.
Continuum from function to dysfunction includes:
Cognitive, fixation, and autonomous stages.
Learning through trial and error.
Importance of social and occupational motivators.
Holistic approach in evaluation and intervention:
Remediation,
Adaptation,
Compensation.
Aimed at normalizing muscle tone.
Use of dynamic reaching and forearm patterns.
Effective for stroke survivors.
Involves forced use of the affected limb with intense practice.
Targets children with motor-based learning challenges.
Focuses on skill acquisition, strategy use, and generalization.
Based on cognitive and behavioral theories; examines cognitive development levels.
Includes:
Operant and classical conditioning,
Learning as a process of behavior change focused on observable behaviors.
Focus on:
Thinking influences behavior,
Behavior change via structured learning,
Populations served: Developmental disorders, neuro diseases, mental illnesses.
Evaluates cognitive abilities, social interaction skills, motivation, and stress management capabilities.
Use of records, interviews, stress tests, and scales for analysis of cognition and behavior.
Ongoing change linked to beliefs; useful with self-aware clients.
Focused on psychoeducational and life skills groups, addressing self-regulation and critical thinking.
Involves wellness, prevention, and social participation.
Human agency, intentionality, and self-efficacy are central.
Emphasizes self-awareness and ability to manage health and achieve goals.
Explores the Transtheoretical Stages of Change (Precontemplation through Maintenance).
Informal behavioral analysis and creative media assessments.
Enhances self-identity and life goals through various therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.