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Research Article  |   February 1997
Therapists’ Consistency in Following Their Treatment Plans for Sensory Integrative and Perceptual-Motor Therapy
Thomas W. Humphries; Laurie Snider; Beth McDougall
Author Affiliations
  • Thomas W. Humphries, PhD, is Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, and Adjunct Professor, Department of Applied Psychology, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, and Psychologist, Child Development Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8 Canada
  • Laurie Snider, MA, OT(C), is Clinical Specialist, Department of Rehabilitation Services, Division of Physical and Occupational Therapy, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Bern McDougall, OT(C), is Staff Therapist, Department of Rehabilitation Services, Division of Physical and Occupational Therapy, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Article Information
Research
Research Article   |   February 1997
Therapists’ Consistency in Following Their Treatment Plans for Sensory Integrative and Perceptual-Motor Therapy
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, February 1997, Vol. 51, 104-112. doi:10.5014/ajot.51.2.104
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, February 1997, Vol. 51, 104-112. doi:10.5014/ajot.51.2.104
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Abstract

Objectives. Treatment integrity is concerned with whether treatment conditions as provided are consistent with specifications for the treatment. Therapists’ consistency in following their treatment plans that called for the use of sensory integrative and perceptual-motor techniques was evaluated.

Method. Three occupational therapists were rated on their consistency in 46 sessions each of sensory integrative and perceptual-motor therapy. Ratings were made both earlier (1 month) and later (4 months) in treatment. Consistency was rated with a five-point scale for 10 categories of the treatment plans.

Results. Overall consistency did not differ significantly (86% for sensory integrative techniques and 79% for perceptual-motor techniques). Perceptual-motor activities showed less consistency early in treatment but approached the level for sensory integrative techniques by later treatment sessions. Consistency differed significantly among therapists for sensory integrative activities that addressed tactile defensiveness and perceptual-motor activities associated with fine coordination and dexterity.

Conclusion. Despite the less structured, more child-centered nature of sensory integrative techniques, consistency in using these techniques was as high as that found for more scripted, program-centered, perceptual-motor techniques. Therapists reported that gaining the interest and attention of some children with the more structured perceptual-motor activities was more difficult early in treatment but could be achieved with time. Differences in consistency among therapists require verification with a larger sample.