Effects of sensory integration therapy in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- Forfatter(e)
- Park, S.-H., Kim, E. Y.
- År
- 2026-172
- Tidsskrift
- Research in Developmental Disabilities
- Volum
- 172
- Sider
- 105269
- Kategori(er)
- Autismespekter Språk og motorikk
- Tiltakstype(r)
- Abstract
Background: Sensory integration therapy (SIT) has been widely applied to address difficulties in daily performance resulting from inefficient processing of sensory information. Aims This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of SIT in children based on evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Methods and procedures: Twenty-three RCTs out of 1406 articles were included. Meta-analyses were performed for proximal outcomes (motor skills, balance, visual construction, and sensory processing) and distal outcomes (daily functioning and individualized goals). Outcomes and results SIT produced significant improvements in motor skills (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.03–0.89). Furthermore, SIT enhanced daily functioning (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.16–1.08) and individualized goals (SMD = 1.71, 95% CI = 0.80–2.62). Balance, visual construction, and sensory processing did not demonstrate statistically significant effects.
Conclusions and implications: SIT is an effective intervention for improving motor functions and for supporting better performance and participation in everyday occupations among children.