THE SENSORY INTEGRATION MODEL{Lorna Jean King}

                THE SENSORY INTEGRATION MODEL{Lorna Jean King}

1.      THEORY

·         SI is a theory and practice model initially developed by the OT A. Jean Ayres. It was later applied by Lorna Jean King 

·         SI theory is based on neuroscience concepts of how the brain operates. The basic concepts and assumptions of SI theory are easy to grasp. Sensory integration (SI) is the smooth working together of all of the senses to provide information needed for accurate perception and motor action. We will explore this concept one step at a time. First, the senses include not only the five that are commonly recognized (sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch) but also proprioception and vestibular awareness.

·         Proprioception is the sense that helps us identify where parts of our bodies are even if we cannot see them.

·         Vestibular awareness is the sense that detects motion and the pull of gravity during movement. You get this information from your vestibular system, which coordinates sensations of balance, velocity, and acceleration.

·         SI combines all of the information from the five basic senses and from proprioception and vestibular awareness so that you can accurately interpret what is going on around you and act on it.

2.      KING IDENTIFIED SIX POSTURAL AND MOVEMENT PATTERNS

·         King identified six postural and movement patterns commonly observed in chronic schizophrenia after many years of illness.

Ø  An S-curve posture, in which the head and neck are flexed, the shoulders rounded the abdomen protruding, and the pelvis tipped forward.

Ø  A shuffling gait, a style of walking with the feet constantly in flat contact with the floor.

Ø  Difficulty raising the arms above the head. Inflexibility of the neck and shoulder joints, which prevents the head from rotating or tipping back.

Ø  A resting posture in which the shoulders and hips are flexed, adducted, and internally rotated.

Ø  Various changes in the hand, including weakness of grip, ulnar deviation, and loss of tone and bulk in the muscles acting on the thumb

3.      TREATMENT PRINCIPLES

·         Two major treatment principles should be kept in mind when choosing activities and carrying out SI programs.

Ø  Attention should be focused on the outcome of the activity or on the objects used in it rather than on the movements.

Ø  The activity must be pleasurable

4.      AIM AND GOAL OF SI PROGRAM

·         SI aims to improve the reception and processing of sensory information within the central nervous system

·         The goal of any SI program depends on the needs of the clients.

·         In general, however, these programs are directed at five main areas:

Ø  Balance

Ø  Posture

Ø  Range of motion

Ø  Spontaneity of motion

Ø  Correction of abnormal hip and shoulder positions.

·         Examples of activities that are suitable for or that can be adapted to meet these goals:

Ø  Balance Activities that incorporate hopping, skipping, or standing on one foot. Where available, bicycle riding, cross-country skiing, and roller skating can also be effective provided the clients are capable of attempting them safely.

Ø  Posture Activities that require straightening the back and lifting the head, such as holding up a parachute or throwing a ball into the air.

Ø  Increased range of motion Many ball games and housework activities (e.g., sweeping) can be adapted to improve range of motion.

Ø  Spontaneity of movement Activities that are varied and not entirely predictable and that incorporate chance and surprise, such as follow-the-leader. Clients can be instructed to take turns being the leader or to make up their own variations.

Ø  Correction of abnormal adduction, flexion, and internal rotation. Activities that use the opposite motions are needed. Abduction, extension, and external rotation of the shoulder occur when the parachute is lifted over the head and increase if the hands are held apart from each other. Shaking out bedclothes and throwing a beach ball also involve these motions.