An examination of the relationship between the neurophysiological and motor characteristics of children with Down's syndrome and the assumptions of sensory integrative vestibular stimulation is discussed. From this analysis, apparent inconsistencies are emphasised. If occupational therapy is to develop further as a profession, treatment practices must be well understood in terms of their theoretical base and empirical evidence of effectiveness. An understanding of theoretical differences between different models of practice (for example, sensory integration vs sensory stimulation) is of vital importance. This article hopes to contribute to the development of an understanding of treatment of children with Down's syndrome.
A literature review of the effectiveness of conductive education as practised outside Hungary was undertaken. Of 28 potentially relevant studies, 22 were excluded on the grounds that they did not systematically and/or empirically test theories or hypotheses, or did not evaluate programmes outside Hungary. The six remaining represented modifications of the approach and met the criteria. These six studies were reviewed relating evaluation methods, programme characteristics and programme outcomes. The review revealed a total of 25 outcome categories used by the six studies. 24 percent (six) of the outcome categories significantly supported the elements typically found in a conductive education programme while 20 percent (five) significantly supported the comparison programmes, and 56 percent (14) showed no significant differences between the comparison groups. Inconsistency in programme characteristics and methodological flaws in evaluation designs preclude a definitive answer to the question of efficacy. The need for scientifically controlled studies and developing minimum standards of practice for programmes based on conductive education principles is emphasised.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.