A Small Sample Test of the Factor Structure of Postural Movement and Bilateral Motor Integration Using Structural Equation Modeling

Abstract

The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between the validity of postural movement and bilateral motor integration in terms of sensory integration theory. Participants in this study were 61 Chinese children ages 48 to 70 months. Structural equation modeling was applied to assess the relation between measures tapping postural movement and bilateral motor integration: for postural movement, the measures involve the Monkey Task, Side-Sit Co-contraction, Prone on Elbows, Wheelbarrow Walk, Airplane, and Scooter Board Co-contraction from the DeGangi-Berk Test of Sensory Integration, and Standing Balance with Eyes Closed/Opened in Southern California Sensory Integration Tests. For bilateral motor integration, the measures chosen were the Rolling Pin Activity, Jump and Turn, Diadokokinesis, Drumming, and Upper Extremity Control from the DeGangi-Berk Test of Sensory Integration, and Cross the Midline in Southern California Sensory Integration Tests (SCSIT). Postural movement was highly correlated with the bilateral motor integration. The factor structure fit the theoretical conceptualization, classifying postural movement and bilateral motor integration together in the same category. Therapists could combine two separate objectives (postural movement and bilateral motor integration) of intervention in an activity to improve the adaptive skills based on the vestibular-proprioceptive integration.

Response to Niklasson's Comment on Lin, et al. (2012): “The Relation between Postural Movement and Bilateral Motor Integration”

“…In practice, therapists designed tasks combining postural movement and bilateral motor integration to achieve treatment goals. The results of Lin, Wu, et al . (2012 ) provided a theoretical basis for supporting the clinical practice of combining two separate objectives, postural movement and bilateral motor integration, into an activity that improves adaptive skills based on the vestibular-proprioceptive integration.…”

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In the study of Lin, Wu, Lin, Wu, Wu, Kuo, and Yeung (2012 ), the relationship between the validity of postural movement and bilateral motor integration in terms of sensory integration theory was examined. Postural movement is the ability to use the antigravity postures required for stabilization of the neck, trunk and upper extremities via muscle co-contractions in the neck and upper extremities, and balance.

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“…Ayres (1972 ) postulated that part of the disorder of integration lies in the inadequacy of some of the inhibitory-like processes of the system. Postural movement, based on sensory integration theory, refers to the ability to use the antigravity postures required for balance and stabilization of the cervical, trunk and upper extremities via muscle co-contractions in the cervical and upper extremities ( Lin, Wu, et al ., 2012 ). Postural movement does not include primitive refl exes, as stated in Bundy's dysfunction framework and in the new classifi cation of sensory processing disorders ( Miller, Anzalone, Lane, Cermak, & Osten, 2007 ;Schaaf & Davies, 2010 ).…”

The Relation between Postural Movement and Bilateral Motor Integration: Comment on Lin, et al. (2012)

“…A recent small sample study by Lin, Wu, Lin, Wu, Wu, and Kuo (2012 ) was an attempt to contribute further to such a framework. Within the frames of sensory integration theory, empirical evidence to establish a relationship between postural movement and bilateral motor integration is scarce.…”

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In a recent study, Lin, Wu, Lin, Wu, Wu, and Kuo (2012 ) contributed to the theory of sensory integration by showing a high correlation between postural movement and bilateral motor integration. However, in their analysis, the authors excluded a subscale measuring refl ex integration, since they regarded its items as being unconnected to postural movement and bilateral motor integration.

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