Passive Activities: the Effectiveness of Multisensory Environments on the Level of Activity of Individuals with Profound Multiple Disabilities

Abstract

Background The use of multisensory environments (MSEs) is perceived to be important for individuals with profound and multiple disabilities, although there is limited research on the efficacy of the procedures. After a search of the literature, numerous positive outcomes of MSEs were described. Our research aimed to determine whether the use of an MSE, when applied to increase the level of alertness and interaction, actually leads to this effect. Methods A total of 15 facilities in the Netherlands and Belgium agreed to participate in the investigation. Information was gathered on the use of MSE by 177 individuals. For 62 persons, an increase of level of activity was the only stated goal. We randomly selected 20 persons out of this group for observation, using momentary time sampling as a means to relate multisensory experiences to the level of alertness and interaction. Results The results of our study show that in general there is little evidence for an increase in activity levels as a result of MSE. There is, however, a relation between the level of activity and contextual variables. In particular, people with profound multiple disabilities have strong responses towards stimuli provided by members of staff (touching, talking to the person). Conclusions In general, the living unit is as good a place as the MSE for promoting alertness and interactions. The influence of materials on the level of activity is limited.

A Randomized Controlled Trial on Clinical Efficacy of Massage Therapy in a Multisensory Environment for Residents with Severe and Profound Intellectual Disabilities

“…Instead, observational measures on behavioural manifestations and physiologic changes were appropriate and feasible to evaluate the relaxation effect in the participants (Vlaskamp et al 2003). The primary outcome measure was challenging behaviours using Behaviour Problem Inventory (BPI-01); whereas the secondary outcomes consisted of pulse and respiration rates, level of alertness using Alertness Observation Checklist (AOC), and adaptive and maladaptive behaviours using Behaviour Checklist (BC).…”

“…According to previous studies (Munde et al 2012;Vlaskamp et al 2003), the multisensory environment promoted passivity of the participants because of their limited perceptual capacity and low information processing in responding to overwhelming stimuli. The sensory stimulations made persons with severe and profound ID easily exhausted and became motionless.…”

“…The MSE was an adapted environment providing a wide variety of sensory stimulations by light, sound, touch, and smell to engage participants (Vlaskamp et al 2003). During each 30-minute MSE session, the participants could choose their preferable equipment to play/work with.…”

“…The use of toy play might sustain the alertness level of the subjects as literature showed that visual stimuli offered by staff increased the alertness state Vlaskamp et al 2003) which inevitably influenced the measure of adaptive behaviour, like attention to immediate environment and use of eye contact. In addition, individuals with severe and profound multiple disabilities need the presence of others to bring their attention to the immediate environment, otherwise they may ignore their surrounding (Vlaskamp et al 2003).…”

“…The global prevalence of ID is between 1% and 3% in the general population (Emerson & Einfeld 2011). In Hong Kong, the prevalence of intellectual disability (ID) is about 1-1.4% of the Challenging behaviour is common among individual with ID because challenging behaviour is often interpreted as a desire for attention or an expression of distress resulting from their limited communication and language understanding abilities (González et al 2009), especially for those severe and profound ID (Vlaskamp et al 2003;Vlaskamp & Nakken 1999).…”