Examining the Sensory Processing Skills and Occupational Performance of People with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

This study aimed to compare sensory processing skills and occupational performance between participants with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls. Eighty participants were enrolled in this study, 40 with multiple sclerosis and 40 with healthy controls. Participants were between 18 and 65 years of age and asked to complete the Adult Sensory Profile, and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. The findings of the study revealed that participants with multiple sclerosis had a lower ability to register sensory input, a higher sensory sensitivity, and avoidance, as well as lower levels of performance and satisfaction in their daily occupations, compared to the healthy controls (p < 0.05). People with multiple sclerosis often experience difficulties with sensory processing and occupational performance in daily life. More research and practice are needed on the role of sensory processing and occupational performance in daily life in people with multiple sclerosis.

Keywords:

• Multiple sclerosis
• occupational performance
• sensory processing skills

Acknowledgments

All authors thank the participants of this study.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Selen Aydoner

Selen Aydoner, OT, MSc, Lecturer. Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Fenerbahçe University, İstanbul, Turkey.

Gonca Bumin

Gonca Bumin, PT, PhD, Professor. Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.