The effect of sensory integration therapy on upper extremity functions, trunk control and balance in children with cerebral palsy: a single-blind, randomized controlled study

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Twenty children with CP were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST), Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) were used in pre-and post-treatment. There was a statistically significant increase in the dissociated movements sub-scale of the QUEST, dynamic reaching sub-scale of the TCMS, and PBS scores in the intervention group. There was a statistically significant increase in both dissociated movements and grasps sub-scale of the QUEST and PBS scores in the control group. In conclusion, SIT applications can be integrated into rehabilitation programs to improve dissociated upper extremity movements, dynamic trunk control, and balance control in children with CP.