Dr. Ushma Goradia discussed the critical importance of bridging sensory and motor components in pediatric physical therapy, emphasizing the pyramid of learning framework developed by Kathleen Taylor and a special educator. This framework identifies eight sensory systems as the foundation, with particular focus on the “power senses” of vestibular, proprioception, tactile, and visual perception, which work together to influence motor output, behavior, and cognitive responses in children.
The integration of sensory and motor components requires a holistic treatment approach where therapeutic activities like prone weight-bearing, trunk rotation, and gait training provide dual benefits by addressing both motor skills and vestibular function simultaneously. Physiotherapists must recognize that movement is crucial for development across multiple domains and should consider sensory integration when treating children with neuromotor impairments, distinguishing between sensory issues that show observable physiological responses and purely behavioral problems.
Parental involvement, particularly from mothers, emerges as a critical success factor in pediatric therapy, helping to build trust and comfort while addressing potential child discomfort due to touch hypersensitivity. Parents need education about therapeutic processes to support their children effectively throughout treatment. Clinicians should watch for specific red flags in conditions like hemiplegia and cerebral palsy, including asymmetrical posture, balance issues, body awareness problems, vestibular and proprioceptive concerns, and tactile defensiveness.
Treatment strategies for sensory processing issues involve gradual exposure to different textures, emphasis on movement therapy, systematic approaches to tactile defensiveness, and holistic methods that combine sensory and motor elements. The fundamental clinical insight is that physiotherapists must understand how sensory processing impacts motor development, as this connection is essential for creating more effective pediatric interventions that address the whole child rather than isolated symptoms -- Dr. KD Mallikarjuna, PT
Ushma ma'am, your emphasis on adding sensory integration gives the exact perspective to paediatric Physiotherapy needed. Humans are sensory beings. So taking into account all their sensory experiences and understanding their implications on therapy was well explained -- Dr. Vidhya Venkatesh, PT
