Effectiveness of Wilbarger Protocol Among the Children with Sensory Defensiveness

Abstract

Background: Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a neurological condition that affects how the brain interprets sensory information, causing difficulties in responding appropriately to sensory stimuli. Children with sensory defensiveness frequently exhibit increased sensitivity to sensory input, which can manifest as anxiety, behavioral issues, and difficulties in social interactions. These issues have a significant impact on their daily functioning and quality of life. Patricia Wilbarger, an occupational therapist, developed the Wilbarger Protocol, which is a sensory integration intervention for sensory processing difficulties. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of the Wilbarger Protocol among the children with sensory defensiveness. Methods: It was a quasi- experimental, pretest-posttest design of quantitative research. In this research data was collected by using convenience sampling method with 20 children aged 3 to 5 years diagnosed with sensory processing disorder. The therapist demonstrates the Wilbarger technique to the child's caregivers through a training session and educates them hands-on. After that, they use it with the children for a month, with four sessions every day. The therapist monitored the caregiver's activities via the daily intervention checklist. Adopted Bengali Version of the Toddler Sensory Profile-2 was used to evaluate the findings of both before and after the intervention. Results: Significant improvements were observed in all components of the Toddler Sensory Profile following the intervention. The positive effect of the intervention was shown by a significant reduction in the overall score from 239.95 to 209.55 (Z = -3.927, p =.000). The study found no significant associations between socioeconomic variables and the Toddler Sensory Profile (TSP) total score in either the pre-test or post-test. In addition, the child's birth status (whether born before maturity) had no significant effect on TSP scores, with no significant differences found at pre-test (Z = -0.379, p =.705) or post-test (Z = -0.757, p =.449). Conclusion: The Wilbarger Protocol significantly improved sensory processing outcomes in children suffering from sensory defensiveness. More research with larger samples and control groups is needed to validate these findings and investigate the long term-effects. Keyword: Sensory Defensiveness, Wilbarger protocol, Outcome, Deep pressure and proprioceptive technique, Occupational Therapy