Multisensory stimulation and rehabilitation for disability improvement: Lessons from a case report

Rationale: Spastic quadriplegia is most severe form of Infantile Cerebral Palsy. Patients are unable to use their legs, arms and body and show language disorder and profound intellectual disability. The treatment of patients diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia is complex and multidisciplinary. In this case report we described the positive effect of multisensory environment (MSEs) rehabilitation, and the strategies and technologies used to provide child who have to severe spastic quadriplegia and intellectual disability, palsy with playful and fun activities designed according to his abilities. Patient concern: A 7-years-old boy diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia and severe intellectual disability began rehabilitation by MSEs. Diagnoses: Spastic quadriplegia is most severe form of Infantile Cerebral Palsy. Patients are unable to use their legs, arms and body and show language disorder and profound intellectual disability. Interventions: Multisensory room is a large environment containing various elements where child can interact spontaneously and independently. Outcomes: The comparison scores between T0-T1 showed a reduction in self-harm and motor stereotypies (hand flapping). Sustained attention was improved and we observed a better therapeutic compliance by means of greater involvement in gaming activities. Conclusion: The stimuli within the MSEs provided the child opportunities to express himself with facilities more suited to his potential. Future research should project designed randomized controlled trials to examine the efficacy of multisensory on reduction disability.

Automated summary

This case report describes the positive effect of multisensory environment rehabilitation on patients with spastic quadriplegia and intellectual disability. By providing stimuli in a multisensory room, designed activities can improve self-harm, motor stereotypies, sustained attention, and therapeutic compliance.