Abstract
The EASI is a new, comprehensive assessment of sensory, motor, and praxis functions. In order to enhance clinical utility within pediatric practices, concurrent and construct validity of the vestibular and proprioceptive tests were examined. Results showed that the EASI is a valid measure of vestibular and proprioceptive constructs.
Primary Author and Speaker: Jennifer Petersen
Additional Authors and Speakers: Zoe Mailloux, Roseann Schaaf
Contributing Authors: Marco Leao
Throughout the lifespan, client factors and functions, including those attributed to adequate sensory integration, provide a foundation for participation of daily occupations. The vestibular and proprioceptive sensory systems, as well as related postural, ocular and bilateral functions, are essential for skill development, and lay the foundation for play, self-care skills, and academic achievement (Bundy, Lane, Murray, 2002).
In an effort to expand options for assessment of sensory integration functions, a new set of tests, the Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration (EASI) are under development. The EASI includes 20 performance based-tests which measure sensory perception, sensory reactivity, praxis and ocular, postural and bilateral integration (Mailloux, Parham, Roley, Ruzzano, & Schaaf, 2018). The purpose of this project was to determine the construct and concurrent validity of the vestibular, proprioceptive, ocular, postural and bilateral tests of the EASI.
This project examined construct validity by exploring the relationship among the vestibular, proprioceptive ocular, postural and bilateral integration tests of the EASI and the concurrent validity between several tests of the EASI and similar tests of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) (Ayres, 2004).
Specifically, scores on the Vestibular Nystagmus Test (VN), Ocular Motor & Praxis (OM: Pr), Postural Control (PC), Balance (BAL), Bilateral Integration Test (BI), Proprioception: Force (Prop: Force), and Proprioception: Joint Position (Prop: JP) tests of the EASI, as well as the Standing and Walking Balance (SWB), Bilateral Motor Coordination (BMC) and Kinesthesia (KIN) tests of the SIPT were analyzed.
A multiple linear regression analysis was employed, in which the total mean VN scores were the dependent categorical variables, with the six other total scores the independent, continuous variables. Between test correlations of the similar tests of the EASI and SIPT, as well as between test correlations among the tests were also conducted.
The results of this project concluded that low VN scores were most predictive of poor scores on OM: Pr (E=-3.041, SE= 1.065, P value = .005) and slightly predictive of poor Prop: Force difference scores (E=1.248, SE= 0.700, P value = .076). Concurrent validity analyses between the EASI and SIPT demonstrated statistically significant relations for all pairs (p < .05) as follows: r = .762 (EASI:BI & SIPT BMC), r = .755 (EASI PC BAL & SIPT SWB), r = .407 (EASI P:JP & SIPT KIN). Between-test correlations on the EASI varied from significant to non-significant, helping to verify expected, as well as to identity less-expected, relationships among the functions tested.
This study adds to the concurrent validity of the EASI, by demonstrating correlations with the existing, similar tests of the SIPT; which will enhance clinicians’ confidence in determining an appropriate assessment to measure sensory functions. In addition, the findings of between test correlations contribute to the existing body of literature supporting the strong relationship of the vestibular influence on ocular motor skills and a need to administer multiple tests to examine all vestibular related underlying factors. In conclusion, ocular motor skills are needed in order for a child to participate in daily activities such as reading, writing, and navigating within a busy environment. Thus, when a child presents with ocular motor issues, assessment of vestibular functions may be in order.
Ayres, A. J. (2004) Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests manual. United States of America: Western Psychological Services.
Bundy, A. C., Lane, S.J., & Murray, E.A. (Eds.) (2002). Sensory integration: Theory and practice. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company.
Mailloux, Z., Parham, L. D., Roley, S. S., Ruzzano, L., & Schaaf, R. C. (2018). Introduction to the Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration® (EASI). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72, 7201195030. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.028241