Sensory Processing and Movement Control in Children

Movement control and motor learning depend largely on sensory processing (SP) of different sensory inputs in order to make a relevant perceptual decision that can be expressed as a coordinated and goal-directed movement. The aim of this thesis is to explore the role of SP on perceptual decision-making, movement control and participation among children. The first study aimed to identify and summarise the role of SP on movement abilities among children with movement difficulties, particularly developmental coordination disorder (DCD), through a systematic review. This is due to the literature being replete with studies investigating the role of SP on movement among children with DCD, however, no updated systematic review to synthesise the findings has been published. Furthermore, because there is a paucity of empirical studies considering SP abilities in the context of the relationship between movement control, levels of and preferences for physical activity (PA) among children, the second study aimed to explore the relationship between them using four valid questionnaires. Finally, as limited research was found in the empirical literature that had investigated the effect of multisensory inputs on perceptual decision-making among children, the third study aimed to investigate the effect of multisensory versus unisensory stimuli on two elements contributing to perceptual decision-making (reaction time (RT) and accuracy). The first study showed that the various dimensions of SP significantly contribute to movement abilities in DCD. Moreover, the second study showed that movement abilities, levels of and preferences for PA may be influenced by SP abilities among children. Lastly, the third study showed that multisensory stimuli may enhance the process of decision-making, however, this was found to be more pronounced in older children. These results show clear evidence of the role of SP on movement and emphasise the importance of addressing SP abilities in assessments and intervention programmes.