Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0216-4067

Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2026

Document Type

Problem/Project Report

Degree Type

OTD

College

School of Medicine

Department

Occupational Therapy

Committee Chair

Kayleigh Nolan

Committee Co-Chair

Heather Livengood

Committee Member

Jennifer Holben

Committee Member

Julee Enos

Abstract

Objectives: This project aimed to identify sensory processing deficits in adults with central nervous system injuries and to inform the development of sensory-informed program components in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. Participants: A total of 76 adults admitted with diagnoses including cerebrovascular accident, brain injury, and spinal cord injury were included. Methods: A structured sensory screening and mental health questionnaire were administered and compared to prescreening admission documentation and PHQ-9 scores. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were conducted. Results: Sensory impairments were highly prevalent, with participants demonstrating an average of three impairments across the sensory domains. Proprioceptive, tactile, and visual deficits were frequently under-identified in prescreening admission documentation compared to structured screening. Bowker’s Test of Symmetry determined a disagreement between pre-screening documentation and structured sensory screening (p < .001) for visual deficits. Cerebrovascular accidents demonstrated a significant association between proprioception and tactile impairments (p < .001). Conclusion: Findings highlight the need for standardized sensory assessment in inpatient rehabilitation and support the development of sensory-informed resources, including a sensory room, workbook, and toolkits, to improve patient outcomes and interdisciplinary care.

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