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KEY WORDS
* GI Assessment
* gravitational insecurity
* pediatric
* sensory integration
* sensory processing
OBJECTIVE. This study developed an observational assessment of gravitational insecurity (GI), the GI Assessment, and examined its preliminary reliability and validity evidence.
METHOD. The GI Assessment consisted of 15 activities that created conditions characterized as fear-inducing for children with gravitational insecurity. Three behavioral categories-avoidance, emotional, and postural responses-were scored for each activity. Participants were 18 children with gravitational insecurity, ages 5-10 years, and a matched group of children who were typically developing. Forty-eight preschoolers who were typically developing, ages 2-4 years, were examined for developmental trends.
RESULTS. Significant differences were found between groups. Discriminant analysis classified 83% of the gravitationally insecure group and 100% of the typical group. Interrater reliability for the total test was .79. Performance of preschool children suggested a developmental age trend.
CONCLUSION. The GI Assessment is a promising clinical tool for objectively identifying children with gravitational insecurity.
May-Benson, T. A., & Koomar, J. A. (2007). Identifying gravitational insecurity in children: A pilot study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61, 142-147.
Occupational therapists using a sensory integration frame of reference frequently identify and provide intervention to children who are overresponsive to sensory experiences. However, those children who display excessive reactions to movement experiences are especially challenging for therapists to understand and treat. Ayres (1979) specifically identified a unique subgroup of children with sensory integration dysfunction who exhibit excessive emotional reactions in response to changes in movement or head position as having a condition called gravitational insecurity. She identified symptoms that included fear of falling, fear of inverted head positions, inability to jump or have the feet leave the ground, inability to perform a somersault, and reluctance to lie supine. Dislike of everyday activities such as walking over bumpy ground, climbing stairs, stepping over objects, leaning over backward, climbing, or riding in cars was viewed as characteristic of gravitational insecurity (Lee, 1987). Interference also was noted with children's participation in daily life occupations, such as roughhouse play, exploration of playground equipment, engagement in sports, successful navigation of the out-of-doors on foot, or use of bicycles or skates.
Ayres (1979) stated that this type of child feels "fear, anxiety, and distress whenever he is in a position...