Protac MyFit® helps sensory-seeking young school children:
In lower primary school in Denmark every 5th child has a sensory impairment, of them around 70% exhibit a sensory-seeking behavior. This not only affects the child, but also the rest of the class and the teachers. Additionally, it naturally affects the child's well-being and its own ability for learning and for establishing positive social relationships.These results stem from occupational therapist Ann Natasja Nielsen's Master's Degree Project. Inspired by that project, Ann conducted a PhD thesis focusing on the use of Protac MyFit® and the calming effect of the ball vest on children. Ann explored several hypotheses during the project, among others that sensory disturbances hinder children's abilities, motivation, and enjoyment in participating in everyday and school-related activities.
Ann discovered noteworthy results in her research and can assert that the use of Protac MyFit® has a positive impact on children's attention, learning abilities, and, most importantly, their believes in their own abilities.
"The children themselves report that the ball vest helps them feel more comfortable, improves their ability to concentrate, and the study shows a significant improvement in the children's beliefs in own abilities," says Ann Nielsen.
A child's well-being is crucial
Everyday well-being for school children is a highly relevant topic in Denmark. Not only does the well-being of the individual child affect the child it self but also the classmates, the classroom environment, and the teacher's working environment at school. Despite the significant focus, it is a challenging issue to address. When a child exhibits sensory-seeking behavior, it often dominates the classroom, making it difficult for the child to meet both academic and social demands.The PhD thesis shows us that the children's self-esteem, concentration, and learning can be improved by focusing on their sensory needs and using the Protac MyFit ball vest developed for the same purpose. Ultimately, this will not only impact the affected children but also their families, class mates, and the teachers in the school.
"I am truly proud that we can contribute to increase well-being among children and young people with a non-medical solution that is easy to use in everyday life and helps both the children themselves, their families, and their teachers," says Protac CEO Natascha Sandberg Hytting.
FACT BOX
Significant increase in self-esteem
The randomized part of the study (with a control group) includes 142 children aged 6-12 from 25 public schools in Denmark. The study shows that children with sensory-seeking behavior experienced a significant increase in self-esteem in school-related activities when using the ball vest.
Moreover, several children themselves report that the ball vest helped them feel more comfortable, concentrate better, and achieve a positive status in the class.
Mastering own learning
Teachers observe:
- · 30% of the children improved their abilities to master their own learning
- · 34% of children improved their body awareness
Improved attention
Children's parents report:
- · 39% of children improved their attention.
- · 33% of children showed less hyperactivity.
What is a sensory disturbance?
Sensory disturbances make it challenging for the brain to process and sort the many sensory impressions that we constantly receive. How we react to sensory input varies and is very individual. By being aware of individual sensory needs and by taking the necessary considerations, a great effect and improved well-being can be achieved.
Protac MyFit ®
The ball vest fits closely around the body and has balls on the chest, stomach, and back that move slightly each time the child moves. This provides deep and dynamic pressures on the body, stimulating the child's muscle-joint sense and touch sense. It reinforces the child's body awareness, has a calming effect, and reduces anxiety, hyperactivity, and stress – also when the child is sitting still with concentration-demanding activities such as reading.
Source: Ann Nielsen, Ph.D. from the University of Southern Denmark
CALM. Feasibility tests and evaluation of the "Composed for Attention and Learning with Myfit Ball-vests" intervention for children exhibiting sensory-seeking behavior. SDU. The Faculty of Health Sciences, National Institute of Public Health University of Southern Denmark.
Ph.d.-related articles by Ann N. Nielsen
M.Sc.OT.-project Conclusion: 20% of young school children have a sensory disorder. Inspiration for PhD-thesis.
Read article >
Feasibility article describing describing the method and process for the PhD-project.
Read article >
Description of the 'CALM-intervention' that was designed for the PhD-project. 'The CALM-intervention had a positive effect on the activity competencies. This gives the children the self confidence and motivation for seeking new and more activities to participate in.
Read article >
Publication of the observations on improved behaviour, body perception and concentration among the children seen by parents and teachers
Read article >
