Research Projects

This study aims to investigate the relationship between sensory modulation and occupational participation in individuals with schizophrenia. The primary objectives are to determine the relationship between sensory modulation scores using Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile and measures of cognition using Lowenstein's Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment. Secondary objectives include determining whether sensory modulation contributes to disability status, whether there is a relationship between positive/negative symptoms and sensory modulation, and whether side-effects of medications influence sensory modulation in clients with schizophrenia. The study will be conducted in two phases: cultural adaptation of the English version of Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile (A/ASP) and determining the relationship between sensory modulation and cognition in clients with schizophrenia. The translation process will follow guidelines from the International Test Commission ITC, 2014, and permission will be obtained from the authors/publishers of A/ASP for use in the current research. The cross-sectional study will involve normal healthy adults, with a sample size of 100 each in age ranges from 11-17, 18-64, and 65 years and above. The inclusion criteria include adults diagnosed with schizophrenia as per DSM-V criteria by a psychiatrist, clients with an age range of 11 years and above, clients diagnosed with Schizophrenia with a duration of illness more than 1 year, clients of all genders, and scores more than or equal to 17 in the Hindi Mental Status Examination (HMSE). Statistical analysis will be performed using a Chi-square test to analyze the correlation between cognitive status, disability, severity of symptoms, and socioeconomic status. The translated version of A/ASP and MOHOST can be used to research in India, providing normative reference values for sensory modulation in the Indian population. This study will yield data on the existence of sensory modulation issues and their correlation with symptoms, occupational participation, and disability levels in clients with schizophrenia, allowing for the planning of interventions considering these dysfunctions.