Behavioural and autonomic regulation of response to sensory stimuli among children: A systematic review of relationship and methodology.
Author: Gomez, I. N., Lai, C. Y. Y., Morato-Espino, P., Chan, C. C. H., & Tsang, H. W. H.
Journal: BioMed research international
Abstract:
Background.
Previous studies have explored the correlates of behavioural and autonomic regulation of
response to sensory stimuli in children; however, a comprehensive review of such
relationship is lacking. This systematic review was performed to critically appraise the
current evidence on such relationship and describe the methods used in these studies.
Methods.
Online databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed, full-text articles in the
English language between 1999 and 2016, initially screened by title and abstract, and
appraised and synthesized by two independent review authors.
Results.
Fourteen Level III-3 cross-sectional studies were included for systematic review, among
which six studies explored the relationship between behaviour and physiological regulation
of responses to sensory stimuli. Three studies reported significant positive weak correlations
among ASD children; however, no correlations were found in typically developing children.
Methodological differences related to individual differences among participants, measures
used, and varied laboratory experimental setting were noted.
Conclusion.
This review suggests inconclusive evidence supporting the relationship between behavioural
and physiological regulation of responses to sensory stimuli among children. Methodological
differences may likely have confounded the results of the current evidence. We present
methodological recommendations to address this matter for future researches. This trial is
registered with PROSPERO registration number CRD42016043887.