The effect of Snoezelen intervention on problem behaviors in children with cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial

Aim: To evaluate the effect of Snoezelen intervention on problem behaviors in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to analyze its correlation with motor function, as measured by the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).

Method: A randomized controlled trial with 28 children (aged 2-5 years) with CP was conducted. The experimental group received Snoezelen intervention three times a week for four weeks. Problem behaviors were assessed using the CBCL 1.5-5 and K-PSI, and motor function was assessed using the GMFCS.

Results: The experimental group showed a significant reduction in emotionally reactive behavior (p = 0.044). A strong negative correlation (Spearman's ρ = -0.744, p = 0.002) was found between GMFCS scores and changes in emotionally reactive behavior.

Interpretation: The Snoezelen intervention may reduce emotional reactivity and enhance emotional stability in children with CP, although its effectiveness may vary depending on the level of motor impairment. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Methods
This study used a randomized controlled pre-post design, conducted from Spring 2018 to Summer 2021. Both Group A (experimental group) and Group B (control group) received conventional treatments including physical therapy and occupational therapy. In addition to these treatments, Group A received 12 Snoezelen intervention sessions, administered three times a week, 30 minutes per session for 4 weeks. The effectiveness of the Snoezelen intervention was assessed by comparing changes in behavior as measured by problem behavior tests administered before and after the intervention.

Data was collected using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Korean Parenting Stress Index (K-PSI), both administered at baseline and post-intervention. Data processing involved anonymizing participant information and coding responses for statistical analysis using SPSS. Behavioral scores were compared between groups using wilcoxon Rank-Sum Test & Mann-Whitney U Test, and correlations between GMFCS levels and behavior changes were analyzed.