What is the effectiveness of sensory-based feeding interventions and its potential for improvement in meal preparation and food intake regulation in individuals living with eating disorders (ED)

Abstract

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Eating disorders (ED) are estimated to affect 9% or 28.8 million individuals of the US population in their life. Individuals experiencing ED may have decreased quality of life. EDs frequently lead to inadequate nutrient intake. A lack of proper nutrients negatively impacts energy, nutrition, and metabolism. An individual’s cognitive, psychological, psychosocial, medical, and physical health and well-being may also be affected, both in the short-term and the long-term. These implications can affect this population and their functional participation in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) such as mealtime, social participation, and meal preparation.

AIM: This critically appraised topic (CAT) is aimed at determining the effectiveness of sensory based feeding interventions and its potential to improve meal preparation, food intake, and feeding behaviors within the ED population.

METHODS: Literature search analysis led to the inclusion of Level 1A, 2B and 4 studies regarding the prioritized aim. Studies were further analyzed to include literature within the last ten years which met the following outlined criteria: individuals with diagnosed with EDs or characteristics associated with disordered eating ( e.g., autism with feeding challenges, anorexia nervosas, ARFID), participating occupational therapy interventions that utilize sensory processing, sensory-based strategies, or behavioral strategies paired with a sensory interventions to improve food intake, food tolerance, and eating behaviors.

RESULTS: Level 1A, 2B, and 4 research revealed moderate, positive evidence supporting the use of sensory-based approaches in increasing food engagement, improving food acceptance, and reducing food refusal in children with feeding challenges and adults with EDs. Sensory interventions, such as short-term improvements in mealtime behaviors and food ranges. The long-term effectiveness of these interventions remains unclear, and further research including randomized control trials is needed to strengthen the evidence base.