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Activity and Stimulation needs
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Activity and Stimulation needsConcept clarification
Sensory perception: the ability to receive sensory input and transform the inputs
through various physiological processes into meaningful information
Sensory overload: when a person experiences more sensory stimulation than the/she is
used to or can make sense of
Sensory deprivation: when a person experiences less than the usual stimulation and that
the person is below his/her optimum state of arousal
Body mechanics: using alignments, posture and balance in a co-ordinated effort to
perform activities such as lifting, bending and moving
Range of motion (ROM): the ability to move all joints through the full extent of their
indented function
Gait: the style and character of a person’s walk
Muscle atrophy: a decrease in muscle size
Flaccidity: a decrease in muscle tone e.g. hypotonicity
Spasticity: an increase in muscle tone
Ataxia: impaired muscle coordination
Activity intolerance: when a person has inadequate physiological or psychological energy
to endure/complete an activity
Osteoarthritis: degeneration of the articular surface of weight bearing joints (often old age)
Rheumatoid arthritis: inflammatory disorder that affects the joints (genetic)
Activity and stimulation
Activity and stimulation are essential for physical and mental wellbeing
A person becomes disorientated and confused without sensory stimulation
A person becomes acutely uncomfortable without movement
Stimulation and activity are essential for growth and development
The 5 senses enable people to keep in contact with the environment
Sensory stimulation needs
Sensory perception is needed for humans to interact with their environment
In adults and the elderly a boring environment (social and perceptually restricted) or one
in which stimuli fail to make sense lead first to reduced cognitive activity and increased
sleep and then to unusual thinking, emotions and behaviours
A person can become depressed, irritable or anxious, unable to think clearly and
disorientated to other people, place and time
, Factors affecting sensory perception
Environment: sensory stimulation in the environment affects sensory perception
Previous experience: a stimulus that evokes a strong response can make a person
become more alert
Lifestyle and habits: a person’s preference for abundant stimulation or less contact.
Cigarette smoking and chronic alcohol abuse can lead to sensory deprivation
Illness: diabetes and hypertension affect blood vessels and nerves which can lead to
visual deficits and decreased sensation to touch
Pain, fatigue and stress affect the perception of stimuli
Medication: some medications can damage the auditory nerve hearing impairment
Age: in the elderly, changes in sensory organs or perception (such as heating/visual
impairment or a decreased perception of heat or pain) can lead to depression and/or
cognitive/functional/social dysfunction
Variation in stimulation
When the Reticular Activating System (RAS) is overwhelmed, the person may experience
sensory overload and feel confused, anxious and unable to take constructive action
Clinical signs of sensory overload
Irritability
Confusion
Decreased problem solving abilities
Insomnia
Anxiety
Decreased ability to concentrate
Restlessness
When the RAS fails to recognise a stimulus because it is below the threshold level or lack
relevant meaning to the person, the person experiences boredom, depression,
restlessness and hallucinations
Clinical signs of sensory deprivation
Irritability
Confusion
Decreased problem solving ability
Depression
Delusions
Hallucinations
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