AOTA Postural Control & Praxis 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Ayres Sensory Integration theory, praxis refers to:
- The ability to modulate sensory input across environments
- The ability to conceive, plan, and execute novel motor tasks (Correct answer)
- The reflex integration of primitive motor patterns
- The automatic maintenance of body position against gravity
Correct answer: The ability to conceive, plan, and execute novel motor tasks
Praxis encompasses ideation (conceiving what to do), motor planning, and execution of new or unfamiliar motor tasks.
Question 2: Which sensory system is most foundational for developing postural stability according to Ayres' sensory integration framework?
- Auditory system
- Visual system
- Vestibular system (Correct answer)
- Gustatory system
Correct answer: Vestibular system
The vestibular system provides critical input for balance, muscle tone, and postural stability in Ayres' sensory integration framework.
Question 3: In the context of praxis, 'ideation' refers to:
- The physical execution of a planned motor sequence
- The ability to generate ideas about how to interact with objects or the environment (Correct answer)
- The refinement of movement quality through repeated practice
- The sequencing of steps within an already-familiar task
Correct answer: The ability to generate ideas about how to interact with objects or the environment
Ideation is the first cognitive stage of praxis — forming a concept about what to do with an object or in a given situation.
Question 4: The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) primarily assesses:
- Sensory thresholds and modulation responses only
- Praxis abilities, sensory processing, and perceptual functions (Correct answer)
- Gross motor developmental milestones and reflex integration
- Cognitive functioning and academic readiness
Correct answer: Praxis abilities, sensory processing, and perceptual functions
The SIPT assesses multiple domains including praxis, form and space perception, bilateral integration, and sensory discrimination.
Question 5: Postural ocular control disorder in sensory integration is characterized by:
- Inability to track moving objects due to ocular muscle weakness
- Difficulty maintaining stable posture and eye control due to poor vestibular-visual integration (Correct answer)
- Hyperactivity and impulsivity secondary to sensory overload
- Tactile defensiveness affecting facial and perioral areas
Correct answer: Difficulty maintaining stable posture and eye control due to poor vestibular-visual integration
Postural ocular control disorder involves difficulty using vestibular and visual information together to maintain stable posture and control eye movements.
Question 6: Dyspraxia in sensory integration theory is best defined as:
- An inability to perceive pain or temperature sensations
- Difficulty with motor planning and execution despite adequate motor ability (Correct answer)
- Hypersensitivity to tactile input causing avoidance behaviors
- Vestibular hyposensitivity resulting in craving for movement
Correct answer: Difficulty with motor planning and execution despite adequate motor ability
Dyspraxia is the difficulty planning and executing novel motor actions not attributable to weakness or paralysis, but to poor praxis.
Question 7: Bilateral integration in sensory integration refers to:
- Processing two types of sensory input simultaneously in the cortex
- The coordinated and cooperative use of both sides of the body (Correct answer)
- Integration of sensory input exclusively at the brainstem level
- Using vision and vestibular input together for balance
Correct answer: The coordinated and cooperative use of both sides of the body
Bilateral integration involves the ability to coordinate both body sides smoothly and in an organized manner for functional bimanual tasks.
AOTA Postural Control & Praxis 1
In Ayres Sensory Integration theory, praxis refers to: