About — Modulance

The evidence base for sensory modulation spans inpatient psychiatric settings, community mental health, and occupational therapy practice. Research consistently identifies it as a cost-effective, non-restrictive approach that supports emotional regulation, reduces distress, and helps people manage their own arousal levels.

The studies below are primarily drawn from clinical settings — but the principles they demonstrate translate directly to everyday life. Understanding and working with your sensory system is not a clinical intervention reserved for those in crisis. It is a practical skill that supports wellbeing at every level.

20+

Years of clinical use

Sensory modulation has been implemented by occupational therapists in psychiatric settings since the early 2000s, with a growing evidence base since.

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Reduced agitation & restraint

Multiple studies show sensory modulation approaches reduce emotional distress, agitation, and the use of seclusion and restraint in inpatient settings.

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Cost-effective & adaptable

Scoping reviews identify sensory modulation as low-cost, easily adapted to different environments, and positively received by service users and clinicians alike.

Key references

Scoping review

Kandlur, N.R., Fernandes, A.C., Gerard, S.R., Rajiv, S. & Quadros, S. (2023). Sensory modulation interventions for adults with mental illness: A scoping review.

SAGE Open Medicine, 11. doi:10.1177/15691861231204896

A scoping review of 17 studies finding that sensory modulation interventions have the potential to reduce distress levels and modulate arousal, thereby improving occupational participation in adults with mental illness. Interventions were identified as cost-effective and easily adaptable, with proprioceptive, vestibular and tactile modalities most commonly used.

Systematic scoping review

Doroud, N., Cappy, M., Grant, K., Scopelliti, M., McKinstry, C. & McMahon, D. (2024). Sensory rooms within mental health settings: A systematic scoping review.

Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 41(1), 38–58. doi:10.1080/0164212X.2024.2308290

A systematic scoping review of 14 studies finding that sensory rooms offer a supportive space that assists with distress management and can lead to longer-term benefits for service users. Sensory modulation was highlighted as an important self-initiated strategy with implications for self-management of symptoms and recovery. Viewed positively by both staff and service users.

Case control study

Andersen, C., Kolmos, A., Andersen, K., Sippel, V. & Stenager, E. (2017). Applying sensory modulation to mental health inpatient care to reduce seclusion and restraint: A case control study.

Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 71(7), 525–528. doi:10.1080/08039488.2017.1346142

Compared two similar psychiatric inpatient units — one implementing sensory modulation, one serving as a control. Found a significant reduction in the use of restraint and seclusion in the unit that implemented sensory modulation, with staff training identified as a crucial component of successful implementation.

Seminal paper

Champagne, T. & Stromberg, N. (2004). Sensory approaches in inpatient psychiatric settings: Innovative alternatives to seclusion and restraint.

Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 43(9), 35–44.

An influential early paper that established the use of sensory-based approaches as alternatives to seclusion and restraint in inpatient psychiatric settings. Introduced the conceptual framework for sensory modulation as a de-escalation and emotional regulation tool, and helped establish the field that subsequent research has built upon.

The studies above are primarily drawn from clinical and inpatient settings. Modulance is a self-guided wellbeing tool and does not constitute clinical treatment or a diagnostic service. References are provided for transparency and to support an informed understanding of the evidence base. For a full personalised sensory assessment, see our consultation service.

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