Regulation Disorders of Sensory Processing (RDSP) are disorders of hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to a specific modality (or modalities) of sensory stimuli. These disorders also affect motor skills as well as executive functions, which is important for the child's neurodevelopment. Patterns of sensory-motor integration may be genetically determined. Particular attention is paid to polymorphisms of the COMT gene. The study involved 15 children with neurodevelopmental disorder (aged 7 – 17) divided into two groups in terms of COMT genotype. Their RDSPs was examined and then a comparative analysis was made. It was shown that the Val/Val COMT genotype may predispose to increased risk of hypersensitivity RDSPs of vestibular system, proprioceptive system and visual system, as well as motor coordination. Met allele (Val/Met and Met/Met genotypes), on the other hand, showed a significant reduced tendency to these RDSPs.
The results correlate with numerous studies on the relationship of the COMT genotype with sensory-motor integration functions. Thanks to the presented study, we know that this relationship may relate primarily to hypersensitivity disorders and may be associated primarily with the senses and functions related to postural control and motor control. Most likely, a study conducted on a larger sample would yield much more clinically significant findings, however, the presented results may direct further neurogenetic research both in the context of neurorehabilitation as well as developmental psychology and neurology. It may contribute to the better understanding of the neurogenetic conditions of human neurodevelopment.

Authors:
Bartosz Bagrowski, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
Oliwia Szymanowicz, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
Jolanta Dorszewska, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland

About the Presenter(s)
Mr Bartosz Bagrowski is a University Doctoral Student at Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poland

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