Driving Benefits of Virtual Reality in Cerebral Palsy: a narrative review

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic childhood encephalopathy (CCE),still called cerebral palsy worldwide, is defined as a set ofmotor disorders caused by non-progressive disorders of thecentral nervous system, resulting in changes in muscle toneand posture. These changes are established in the pre, peri orpostnatal period and numerous physical therapy modalitieshave been suggested for the management of these changes.Virtual reality (VR) has been used as an innovative therapeutictool, with a motor approach that involves the individualand a computerized interaction field, with the simulationof exercises capable of stimulating movements in real time,motivation and sensory feedback. Objective: To evaluate the motor benefits of VR as a therapeutic modality in childrenwith CCE. Materials and methods: A narrative review was carried out, with articles found in the Bireme database (BVS)and in the virtual library Scientific Eletronic Library Online(SciELO). The descriptors used were: physiotherapy, virtualreality, children and CCE. Results: Only five articles wereselected. Conclusion: The articles consulted suggest that theuse of VR influences the improvement mainly of the child’sbalance, helping kinesiotherapeutic treatment. However,with a small number of publications focused on the pediatricphysiotherapeutic approach through VR, further studies areneeded for better scientific proof of this tool.