Effects of non-immersive virtual reality intervention on children with spastic cerebral palsy: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

Abstract

This review aimed to assess the effectiveness of non-immersive virtual reality intervention compared to traditional rehabilitation in improving the functions of the upper and lower extremities, balance, and social participation among children with spastic cerebral palsy. We used librarian-designed searches of 10 databases to identify research articles on randomized controlled trials that assessed the effectiveness of non-immersive virtual reality in intervening spastic cerebral palsy patients up to 4/15/2023. Independent evaluation was conducted by two trained investigators using the evaluation criteria of RCT quality indicated in the Cochrane Manual of Assessment 'risk- of- bias tool.' The PEDro scale was used to evaluate the method and quality of the literature. 21 research articles involving 779 patients with spastic cerebral palsy were included. Significant differences between the non-immersive virtual reality rehabilitation and traditional rehabilitation groups were observed in all indicators, except for the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test. Non-immersive virtual reality intervention is effective in improving the function of the lower extremity, balance, and social participation in children with spastic cerebral palsy, but its effect on upper limb function is still controversial.