The effect of combining constraint-induced movement therapy with virtual reality games in rehabilitating the motor function of hemiplegic children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Objective To observe the effect of supplementing constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) with virtual reality games in rehabilitating the motor function of hemiplegic children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods Fifty hemiplegic children with CP were randomly divided into a control group and a treatment group, each of 25. All were given conventional rehabilitation. The children in the control group received CIMT for 4 hours, plus 1 hour of occupational therapy for the more-affected limb supported by therapists and 3 hours of daily training in life activities with their guardians′ help. Those in the treatment group received occupational therapy for 1 hour, played virtual reality games for 1 hour and practiced daily life activities for 2 hours per day. All of the treatments were carried out five days a week for 3 weeks. Before and after the intervention the quality of upper extremity skills test (QUEST), the Chinese version of the gross motor function measuring scale (GMFM) and the pediatric evaluation of disability inventory (PEDI) were used to evaluate upper limb function, gross motor function and the social abilities. Results After the treatment, significant improvement was observed in the average QUEST, GMFM and PEDI scores of both groups, but the average scores in the treatment group were significantly higher than among the controls. Conclusions CIMT combined with playing virtual reality games improves the motor function and social abilities of hemiplegic children with CP. Key words: Cerebral palsy; Constraint; Movement therapy; Virtual reality games; Motor function; Social functioning