Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine the effect of whole body virtual reality training on motor skill performance of children with autism. METHODS: Twelve children diagnosed with autism, aspergers syndrome, and/or PDD (Age 6.8 ± 1.8 yr., 11 male, 1 female), and who were participating in on-going intervention programs (ABA, etc.), participated in one 30 minute virtual reality (Trazer) session/week for seven weeks. A Trazer beacon attached to the subject tracked interactive movements relative to power (P), reaction time (RT), speed (S), and distance (D) throughout each trial. Performance was measured during a progressive Trap Attack trial following familiarization trials and 7 weeks post-intervention. In addition, the McCarthy scales of children's abilities were administered both pre and post intervention. RESULTS: Statistical analysis by paired t-test (p < .05) revealed no significant difference between pre- and post-intervention gross motor movement as obtained from the McCarthy scales. Trazer interaction revealed significant improvement in RT (.815 vs .699 sec), backward RT (.861 vs .655 sec) and cumulative movement score (107 vs 132 points) for pre- and post- intervention trials, respectively. CONCLUSION: Despite limited exposure to the virtual reality tool (210 minutes within 7 weeks) subjects reacted more rapidly to virtual cues and performed better after exposure.
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