Abstract
BackgroundThe popularity of video game use in burns rehabilitation has grown because, in addition to facilitating maintenance of range of motion (ROM), the virtual imaging characteristics of these games provide distraction from pain.ObjectivesThe effect of using Xbox Kinect™ as an adjunct to physiotherapy in a Paediatric Burns Unit (PBU) has not been established. This study aimed to investigate the effect of using the Xbox Kinect™ on outcomes of children in the PBU at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.MethodsThis non-equivalent, post-test only control group study took place over a period of 14 months. The control group received standard physiotherapy management and the experimental group received standard physiotherapy management and additional Xbox Kinect™. Outcome measures were ROM, Activities Scale for Kids (ASK©p) and a modified Wong-Baker FACES® enjoyment rating scale. Outcomes were assessed at discharge and then 1 week post-discharge at the usual follow-up appointment.ResultsSixty-six children participated in this study. More than 50% of the burns were because of hot water, followed by flame burns (30%) and electrical burns (12%). The addition of Xbox Kinect™ was effective in achieving higher active ROM (AROM) between discharge and follow-up (p < 0.01). Fun and enjoyment (p < 0.01) was found to be significantly higher in the children who participated in Xbox Kinect™. Total body surface area (TBSA%) (p = 0.03), age (p = 0.05) and AROM (p = 0.04) were significantly associated with ASK©p scores.ConclusionThe use of the Xbox Kinect™ has been shown to be a beneficial and useful adjunct to burns rehabilitation in this paediatric burns population.Clinical implicationsCurrently, there is limited information and research on interventions for children with burns in South Africa. The addition of Xbox Kinect™ to standard physiotherapy in-patient care was both enjoyable and effective and should be considered where funding is available.
Highlights
Burns are a predominant cause of paediatric injuries and contribute to more than 90% of paediatric deaths owing to injury primarily in low- and middle-income countries (Wesson et al 2013)
We found that age (-1.89; p = 0.05) and active ROM (AROM) (0.22; p = 0.04) were significantly associated with ASK©p scores; a young child or a child with reduced AROM would have lower ASK©p scores
This study aimed to investigate the effect of using the Xbox KinectTM as an adjunct to physiotherapy on discharge
Summary
Burns are a predominant cause of paediatric injuries and contribute to more than 90% of paediatric deaths owing to injury primarily in low- and middle-income countries (Wesson et al 2013). Schmitt et al (2011) describe physiotherapy as an essential, sometimes painful, component of burns rehabilitation. And aggressive physiotherapy can facilitate and counteract the decreased range of motion (ROM), and most importantly prevent severe contractures and potential disability that can develop secondary to burns and associated skin grafting. Burn rehabilitation is fundamental to improving functional outcomes and decreasing long-term disability (Schmitt et al 2011). Pain and anxiety are critical factors that may considerably influence the course of recovery. Acute pain is exacerbated by anxiety (Yohannan et al 2012). The popularity of video game use in burns rehabilitation has grown because, in addition to facilitating maintenance of range of motion (ROM), the virtual imaging characteristics of these games provide distraction from pain
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