Virtual reality technology can supplement occupational therapy in improving the upper extremity motor function of children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Objective To observe the effect of combining virtual reality technology with occupational therapy in treating children with spastic hemiplegia resulting from cerebral palsy. Methods Thirty-eight spastic and hemiplegic children with cerebral palsy were randomly divided into a treatment group (n=18) and a control group (n=20). Both groups received occupational therapy, while the treatment group was additionally provided with virtual reality-based treatment. The sessions lasted 30 min, 6 times a week for 3 months. Before and after the treatment the upper extremity motor function of both groups was assessed using the fine motor quotients of the Peabody developmental motor scale, the Caroll hand function scale and a activities of daily life scale. Results Before the treatment there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of any of the measurements. After the 3 months, significant improvement was observed in both groups, but the improvement of the treatment group was significantly greater than that of the control group. Conclusion Virtual reality technology can further improve the motor function of the upper extremities and ability in the activities of daily life beyond that achievable through occupational therapy alone. Key words: Virtual reality technology; Occupational therapy; Cerebral palsy