Virtual reality in pediatric neurorehabilitation: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and cerebral palsy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurorehabilitation
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly explored as a therapeutic tool for pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and cerebral palsy face significant impairments.
• Existing literature reviews focus on the application of VR in addressing these specific challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current status and applications of virtual reality (VR) for children with ADHD, autism, and cerebral palsy.
• To explore how VR systems serve as treatment tools for the primary impairments associated with these conditions.
• To identify future research directions in VR for pediatric neurorehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review methodology.
• Identification and categorization of VR display systems based on human-computer interaction (feedback-focused, gesture-based, haptic-based).
• Analysis of demonstrated and potential effectiveness of VR classes for remediating core impairments.

Main Results:

• Three major classes of VR interaction systems were identified: feedback-focused, gesture-based, and haptic-based.
• The effectiveness of each VR class in addressing the primary impairments of ADHD, autism, and cerebral palsy was discussed.
• Potential therapeutic benefits of VR for pediatric neurorehabilitation were highlighted.

Conclusions:

• VR demonstrates significant potential as a therapeutic intervention for children with ADHD, autism, and cerebral palsy.
• Further research is needed to fully realize the benefits of VR in pediatric neurorehabilitation.
• Three key themes for future research were identified to guide continued investigation.