Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Cognitive Function and Upper Limb Rehabilitation Training Post-Stroke Using a Digital Occupational Training System
Published on: December 29, 2023
Does intervention using virtual reality improve upper limb function in children with neurological impairment: a
Jane Galvin1, Rachael McDonald, Cathy Catroppa
1Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, The Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia. jane.galvin@rch.org.au
Insights
Virtual reality (VR) shows emerging potential for pediatric upper limb rehabilitation. However, current evidence is limited by small sample sizes and methodological weaknesses, requiring further research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rehabilitation
- Neurological impairment
- Virtual reality interventions
Background:
- Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging field in pediatric clinical practice and research.
- Most existing VR research focuses on adult stroke rehabilitation, with limited evidence for children with neurological impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To appraise and describe the current evidence for VR interventions aimed at improving upper limb function in children with neurological impairment.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted for VR systems used in pediatric upper limb rehabilitation.
- Studies involving robotics or mechanical devices were excluded.
- Five relevant studies were identified and assessed for quality using the Downs and Black scale.
Main Results:
- The review included one randomized controlled trial and four case studies.
- All studies scored below 50% on the Downs and Black scale, indicating significant methodological limitations.
- These limitations restrict the generalizability of the findings.
Conclusions:
- Evidence supporting VR for improving pediatric upper limb function is currently in its early stages.
- Small sample sizes and inconsistent outcome measures hinder the generalization of results.
- Further research is needed to assess the long-term maintenance of VR-induced gains and their transferability to real-life activities.
Background:
Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging area of paediatric clinical and research practice, however the majority of research to date has focused on outcomes for adults following stroke. This paper appraises and describes current evidence for use of virtual reality interventions to improve upper limb function of children with neurological impairment.
Methods:
A comprehensive database search was undertaken to explore literature on the use of VR systems for rehabilitation of upper limb skills of children with neurological impairment. Studies investigating the use of robotics or other mechanical devices were excluded. Five studies were found and were critiqued using the Downs and Black scale for measuring study quality.
Results:
One randomized control trial and four case studies were found. No study scored over 50% on the Downs and Black scale, indicating methodological limitations that limit generalizability.
Conclusions:
Current evidence for the use of VR to improve hand and arm skills is at an emerging stage. Small sample sizes and inconsistencies in outcome measurement limit the ability to generalize findings. Further studies are required to investigate the ability to maintain gains made in VR over time and to determine whether gains transfer from the VR to real life tasks and activities.
