Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
Development of a Virtual Reality Assessment of Everyday Living Skills
Published on: April 23, 2014
Low-cost virtual reality intervention program for children with developmental coordination disorder: a pilot
Tal Ashkenazi1, Patrice L Weiss, Danielle Orian
1Clalit Health Services (Ms Ashkenazi and Dr Orian), Child Development Center, Carmiel, Israel; Department of Occupational Therapy (Dr Weiss), Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel; Department of Physical Therapy (Dr Laufer and Ms Ashkenazi), Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
Insights
Low-cost virtual reality (VR) games show promise for treating developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in young children. This VR intervention improved motor function, particularly balance, and was well-received by participants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Developmental neuroscience
- Rehabilitation technology
Background:
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects motor skills in children.
- Traditional therapies may have limitations in engagement for young children.
- Virtual Reality (VR) offers immersive and potentially motivating therapeutic environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of using accessible VR games for DCD treatment in young children.
- To evaluate the impact of a VR game intervention on the motor function of children with suspected DCD.
- To gauge children's engagement and enjoyment with the VR intervention.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of nine children (aged 4-6 years) with suspected DCD participated.
- Intervention involved 10 sessions utilizing a low-cost, off-the-shelf VR game.
- Motor function was assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (M-ABC-2), DCD Questionnaire (DCD-Q), and walk tests.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were noted in the M-ABC-2 total standard score (P=.024) and balance subscore (P=.012).
- The DCD Questionnaire also showed statistically significant positive changes (P<.05).
- Children demonstrated high motivation and enjoyment during VR game interaction.
Conclusions:
- VR gaming appears to be a beneficial intervention for enhancing motor function in children with DCD.
- Accessible VR technology presents a feasible and engaging option for pediatric rehabilitation.
- Further research can explore larger cohorts and varied VR applications for DCD.
Purpose:
To explore the feasibility of using a low-cost, off-the-shelf virtual reality (VR) game to treat young children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and to determine the effect of this intervention on motor function.
Methods:
Nine children, aged 4 to 6 years, referred to physical therapy because of suspected DCD participated in 10 game-based intervention sessions.
Outcome Measures:
Outcome measures included Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (M-ABC-2), the DCD Questionnaire (DCD-Q), the 6-minute walk test, and 10-m walk test.
Results:
Statistically significant changes were observed in the total standard score (P = .024) and the balance subscore (P = .012) of the M-ABC-2 and in the DCD-Q (P < .05). The children seemed to be motivated and to enjoy the interaction with the VR environment.
Conclusion:
VR games seemed to be beneficial in improving the children's motor function.
