Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026
Mobile Game-based Virtual Reality Program for Upper Extremity Stroke Rehabilitation
Published on: March 8, 2018
Effect of virtual reality on upper extremity function in children with cerebral palsy: a meta-analysis
Yu-ping Chen1, Shih-Yu Lee, Ayanna M Howard
1Department of Physical Therapy (Dr Chen) and School of Nursing (Dr Lee), Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia; School of Electronic and Computer Engineering (Dr Howard), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia.
Insights
Virtual reality (VR) significantly improves upper extremity (UE) function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Younger children and those using specific VR systems showed the most improvement, warranting further research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neuroscience
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) affects motor function, particularly in the upper extremities (UE).
- Traditional therapies may have limitations in engagement and effectiveness for children with CP.
- Virtual reality (VR) offers a novel, interactive approach for therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the impact of virtual reality (VR) on upper extremity (UE) function in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
- To explore correlations between VR effectiveness and child characteristics or intervention parameters.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was performed across major databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycINFO) up to June 2013.
- Included studies focused on children with CP, utilizing VR interventions and measuring UE outcomes.
- Analysis encompassed 14 research articles, including randomized controlled trials and case series.
Main Results:
- Virtual reality demonstrated a strong effect size (d = 1.00) in improving UE function post-intervention.
- Subgroup analyses indicated greater benefits for younger children.
- Home-based or laboratory-based VR interventions using engineer-built systems yielded superior results.
Conclusions:
- Virtual reality presents a promising and viable therapeutic tool for enhancing UE function in pediatric CP.
- Further high-quality research, particularly rigorous study designs, is necessary to solidify recommendations for VR implementation.
- Optimizing VR system design and delivery (e.g., home-based) may enhance outcomes.
Purpose:
To systematically examine the effect of virtual reality (VR) on upper extremity (UE) function in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and assess the association among VR effects and children's characteristics and an intervention protocol.
Method:
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, and PsycINFO up to June 2013. Research studies involving children with CP that used VR as the intervention method and UE outcome measures were included.
Results:
The search yielded 14 research articles, including 3 randomized controlled trials and 11 case series. Overall, VR provided a strong effect size (d = 1.00) when comparing pre- and postintervention. In subgroup analyses, younger children receiving home-based or laboratory-based VR and using an engineer-built VR system showed better improvement.
Conclusions And Implications:
Virtual reality is a viable tool to improve UE function in children with CP. However, a more vigorous research design is needed to make a conclusive recommendation.
