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Author Spotlight: Enhancing Neurorehabilitation Through EEG, Motor Imagery, and Virtual Reality
Published on: May 10, 2024
[Impact of a virtual reality-based intervention on motor performance and balance of a child with cerebral palsy: a
Silvia Leticia Pavão1, Joice Luiza Bruno Arnoni1, Alyne Kalyane Câmara de Oliveira1
1Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brasil.
Insights
Virtual reality therapy improved motor performance and balance in a child with cerebral palsy (CP). This case study suggests VR is a valuable tool for neuromotor rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders affecting movement and posture.
- Effective rehabilitation strategies are crucial for improving motor function in children with CP.
- Virtual reality (VR) offers novel, engaging therapeutic approaches.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old child with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy (GMFCS level I) underwent a 12-session VR physiotherapy protocol.
- The intervention utilized an Xbox 360 Kinect system for movement tracking and reproduction.
- Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and Motor Development Scale (MDS).
Findings:
- No significant changes were observed in baseline scores over a 2-week interval.
- Following the VR intervention, the child achieved a 3-point increase on the PBS, reaching the maximum score.
- The child's MDS score improved from "much inferior" to "inferior" motor performance.
Implications:
- Virtual reality therapy demonstrates potential as an effective tool in pediatric rehabilitation for cerebral palsy.
- This case highlights the benefits of integrating VR into physiotherapy for improving motor skills and balance.
- Further research into VR interventions for neuromotor dysfunction is warranted.
Objective:
To verify the effect of an intervention protocol using virtual reality (VR) on the motor performance and balance of a child with cerebral palsy (CP).
Case Description:
To comply with the proposed objectives, a 7-year old child with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy (cP), GMFcS level I, was submitted to a physiotherapy intervention protocol of 12 45-minute sessions, twice a week, using virtual reality-based therapy. The protocol used a commercially-available console (XBOX(®)360 Kinect(®)) able to track and reproduce body movements on a screen. Prior to the intervention protocol, the child was evaluated using the Motor Development Scale (MDS) and the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) in order to assess motor development and balance, respectively. Two baseline assessments with a 2-week interval between each other were carried out for each tool. Then, the child was re-evaluated after the twelfth session. The results showed no changes in the two baseline scores. After the intervention protocol, the child improved his scores in both tools used: the PBS score increased by 3 points, reaching the maximal score, and the MDS increased from a much inferior motor performance to just an inferior motor performance.
Comments:
The evidence presented in this case supports the use of virtual reality as a promising tool to be incorporated into the rehabilitation process of patients with neuromotor dysfunction.
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