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The Effectiveness of a Computer Game-Based Rehabilitation Platform for Children With Cerebral Palsy: Protocol for a
Anuprita Kanitkar1, Tony Szturm2, Sanjay Parmar3
1Applied Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Insights
This study evaluates CGR, a computer game-based platform, for improving upper extremity (UE) function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Findings will demonstrate CGR
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rehabilitation
- Neuroscience
- Game-based therapy
Background:
- Engaging young children with cerebral palsy (CP) in traditional therapy is challenging.
- Innovative tools are needed to motivate children with CP during rehabilitation.
- CGR, a low-cost computer game platform, was developed for CP therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide evidence for the therapeutic value of the CGR platform.
- To assess CGR's effectiveness in improving upper extremity (UE) motor function in children with CP.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled, single-blind clinical trial with an active control arm.
- Recruitment of children aged 4-10 years with CP and moderate UE impairments.
- Utilizing the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) and PDMS-2 for outcome measurement.
Main Results:
- Quantitative data from QUEST and PDMS-2 will compare CGR and control groups.
- Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews will explore parent and therapist experiences.
- Analysis will focus on differences in upper extremity motor function improvements.
Conclusions:
- This research aims to validate the therapeutic benefits of CGR for pediatric UE rehabilitation.
- Evidence of CGR's feasibility and effectiveness in improving motor function will be presented.
Background:
It is difficult to engage young children with cerebral palsy (CP) in repetitive, tedious therapy. As such, there is a need for innovative approaches and tools to motivate these children. We developed the low-cost, computer game-based rehabilitation platform CGR that combines fine manipulation and gross movement exercises with attention and planning game activities appropriate for young children with CP.
Objective:
The objective of this study is to provide evidence of the therapeutic value of CGR to improve upper extremity (UE) motor function for children with CP.
Methods:
This randomized controlled, single-blind, clinical trial with an active control arm will be conducted at 4 sites. Children diagnosed with CP between the ages of 4 and 10 years old with moderate UE impairments and fine motor control abnormalities will be recruited.
Results:
We will test the difference between experimental and control groups using the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) and Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Second Edition (PDMS-2) outcome measures. The parents of the children and the therapist experiences with the interventions and tools will be explored using semi-structured interviews using the qualitative description approach.
Conclusions:
This research protocol, if effective, will provide evidence for the therapeutic value and feasibility of CGR in the pediatric rehabilitation of UE function.
Trial Registration:
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02728375; http:https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02728375 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6qDjvszvh).
