Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026
Mobile Game-based Virtual Reality Program for Upper Extremity Stroke Rehabilitation
Published on: March 8, 2018
Effect of virtual reality versus conventional physiotherapy on upper extremity function in children with obstetric
1Department of Physical Therapy for Paediatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
Insights
Virtual reality physiotherapy significantly improves upper extremity function in children with obstetric brachial plexus injury compared to conventional methods. This innovative approach enhances shoulder strength and range of motion more effectively.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neurology
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBPI) affects upper extremity function in children.
- Conventional physiotherapy is a standard treatment for OBPI.
- Exploring novel therapeutic approaches is crucial for improving outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) physiotherapy versus conventional physiotherapy for children with OBPI.
- To evaluate the impact of VR on upper extremity function, including shoulder strength and range of motion.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled study involving 40 children with Erb's palsy.
- Group A received conventional physiotherapy; Group B received VR physiotherapy (Armeo® spring) for 12 weeks.
- Outcomes measured included Mallet system scores, range of motion (ROM), and isometric muscle strength.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed improvements, but Group B (VR) demonstrated significantly greater gains.
- Post-treatment abduction strength: Group A (8.53 Nm) vs. Group B (11.3 Nm).
- Post-treatment external rotation strength: Group A (5.88 Nm) vs. Group B (7.45 Nm).
Conclusions:
- Virtual reality physiotherapy is a more effective treatment for improving upper extremity function in children with OBPI.
- VR offers a promising alternative or adjunct to conventional physiotherapy for this population.
- Further research can explore long-term effects and optimal VR protocols.
Objectives:
The objective was to evaluate the effects of virtual reality versus conventional physiotherapy on upper extremity function in children with obstetric brachial plexus injury.
Methods:
Forty children with Erb's palsy were selected for this randomized controlled study. They were assigned randomly to either group A (conventional physiotherapy program) or group B (virtual reality program using Armeo® spring for 45 min three times/week for 12 successive weeks). Mallet system scores for shoulder function and shoulder abduction, and external rotation range of motion (ROM) were obtained; shoulder abductor, and external rotators isometric strength were evaluated pre-and post-treatment using Mallet scoring system, standard universal goniometer, and handheld dynamometer.
Results:
The results of this study indicate that the children in both groups showed improvement in shoulder functions post-treatment with greater improvements in group B. The abduction muscle strength after treatment was 8.53 and 11.3 Nm for group A and group B, respectively. The external rotation muscle strength after treatment was 5.88 and 7.45 Nm for group A and group B, respectively.
Conclusions:
The virtual reality program is a significantly more effective than conventional physiotherapy program in improving the upper extremity functions in children with obstetric brachial plexus injury.
