The Virtual Challenge: Virtual Reality Tools for Intervention in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) impacts motor skills and cognitive functions.
• Tele-rehabilitation offers novel approaches for therapeutic interventions.
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) present engaging platforms for cognitive training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest advancements in VR and AR serious games for tele-rehabilitation.
• To investigate the efficacy of VR and AR in improving cognitive and space/motor skills in children with DCD.
• To explore the potential of VR/AR for mental image manipulation training.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of scientific literature.
• Comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, PLoS One, ScienceDirect).
• Focus on studies investigating VR/AR effects on cognitive improvement and mental image manipulation.

Main Results:

• VR and AR serious games are emerging as effective tools in DCD training.
• Limited research (four studies) specifically addresses VR/AR for mental image manipulation in DCD.
• Motivational, reward-oriented, and playful therapeutic environments are key advantages.

Conclusions:

• VR and AR offer promising therapeutic opportunities for digital natives with DCD.
• These technologies can enhance cognitive functions and space/motor skills.
• More research is essential to determine optimal VR/AR toolsets for clinical application.