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The Effect of a Horse-Riding Simulator with Virtual Reality on Gross Motor Function and Body Composition of Children
Yong Gi Jung1, Hyun Jung Chang2, Eun Sol Jo2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, Korea.
Insights
Horse-riding simulator (HRS) with virtual reality (VR) significantly improved gross motor function and body composition in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). This innovative therapy offers a promising adjunctive approach for CP rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pediatric Neurology
- Virtual Reality Technology
Background:
- Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) significantly impacts children's motor function and quality of life.
- Conventional physiotherapy provides benefits but adjunctive therapies are needed for enhanced outcomes.
- Virtual reality (VR) and simulation technologies offer novel approaches for therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a horse-riding simulator (HRS) integrated with virtual reality (VR) as an adjunctive therapy for children with spastic CP.
- To assess the impact of HRS-VR on gross motor function, balance control, and body composition.
- To compare the outcomes of HRS-VR therapy with conventional physiotherapy and home-based aerobic exercises.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 17 children with spastic CP.
- Intervention group (n=10) received 16 sessions of HRS-VR training twice weekly alongside conventional physiotherapy.
- Control group (n=7) performed home-based aerobic exercises twice weekly for 8 weeks, plus conventional physiotherapy.
- Evaluations included Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), body composition, Pediatric Balance Scale, and Timed Up and Go test.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in GMFM scores and body composition were observed in the HRS-VR group (p < 0.05).
- No significant changes were noted in the control group.
- The HRS-VR group showed significantly greater improvements in GMFM total scores, GMFM dimension D, and skeletal muscle mass compared to the control group (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Horse-riding simulator (HRS) with virtual reality (VR) is an effective adjunctive therapeutic approach for improving gross motor function and body composition in children with spastic CP.
- HRS-VR demonstrates superior outcomes compared to home-based aerobic exercises when combined with conventional physiotherapy.
- This technology presents a valuable tool for pediatric rehabilitation, enhancing functional abilities in children with CP.
Abstract:
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a horse-riding simulator (HRS) with virtual reality (VR) on gross motor function, balance control, and body composition in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Seventeen preschool and school-aged children with spastic CP were included; 10 children in the intervention group (HRS group) received 30 min of HRS with VR training twice a week for a total of 16 sessions in addition to conventional physiotherapy. Seven children in the control group were instructed to perform home-based aerobic exercises twice a week for 8 weeks in addition to conventional physiotherapy. Gross motor function measure (GMFM) and body composition were evaluated before the first session and after the last session. Before and after the 2-month intervention, Pediatric Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go test were evaluated for the HRS group. GMFM scores and body composition changed significantly in the HRS group (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in the control group. Changes in the GMFM total scores, GMFM dimension D scores, and skeletal muscle mass significantly differed between the HRS and control groups (p < 0.05). HRS with VR may be an effective adjunctive therapeutic approach for the rehabilitation of children with CP.
