Fully Immersive Virtual Reality Game-Based Training for an Adolescent with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Case...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Neuroscience
• Virtual Reality Technology

Background:

• Virtual reality-based training (VR-based training) is gaining traction for its potential to enhance participant interest and motivation.
• However, research on the efficacy of fully immersive VR-based training remains limited.

Observation:

• A case study involved a 15-year-old female diagnosed with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification System level II).
• The intervention consisted of a six-week program with 18 sessions of fully immersive VR game-based training using PlayStation®VR.
• Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Functional Gait Assessment (FGA), and 10-meter walking test (10MWT).

Findings:

• Significant improvements were observed across multiple functional measures post-intervention.
• GMFM-88 scores increased by 9.31 points, PBS scores by 6 points, and FGA scores by 3 points.
• The TUG and 10MWT showed notable decreases in time, indicating improved gait speed and efficiency (TUG: 6.9s decrease; 10MWT: 6.59s decrease).

Implications:

• Fully immersive VR game-based training may serve as an effective therapeutic intervention for adolescents with cerebral palsy, specifically those classified as GMFCS level II.
• This approach has the potential to enhance motor function, balance, and gait skills in this population.
• Further research is warranted to explore the broader applications and long-term effects of VR-based interventions in pediatric rehabilitation.