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The Impact of Virtual-Reality-Based Physiotherapy on Upper Limb Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Zuzanna Wojtowicz1, Katarzyna Czech2, Adrianna Lechowska1
1Doctoral School, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland.
Insights
Virtual reality physiotherapy significantly improves upper limb function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). This engaging therapy enhances range of motion, strength, and coordination, offering a promising approach for rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pediatric Neurology
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a leading cause of childhood motor disability, significantly impacting upper limb function and independence.
- Physiotherapy is crucial for managing CP, with virtual reality (VR) emerging as an engaging therapeutic modality.
- Upper limb function deficits in CP affect daily activities and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the scientific literature on the effectiveness of virtual reality-based physiotherapy for upper limb function in children with cerebral palsy.
- To synthesize current evidence regarding VR's impact on motor skills and functional outcomes in pediatric CP.
- To identify optimal VR therapy approaches for upper limb rehabilitation in children with CP.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
- Searched major databases (PubMed, Scopus, etc.) for studies published between 2010 and 2025.
- Included six original studies focusing on VR therapy, pediatric CP, upper limb goals, and full-text availability.
Main Results:
- All reviewed studies reported positive effects of VR on upper limb functional parameters.
- Improvements were observed in range of motion, muscle strength, coordination, and manual precision.
- Task-oriented, immersive, and home-based VR with remote monitoring showed particular efficacy, especially for GMFCS I-III levels.
Conclusions:
- Virtual reality is a safe and effective adjunct for upper limb physiotherapy in children with CP.
- VR enhances exercise intensity and motivation, applicable in both clinical and home settings.
- Further high-quality, long-term research is needed to confirm sustained benefits and impact on daily living.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common causes of permanent motor disability in children, and its consequences for upper limb function have a significant impact on the patient's independence and quality of life. Virtual reality is attracting increasing interest as a modern, engaging and effective method of physiotherapy for children with cerebral palsy. This systematic literature review aimed to synthesize current scientific data on the impact of virtual-reality-based physiotherapy on upper limb function in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Research Gate and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Six original studies meeting the following criteria were included in the analysis: virtual reality therapy, population of children with cerebral palsy, physiotherapy goals related to the upper limb and availability of full text. Results: All included studies demonstrated a positive impact of virtual reality on at least one functional parameter of the upper limb, including range of motion, muscle strength, coordination and manual precision. Task-oriented training, immersive virtual reality environments and home-based therapy supported by remote monitoring proved to be the most effective. The effects were particularly noticeable in children with moderate impairment at GMFCS I-III. Conclusions: Virtual reality represents a safe and promising technology to support upper limb physiotherapy in children with cerebral palsy. It can be used both in clinical and home settings, contributing to increased exercise intensity and motivation. Further long-term studies using high-quality methodology are needed to determine the sustainability of the effects and their impact on everyday living.
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