Effects of Virtual Reality Use on Children with Cerebral Palsy and Its Applications in Health: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Cerebral palsy (CP) presents significant challenges in motor function, quality of life, and motivation for affected children.
• Conventional physical therapy approaches may have limitations in engagement and long-term adherence for pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate the impact of virtual reality (VR) interventions on the functional abilities, quality of life, and motivation of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP).

Main Methods:

• A systematic review was conducted, adhering to PROSPERO registration (CRD42022321170), utilizing keywords related to physical therapy and "Virtual Reality".
• Studies were screened rigorously by title, abstract, and full-text review. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale, and the GRADE system determined the certainty of evidence.

Main Results:

• The review of 10 studies indicated significant improvements in balance, gross motor function, and upper limb coordination.
• Further benefits were observed in daily functioning, gait, motivation, and spasticity reduction, with VR demonstrating enhanced motor abilities and engagement over conventional therapy.
• Primary outcomes showing the most favorable responses included gross motor function and balance, followed by motivation and adherence.

Conclusions:

• Virtual reality interventions led to clinically meaningful improvements in key outcome measures for children with CP.
• Despite variability in outcome reporting and measurement tools across studies, the evidence supports integrating VR into neurorehabilitation for pediatric CP.
• VR serves as a valuable, playful, and motivating tool that enhances rehabilitation outcomes in children with cerebral palsy.