Virtual Reality-Supported Speech Therapy in Children with Developmental Language Disorder: A Randomized Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology
• Digital Health Interventions
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

• Limited evidence exists for virtual reality (VR) interventions in children with developmental language disorder (DLD).
• Digital technologies offer potential as supplementary tools in speech and language therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of a Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS)-based language intervention combined with standard speech therapy in preschool children with DLD.
• To assess the feasibility, usability, and safety of the VRRS-integrated intervention.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled pilot study involving preschool children diagnosed with DLD.
• Participants received either VRRS-integrated therapy or standard speech therapy alone for six months.
• Outcomes included clinical language assessments, adherence, retention, usability, and safety monitoring.

Main Results:

• 100% retention was observed in the VRRS group, with no adverse events.
• Therapists reported good usability, citing ease of customization and progress monitoring.
• The VRRS system integrated well into routine therapy sessions.

Conclusions:

• VRRS-based activities integrated into conventional speech therapy are feasible, safe, and well-accepted in preschool children with DLD.
• Further controlled studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to validate these findings.