18.118.189.178
dgid:
enl:
npi:0
-Advertisement-
-Advertisement-
Movement Disorders

Virtual reality improves balance in children with ataxic cerebral palsy

Posted on

Incorporating virtual reality (VR) training using a Wii balance board into traditional physical therapy significantly improves balance in children with ataxic cerebral palsy, according to a study.

The randomized controlled trial included 64 children, randomly divided into 2 groups. Both groups participated in a specialized physical therapy program 3 times a week for 3 months, with 1 group receiving additional VR training using a Wii balance board. Balance was assessed using the Biodex balance system and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) before and after the intervention.

Both groups improved significantly in balance over 3 months, but the VR group showed superior results, with statistically significant advantages in stability indices and PBS scores (P ≤ 0.05).

The findings suggest that incorporating VR into rehabilitation programs can significantly enhance balance in children with ataxic cerebral palsy, potentially paving the way for more effective therapeutic strategies.

Reference
Mouhamed HA, Abo-Zaid NA, Khalifa HA, et al. Efficacy of virtual reality on balance impairment in ataxic cerebral palsy children: randomized controlled trial. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2024;60(6):949-955. doi: 10.23736/S1973-9087.24.08617-9. Epub 2024 Oct 23. PMID: 39441113.

-Advertisement-
-Advertisement-
-Advertisement-
-Advertisement-
-Advertisement-