Effect of virtual reality games on motor performance level in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Abstract

Introduction. The study aim was to examine the effects of virtual reality games on motor performance level in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods. The study involved 30 children (boys and girls) aged 7–10 years with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. They were randomly divided into the control group, who received a conventional selected exercise program, and the study group, who received the same conventional selected exercise accompanied by virtual reality games, 3 times per week for 3 successive months. Motor performance level was evaluated with the Gross Motor Function Measure scale (GMFM) and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). The Wilcoxon test was applied for within-group comparison and the Mann-Whitney test for between-group comparison. Results. The within-group comparison revealed significant improvements of GMFM and GMFCS scores in the study group, while in the control group, there was no statistically significant difference. Between-group comparisons showed a significant improvement of GMFM in the study group. Conclusions. Virtual reality games have positive effects on the motor performance level in patients with spastic diplegic ce- rebral palsy.