Effect of Adding Virtual Reality to Individualized Exercise Therapy on Gross Motor Function,Balance,and Functional Mobility in Children with Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Single-Blinded Controlled Trial

Abstract

The aim was to investigate the effect of adding virtual reality (VR) training to an individualized exercise therapy program in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy (CP). Thirty-one children with hemiparetic CP were randomly allocated into 2 groups as experimental (n = 16) and control (n = 15). Experimental group received additional VR twice a week for 12 weeks. Gross motor function (Gross Motor Function Measure-66), balance (one leg standing), and functional mobility (timed up and go test) were evaluated. All parameters were improved in the experimental group (P < .05). In the control group, all parameters other than timed up and go test, and eyes closed one leg standing improved (P < .05). When the changes in the groups were compared, greater improvements were detected in the experimental group (P < .05). Adding VR training to the individualized exercise therapy program may have potential additional benefits for improving gross motor function, balance, and functional mobility in children with hemiparetic CP.