The development of a home-based virtual reality therapy system to promote upper extremity movement for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Abstract

Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (hemiplegia) have difficulty performing motor tasks with their hemiplegic upper extremity (UE). A virtual reality therapy home-based system (VRT-Home) using a Sony PlayStation 2 equipped with an “EyeToy” video camera was adapted for children to practise hemiplegic hand and arm movements and the system's preliminary usability was evaluated. To use the VRT-Home, participants sit in a chair, hold down a button that occupies their non-hemiplegic side and keeps the system on, and perform movements with their hemiplegic UE to play fun, immersive, games in virtual environments. Supervised test sessions with five child participants found that the system successfully elicited targeted hand/arm movements of the hemiplegic UE, particularly reaching activities that involve the shoulder and elbow. A further home usability study with five participants showed, through usage logging and caregiver and child satisfaction surveys, that the intervention with the VRT-Home was an enjoyable way to practise hemiplegic arm movements at home.