Does virtual reality training using the Xbox Kinect have a positive effect on physical functioning in children with spastic cerebral palsy? A case series.

PURPOSE: The present study investigated the effects of virtual reality (VR) training using the Xbox Kinect on motor function, balance, gait, and functional mobility in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

METHOD: This was a case series. Four children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy were provided VR training using the Xbox Kinect for 12 sessions (three sessions per week for 4 weeks). At baseline and follow-up, physical function was measured using the following: Selective Motor Control (SMC) for motor function, Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) for balance, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) for functional mobility, and 6-meter walk test (6WT) for gait.

RESULTS: As compared with the baseline scores, SMC, PBS, TUG, FMS, and 6MWT scores after training showed improvements. In participant 1, PBS and TUG scores improved after VR training. In participant 2, SMC (left ankle dorsiflexor, left knee extensor), PBS, TUG, and FMS scores improved after training. In participant 3, SMC (left hip flexor), TUG, FMS, and 6MWT scores improved after training. In participant 4, SMC (right ankle dorsiflexor), PBS, TUG, FMS, and 6MWT scores improved after training.

CONCLUSION: The results show that VR training using the Xbox Kinect may improve physical functioning in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. However, its utility in the rehabilitation of children with CP requires further investigation.