Research article
Berry T, Howcroft J, Klejman S, Fehlings D, Wright V, Biddiss, E. (2011)
Variations in Movement Patterns during Active Video Game Play in Children with Cerebral Palsy. J Bioengineer & Biomedical Sci S1:001. doi:10.4172/2155-9538. S1-001
Link to article: www.omicsonline.org/2155-9538/2155-9538-S1-001.php
Objective:
Low-cost active video games (AVG) such as Ninteno Wii® are popular physical therapy tools for children with cerebral palsy. While not specifically designed to match rehabilitation goals, various studies have found clinically-relevant improvements in functional motor ability. The games reward realistic movements involving more proximal joints and bilateral upper extremity use but play can also proceed with adapted, more conservative movements of distal joints.
This study investigates play styles of three Nintendo Wii® games; boxing, bowling and tennis for realistic movement patterns related to the real-world activity and variations of adapted movement patterns.
Method:
A purposive sample of 16 children with GMFCS level I hemi- or diplegic cerebral palsy played each of three Wii® games. One minute of play was captured and analyzed as realistic or adapted movement.
Findings:
Game play was either realistic or adapted depending on the game and the child. Wii® bowling was performed more realistically, tennis and boxing less so. Children adapted their play style to succeed at the games, favouring their dominant arm in bilateral activities. Therapists need to encourage children to play realistically to derive the most therapeutic benefits from video game playing.