Intensive Virtual Reality Program for Cerebral Palsy

Single subject research: An Intensive virtual reality program improves functional balance and mobility of adolescents with cerebral palsy.
Brien, M. & Sveistrup, H. Pediatric Physical Therapy, Fall 2011 23(3) pp. 258–266 doi:10.1097/PEP.0b013e318227ca0f
Link to abstract: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21829120

Link to Clinical Bottom Line: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21829121

Objective: When adolescents with cerebral palsy receive short duration virtual reality therapy, does functional balance and mobility improve?

Method: A convenience sample of four male adolescents, classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System 1, were tested before, during and (one week and one month) after five days of 90 minute virtual reality, delivered in two sessions. The research method follows the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine study design for single subjects, and meets the criteria for Level III evidence. Tests included the Community Balance and Mobility Scale, the 6-Minute Walk Test, the Timed Up and Down Stairs, and the GMFM Dimensions E.

Findings: Statistically significant improvements were maintained as measured on the Community Balance and Mobility Scale and the 6-Minute Walk Test. Timed Up and Down Stairs, and the GMFM Dimensions E showed no significant change.