Design: Case study
The effects of virtual reality game training on trunk to pelvis coupling in a child with cerebral palsy
Barton, G.J., Hawken, M.B., Foster, R.J., Holmes, G. & Butler, P.B. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation 2013, 10:15
doi:10.1186/1743-0003-10-15
Link to full text www.jneuroengrehab.com/content/10/1/15
Coupling between pelvic and trunk muscles is a common strategy when attempting a new activity and often decreases with familiarity. Co-contraction increases stability by connecting the more stable trunk to help stabilize the pelvis. Some children with cerebral palsy experience body function limitations related to coupling and uncoupling of their trunk and pelvis.
Objective: This study explored how a video game driven by pelvic rotation in high kneeling could be exploited to help reduce limitations related to coupling and to increase selective movement patterns.
Method: One 10 year old boy with spastic diplegic CP (GMFCS 1) completed 13 twice-weekly, 30 minute sessions in a CAREN virtual reality environment playing a custom, pelvic rotation-mediated game.
Results: Playing the game did not result in decreased coupling,. However, it may result in increased selective control with further training and in shorter pelvis range of movements, closer to the midline.