Single group
Using Free Internet Videogames in Upper Extremity Motor Training for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Servik M, Eklund E, Mensch A, Forman M, Standeven J & Engsberg J
Behavioral Sciences, 2016 6:10
DOI: 10:3390/bs6020010
Link to abstract: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27338485
Objectives: Motion-based virtual reality rehabilitation can be an engaging and motivating form of therapy. “Tedium and lack of motivation are substantial barriers to performance improvements.” In children with cerebral palsy, is using free internet games feasible and motivating enough to encourage participation in movement therapy and increase function?
Process: Four 8-to-17 year old children with mild to moderate upper extremity limitations played 26 games over 12 weeks. The games were freely accessed internet games adapted for the Kinect controller with free Flexible Action and Articulated Skeleton Toolkit (FAAST) software. “Internet games eliminate the high cost of game development, permit games to be paired with an individual’s interests and allow for changing of games to maintain novelty. Matching the interest of the child makes the therapy increasingly client-centered and motivating.”
Outcomes:All children “progressed through the pre-set 12 week plan”, thus demonstrating feasibility. Children averaged nearly 900 repetitions per training session, and 2 of the participants showed improved range of motion.
The participants demonstrated motivation with an aggregated score of 46 of 49 possible points on the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI).