title: Improving spatial functioning in children with cerebral palsy using computerized and traditional game tasks.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the effectiveness of combining virtual environment (VE) instruction with additional desk-top tasks, based on the Luria-Vygotsky methodology, for spatial remediation in children having complex motor disabilities restricting movement.
  
  
  METHODS
  In Experiment 1, from among children attending for residential rehabilitation, an experimental subgroup had additional spatial training using a VE and corresponding desk-top models. All children were tested at the start and end of training, using four spatial tests. In Experiment 2, larger groups of children (pair-matched for initial performance) were given the same training as in Experiment 1, but experimentals received both VE-based training and supporting tasks designed to improve executive functions and verbal regulation of spatial functioning. Assessment involved a wider range of tests than in Experiment 1.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In Experiment 1, both groups showed improvement at retest, but experimentals showed greater improvement. Children beginning with the lowest level of cognitive performance failed to benefit from the additional training. In Experiment 2 the experimental group made significantly greater improvement than controls, irrespective of initial performance level.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  VE-based spatial training is effective for children with complex disabilities, particularly when combined with training that remediates cognitive weaknesses.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Psychology, Moscow State University, Russia.
authors.forename: Tat'yana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Akhutina
authors.forename: Nigel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Foreman
authors.forename: Anatoly
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Krichevets
authors.forename: Leena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Matikka
authors.forename: Vesa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Narhi
authors.forename: Natalia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pylaeva
authors.forename: Jelena
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vahakuopus
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000502:physiology; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D014705:Verbal Behavior / Q000502:physiology