Virtual reality-based paediatric interactive therapy system (PITS) for improvement of arm and hand function in children with motor impairment--a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
Rehabilitation of upper-limb sensorimotor function in children with motor dysfunctions is primarily based on movement training. This study developed a virtual-reality based, paediatric interactive therapy system (PITS) that allows children to practice specific movements of the upper limbs with immediate feedback about their motor performance.


METHODS
The system was tested on five children with motor dysfunctions over 3 weeks of training. Pre- and post-assessment was conducted before and after the training period.


RESULTS
Results of the pilot study show improvements of hand function in the test scores (except one patient). Patient motivation was high and maintained over the course of the therapy sessions.


CONCLUSIONS
PITS is an applicable VR-system which can be feasibly applied during the rehabilitation of children with upper limb motor dysfunctions. Further investigation is necessary to determine if the system provides significantly improved results compared to conventional therapies, both in terms of motor function outcomes and patient motivation.
Wille
David
D
Rehabilitation Centre University Children's Hospital Zurich, Affoltern am Albis, Switzerland. david.wille@kispi.uzh.ch
Eng
Kynan
K
Holper
Lisa
L
Chevrier
Edith
E
Hauser
Yves
Y
Kiper
Daniel
D
Pyk
Pawel
P
Schlegel
Sonja
S
Meyer-Heim
Andreas
A
D000293:Adolescent; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002648:Child; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011379:Prognosis; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012494:Sampling Studies; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology; D014584:User-Computer Interface