title: Wii™-habilitation of upper extremity function in children with cerebral palsy. An explorative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Commercially available virtual reality systems can possibly support rehabilitation objectives in training upper arm function in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). The present study explored the effect of the Nintendo Wii™ training on upper extremity function in children with CP.
  
  
  METHODS
  During six weeks, all children received twice a week training with the Wii™, with their most affected arm. The Melbourne Assessment of Upper Limb Function and ABILHAND-Kids were assessed pre- and post- training. In addition, user satisfaction of both children and health professionals was assessed after training. Enjoyment in gaming was scored on a visual analogue scale scale after each session by the children.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifteen children with CP participated in the study. The quality of upper extremity movements did not change (-2.1, p > 0.05), while a significant increase of convenience in using hands/arms during performance of daily activities was found (0.6, p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Daily activities seem to be easier performed after Wii™ training for most of the included children with CP.
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Centre Het Roessingh, Enschede, The Netherlands. d.winkels@roessingh.nl
authors.forename: Diny G M
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Winkels
authors.forename: Anke I R
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Kottink
authors.forename: Rutger A J
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Temmink
authors.forename: Juliëtte M M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Nijlant
authors.forename: Jaap H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Buurke
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D018910:Video Games