Low-cost virtual reality intervention program for children with developmental coordination disorder: a pilot feasibility study.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the feasibility of using a low-cost, off-the-shelf virtual reality (VR) game to treat young children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and to determine the effect of this intervention on motor function.


METHODS
Nine children, aged 4 to 6 years, referred to physical therapy because of suspected DCD participated in 10 game-based intervention sessions.


METHODS
Outcome measures included Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (M-ABC-2), the DCD Questionnaire (DCD-Q), the 6-minute walk test, and 10-m walk test.


RESULTS
Statistically significant changes were observed in the total standard score (P = .024) and the balance subscore (P = .012) of the M-ABC-2 and in the DCD-Q (P < .05). The children seemed to be motivated and to enjoy the interaction with the VR environment.


CONCLUSIONS
VR games seemed to be beneficial in improving the children's motor function.
Clalit Health Services (Ms Ashkenazi and Dr Orian), Child Development Center, Carmiel, Israel; Department of Occupational Therapy (Dr Weiss), Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel; Department of Physical Therapy (Dr Laufer and Ms Ashkenazi), Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
Tal
T
Ashkenazi
Patrice L
PL
Weiss
Danielle
D
Orian
Yocheved
Y
Laufer
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005080:Exercise Test; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000191:economics*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D063367:Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods