title: Efficacy of neurodevelopmental treatment combined with the Nintendo(®) Wii in patients with cerebral palsy.
abstract: [Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of Nintendo(®) Wii games in addition to neurodevelopmental treatment in patients with cerebral palsy. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty hemiparetic cerebral palsy patients (16 females, 14 males; mean age, 6-15 years) were included in the study and divided into two groups: a neurodevelopmental treatment+Nintendo Wii group (group 1, n=15) and a neurodevelopmental treatment group (group 2, n=15). Both groups received treatment in 45-minute sessions 2 days/week for six weeks. Use of the upper extremities, speed, disability and functional independence were evaluated using the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test, Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test, ABILHAND-Kids test, and Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (self-care) before and after treatment. [Results] There were statistically significant improvements in all parameters for group 1 and group 2 (except quality of function) after six weeks of treatment. Intergroup analysis showed that group 1 was superior to group 2 in mean change differences in the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test. [Conclusion] Our results showed that neurodevelopmental treatment is effective for improving hand functions in hemiplegic cerebral palsy. To provide a enjoyable, motivational, safe, and effective rehabilitation program, the Nintendo(®) Wii may be used in addition to neurodevelopmental treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Turkey.
authors.forename: Gönül
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Acar
authors.affiliation: TEMAS Pediatric Therapy and Special Education Center, Turkey.
authors.forename: Gamze Polen
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Altun
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Turkey.
authors.forename: SaadetUfuk
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yurdalan
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Turkey.
authors.forename: Mine Gülden
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Polat
keywords: Cerebral palsy; Nintendo® Wii; Virtual reality