Effects of Virtual Reality Intervention on Motor Function and Activities of Daily Living of Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials: VR AND MOTOR FUNCTION & ADL.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the impact of virtual reality (VR) intervention on motor function (MF) and activities of daily living (ADL) in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP), and to identify effective VR intervention strategies.

Data sources: Searches were conducted in PubMed, Wiley online Library, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science (all collections).

Study selection: All randomized controlled trials of VR intervention on motor function and ADL of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.

Data extraction: We conducted dual data abstraction, quality assessment, and strength of evidence. Outcomes include gait, balance, gross motor function, ADL, and hand function.

Data synthesis: This review encompassed 41 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on the use of VR intervention in children and adolescents with CP. The effect of VR intervention on gait (SMD=0.52; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.85) and gross motor function (SMD=0.76; 95% CI: 0.17, 1.34) has a moderate effect, while the balance (SMD=1.1; 95% CI: 0.61, 1.59), ADL (SMD=1.46; 95% CI: 0.71, 2.2) and hand function (SMD=1.08; 95% CI: 0.17, 2) has great effect. Subgroup analysis reveals the influence of different intervention parameters on different functions. For example, balance is related to the intervention duration of more than 10 weeks, the frequency of 1-2 times per week, Nintendo Wii platform and non-immersive VR.

Conclusion: Although the results show that VR intervention has a positive impact on MF and ADL, the high heterogeneity limits the stability of the conclusion. Future research needs to further explore the mechanism of VR intervention and try to set a reliable personalized intervention model.