Lego robots in puppet play for children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to improve hand performance while playing with Chinese puppets modified with Lego robots. Participants: Forty-two children with cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group (n = 21 each). Design: The experimental group underwent 12 weeks of rehabilitation involving playing puppets with the Lego robot, whereas the control group played traditional Chinese puppets. Interventions: A modified puppet therapy was designed in accordance with the motor requirements for hand control. Main Outcome Measures: The Siliconcoach® Pro 7 software, finger tapping test (FTT), and Jamar® hydraulic pinch gauge were used to measure the kinematics and functional performance of the hand. Results: Varying effects on motor performance between playing with commercial Chinese puppetry and adaptive Chinese puppets with Lego robots were observed. There was a significant improvement in the intervention group only according to the ANCOVA results. Conclusion: The modified puppet therapy improved range of motion, FTT scores, and finger pressing speed after the modified puppet therapy. Further studies with modified puppets with Lego robots to provide practice in terms of hand control are needed.