Using Video Games for the Rehabilitation of Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Video games have become a tool for motivating players in performing tasks they would not otherwise perform. We present the use of video games controlled through XBOX KINECT, to facilitate rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy. Specific movements to promote children's rehabilitation of reduced balance and postural control were used with video games suitable for children between the ages of 5 - 12 years old. To evaluate the rehabilitation and motivation potential of the video games, a pilot study with 7 children between the ages of 9 - 12 years old was performed. The children played the aforementioned video games for 6 weeks, twice per week. Physiotherapists used the Paediatric Balance Scale to assess clinical their balance and postural control in 14 dynamic and static tasks before and after the experiment. The results are promising, both in terms of motivating children to attend their rehabilitation sessions, and in terms of rehabilitation potential. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.