Effects of extrinsic feedback in virtual rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy: A comprehensive systematic review

Abstract

Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) have motor and cognitive disorders that make it difficult for them to perform activities of daily living (ADL). Virtual Rehabilitation (VR) is a relatively novel research line that tackles motor and cognitive abilities. Sensory feedback together with Virtual Environments (VE) enriches and improves motor control in children with CP. The use of VR together with intrinsic/extrinsic feedback in intervention periods is a complement of training sessions with clear and relevant outcomes. In this paper, we analyze the effects of extrinsic feedback together with virtual systems in children with CP. An exhaustive literature search was carried out in electronic databases, from 2008 to 2018 to identify studies. The American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) systematic review methodology was used as a frame-work. Outcomes reveal improvements in gait, stride length, walking speed, and stride time by using extrinsic feedback. Future research should be focused on the design and validation of the these system with larger groups of children with CP.