Hemiparatik Serebral Palsili Çocuklarda Sanal Gerçeklik Yönteminin Denge ve ileri Düzey Motor Beceriler Üzerine Olan Etkisinin İncelenmesi

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of virtual reality program for balance and advanced motor abilities in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. This study included 30 children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy between the ages of 7-14 years. Following recording demographic data, gross motor function and performance measure tests, one and two leg standing tests, tandem standing tests, time up and go tests,independent jumping numbers and pediatric balance scale were used for balance assessments at baseline and after treatment. All subjects were treated by Bobath Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT) 2 times per week for 9 weeks in which randomly selected 15 children undergone Wii Fit which is a kind of virtual reality program, 2 times per week additional to their NDT program (treatment group). The other group is called control group. All subjects had the treatment during 9 weeks, totally 18 times. After applications in control group, according to the obtained data, NDT caused a decrease in the completion one leg and tandem standing, pediatric balance scale, GMFM and GMPM scores(p<0.05) when baseline and after treatment were compared. In application group, NDT and Wii application caused a decrease in the completion time of TUG, one leg and tandem standing, scores of GMFM, GMPM, pediatric balance scale and independent jumping numbers. (p<0.05). When the groups were compared the scores of GMFM, GMPM, independent jumping numbers on smooth and soft surface were similar at baseline although had differences after the applications (p<0.05). Wii Fit application improves balance and advanced motor abilities in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. It is suggested that future studies which will aim to explore the effectiveness of the Wii Fit application on balance should be randomized on wide and different sample size as well as using laboratory and clinical assessments together.