Non-Immersive Virtual Reality as an Intervention for Improving Hand Function and Functional Independence in Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Feasibility Study

Introduction Non-immersive virtual reality (NIVR) is emerging as an advantageous intervention in the arena of neurorehabilitation. Promising results have been obtained by the application of NIVR in adults with various chronic neurological conditions such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease, but studies on the use of NIVR in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) are limited. Materials and methods This preliminary study included 10 school-aged participants with unilateral CP who were allocated into experimental and control groups. In accordance with the allocation ratio of 1:1, there were five participants in each group. During six weeks of intervention, children in the experimental group received NIVR intervention in addition to conventional physiotherapy, while those in the control group received only conventional physiotherapy, with a goal to improve hand function and functional independence. Nine-hole peg test (9HPT), box and block test (BBT), ABILHAND kids, and self-care section of functional independence measure for children (WeeFIM) were used as outcome measures. Results There was significant improvement in all outcome measures in both groups. However, the improvement in the hand function and functional independence was significantly more in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusion It can be concluded that NIVR intervention in the management of children with unilateral CP seems to be feasible and useful. Further research with a larger sample size must be undertaken to reinforce these preliminary findings.