Effect of Virtual Reality on Balance Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Wei Liu; Yuanyan Hu; Junfeng Li; Jindong Chang

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2022.865474

Effect of Virtual Reality on Balance Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Front Public Health. 2022 Apr 25:10:865474. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.865474. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Wei Liu^{1

2}, Yuanyan Hu³, Junfeng Li⁴, Jindong Chang²

Affiliations

¹ School of Physical Education, Xuzhou Kindergarten Teachers College, Xuzhou, China.
² Institute of Motor Quotient, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
³ School of Mathematics and Statistics, Yunlin Normal University, Yunlin, China.
⁴ Ministry of Sports, Shandong Technology and Business University, Yantai, China.

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) therapy is popular in treating children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) as a new technology for rehabilitation. Nevertheless, no substantial evidence supporting VR therapy promotion has been developed to date. This study aimed to investigate the effects of VR therapy on balance in children with CP. We conducted a systematic search in PubMed and Web of Science (updated to December 30, 2021). The systematic review and meta-analysis included all randomized controlled trials that included children with CP. A total of 18 RCT studies were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review, and meta-analysis was performed on 16 of them. Results showed that the VR intervention was beneficial for balance (SMD 0.47 [95% CI, SD 0.28, 0.66]). We concluded that VR therapy interventions for children with CP have positive effects. However, cautious implementation is needed in clinical applications.

Keywords: balance; cerebral palsy; interactive games; systematic review; virtual reality.

Publication types

Meta-Analysis
Systematic Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Cerebral Palsy* / rehabilitation
Child
Humans
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy* / methods
Virtual Reality*