Investigating the Effect of Leap Motion on Upper Extremity Rehabilitation in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Dev Neurorehabil. 2023 May;26(4):244-252. doi: 10.1080/17518423.2023.2203210. Epub 2023 Apr 25.

Abstract

In this randomized clinical trial, we look for the following questions' answer: How does the integration of LMC affect (1) upper extremity (UE) function, (2) grip strength, and (3) lateral and palmar pinch strength in children with cerebral palsy (CP), in comparison with conventional rehabilitation methods? Twenty patients were randomly assigned to LMC (case) or conventional (control) groups. The grip, lateral and palmar pinch forces increased in case group patients more than control group both at the end of intervention (P < .001 for all three), and at 20 weeks' follow-up (P values 0.035, 0.002, and 0.002). The Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) score changes were similar between two groups, except for grasp score at the end of step 2 and 3 (P = .04 and 0.01, respectively). The addition of LMC to the rehabilitation program of patients with CP may improve the UE motor function outcomes.

Keywords: Cerebral Palsy; leap motion controller; rehabilitation; upper extremity, physiotherapy; virtual reality.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Palsy* / rehabilitation
  • Child
  • Hand Strength
  • Humans
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Upper Extremity