Virtual Reality Rehabilitation

Virtual Reality Rehabilitation (VRR) combines virtual reality technology with movement therapy. There are different forms of VRR and some devices use screens and a form of remote control through which the child can interact with the virtual world. More recently, headsets have been developed which allow a child to immerse into a virtual world and take part in video game-like tasks.  Sensors placed on their arms and legs can help create a virtual version of the child and help them to see how they are using their body within the 3D environment. This can help a child imagine and plan their movements.

VRR can allow those with cerebral palsy to virtually move in ways that they cannot do in real life which can be liberating and mood-lifting. Children using VRR are stimulated through what they see and this engages their brains and their bodies to move. Most importantly, the virtual environment makes therapy entertaining, interesting and motivating.

There have been studies looking at the effect of VRR, and children with cerebral palsy had improved muscle control, posture, arm function and walking following their therapy. VRR has been shown to be effective even for children with cerebral palsy who have severe spasticity. VRR can also be set up so that caregivers can use the equipment with the child at home and health care providers can engage with the child remotely if required.

The use of brain sensors during VRR can also help provide useful information to health care professionals caring for a child with cerebral palsy about the effect of their brain injury on their brain function and the changes which occur over time.

VRR is a form of movement therapy and so there are no risks to the child if the therapy is supervised (or approved) by a trained and experienced therapist although not all children may be able to engage with a virtual world, and some may find it daunting. It is worth noting that VR headsets which are available to the general public do not appear to be as effective as those engineered specifically for children with cerebral palsy.

Specialist equipment may only be available through certain centres and may be part of ongoing research trials. Those providing physiotherapy or occupational therapy to your child may be able to advise if there are providers local to you.

There may be games and devices that are not specialized, but can still be engaging, fun and improve the control children with cerebral palsy have over their movement. Some pediatricians and neurologists may be able to advise on the games and devices that are best suited to your child’s needs and whether there are charitable means of helping you to fund this purchase.