@article{ref1,
title="Virtual reality-incorporated horse riding simulator to improve motor function and balance in children with cerebral palsy: a pilot study",
journal="Sensors (Basel)",
year="2021",
author="Chang, Hyun Jung and Jung, Yong Gi and Park, Young Sook and O, Se Hwi and Kim, Da Hye and Kim, Chang Woo",
volume="21",
number="19",
pages="e6394-e6394",
abstract="The horse riding simulator (HRS) reportedly has a beneficial effect on motor function and balance in children with cerebral palsy (CP). However, by itself, the HRS is not a sufficient source of challenge and motivation for children. To address this issue, we combined the HRS with virtual reality (VR) to promote somatosensory stimulation and motivation. Sixteen children (ages: 5-17 years) with CP and presenting Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-IV were enrolled in the study. Using a head-mounted display and controllers, interventions were carried out over 30-min periods (two rides lasting 12 min each, along with a six-min rest period) twice a week over a period of eight weeks (16 sessions in aggregate). The Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Gross Motor Function measure (GMFM)-88, and GMFM-66 scores of each participant were measured before and after the interventions. Statistically significant improvements were observed in the PBS, GMFM-66, the total GMFM-88 scores, and those corresponding to dimensions D and E of GMFM-88 after the intervention (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that VR-incorporated HRS is effective in improving motor function and balance in children with CP and that its incorporation in conventional PT programs could yield beneficial results.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1424-8220",
doi="10.3390/s21196394",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/s21196394"
}