TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2021//
TI  - Virtual reality-incorporated horse riding simulator to improve motor function and balance in children with cerebral palsy: a pilot study
JO  - Sensors (Basel)
A1  - Chang, Hyun Jung
A1  - Jung, Yong Gi
A1  - Park, Young Sook
A1  - O, Se Hwi
A1  - Kim, Da Hye
A1  - Kim, Chang Woo
SP  - e6394
EP  - e6394
VL  - 21
IS  - 19
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 1424-8220
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/s21196394
ID  - ref1
ER  -