Reactive Balance Training vs Virtual Reality in Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Virtual reality: Participants will undergo a structured balance training program utilizing the Wii Balance Board. The program will consist of three training sessions per week over an eight-week period. The first two weeks will focus on guided exercises with manual assistance and verbal instructions, ensuring that the children are comfortable and correctly performing the exercises. As the participants progress, the manual guidance will be gradually reduced, and verbal instructions alone will be provided for the remaining four weeks of training.

Reactive Balance Training: In reactive balance training, each session will include 3-4 of the following five core exercises: lean and release, push/pull, reaching with unexpected perturbation, weight shifting on unstable surfaces, and trip/slip simulation. Exercises will be divided into 2-3 blocks, with 6-8 perturbations in each block and short rest periods between blocks (1-2 min), for a total of 30-40 perturbations per session.

Study summary

This randomized controlled study compared the effects of Wii Balance Board training versus reactive balance training on balance control and functional abilities in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Sixty children aged 6-10 years (GMFCS levels I-II, mild spasticity) were randomly assigned to either a Wii-based balance training group or a reactive balance training group. Both groups received a conventional physical therapy program three times per week for eight weeks, with an additional 30 minutes of the assigned balance intervention per session. Balance and functional abilities were assessed before and after treatment using the HUMAC Balance System, Pediatric Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, and Timed Up and Down Stairs test. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of both interventions in improving balance control and functional performance in this population.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Limits of stability scores — From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
  The Humac Balance System will be used for assessment of balance through limits of stability (LOS) scores. Higher scores indicate better dynamic balance control
• center of pressure scores — From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
  The Humac Balance System will be used for assessment of balance through center of pressure (COP) scores. Lower values indicate better posture control

Trial sites (1)

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