Effect of virtual reality on selective motor control and upper limb functions in children with hemiparesis: a pilot study

Background: Several factors prohibit functional performance in children with hemiparesis as spasticity, weakness and contractures. However, selective motor control is considered as the main contributor to motor impairments in children with CP. Purpose: To study the effect of virtual reality on selective motor control and upper limb functions in children with hemiparesis. Methods: Twenty children with hemiparesis from both genders (7-12 years) were randomly assigned into two groups (control and study) 10 children in each group. The study group received virtual reality program and control group received occupational therapy program. In both groups treatment was conducted for 60 minutes a day, three times a week for 8 weeks. Results: There were improvements in selective motor control in the study group more than the control group and also improvement in upper limb coordination in study group compared to control group with no difference between groups in hand grip strength by 8 weeks. Conclusion: Virtual reality may be more effective than occupational therapy in improving selective motor control and upper limb function in children with hemiparesis.