VIDEO: Augmented reality ‘exergaming’ may engage pediatric patients with cerebral palsy
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Key takeaways:
- Early results show exercise gaming is fun and engaging, which may positively impact pediatric cerebral palsy rehabilitation.
- The next phase of the study will be a randomized control trial.
In this video, Melissa A. Bent, MD, discussed developments in a study looking at the potential use of augmented reality exercise gaming or “exergaming” technology for children with cerebral palsy.
“The purpose of this study was to investigate whether augmented reality, particularly using an exergaming program, can enhance adherence to both home therapy and be an engaging and fun way for kids to be able to interact with their home environment,” Bent said.
According to Bent, in the preliminary phase of the study, researchers found 83% of participants reported their avatar matched their movements and the technology was “easy, fun and engaging.”
In addition, Bent said all participants and their families reported interest in participating in the upcoming randomized control trial, which will compare augmented reality exercise gaming therapy with a standard home exercise program.
“Larger implications of the study's findings would be potentially improving engagement in the pediatric rehabilitation space for those with cerebral palsy and many neuromuscular conditions,” Bent said. “It could have long-term impact in terms of better mobility and quality of life, and it could be a novel approach to pediatric rehabilitation.”
Collapse
Healio Interviews
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts