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Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)2022; 22(8); 2903; doi: 10.3390/s22082903

The Effect of a Horse-Riding Simulator with Virtual Reality on Gross Motor Function and Body Composition of Children with Cerebral Palsy: Preliminary Study.

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a horse-riding simulator (HRS) with virtual reality (VR) on gross motor function, balance control, and body composition in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Seventeen preschool and school-aged children with spastic CP were included; 10 children in the intervention group (HRS group) received 30 min of HRS with VR training twice a week for a total of 16 sessions in addition to conventional physiotherapy. Seven children in the control group were instructed to perform home-based aerobic exercises twice a week for 8 weeks in addition to conventional physiotherapy. Gross motor function measure (GMFM) and body composition were evaluated before the first session and after the last session. Before and after the 2-month intervention, Pediatric Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go test were evaluated for the HRS group. GMFM scores and body composition changed significantly in the HRS group (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in the control group. Changes in the GMFM total scores, GMFM dimension D scores, and skeletal muscle mass significantly differed between the HRS and control groups (p < 0.05). HRS with VR may be an effective adjunctive therapeutic approach for the rehabilitation of children with CP.
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Publication Date: 2022-04-10 PubMed ID: 35458888PubMed Central: PMC9029300DOI: 10.3390/s22082903Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article evaluates how a horse-riding simulator combined with virtual reality affects gross motor function and body composition of children suffering from cerebral palsy. They found that the simulator contributed positively to their overall rehabilitation.

Objective of the Research

  • The main aim of the research was to evaluate the impact of a horse-riding simulator (HRS) with virtual reality (VR) on the gross motor function, balance control, and body composition in children with cerebral palsy (CP), specifically the spastic type.

Participants and Methodology

  • The study involved a total of 17 children suffering from spastic CP, with an age range of preschool and elementary school.
  • These children were further divided into two groups. There were ten children in the intervention group (HRS group) and seven in the control group.
  • The HRS group had 30-minute sessions with the HRS, coupled with VR training twice a week. This process continued for a total of 16 sessions along with conventional physiotherapy.
  • The control group performed home-based aerobic exercises twice a week for 8 weeks, also alongside conventional physiotherapy.

Data Collection and Evaluation

  • Prior to and after the 8-week intervention period, several evaluations were carried out. The evaluations included were the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and assessment of body composition.
  • Also, the HRS group’s balance control was evaluated before and after intervention using the Pediatric Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go test.

Results of the Research

  • The GMFM scores and body composition of the children in the HRS group showcased a significant increase post-intervention.
  • The control group did not display any significant changes in GMFM scores and body composition after the period of intervention.
  • The study also indicated a significant difference in the changes of the GMFM total scores, GMFM dimension D scores, and skeletal muscle mass between the HRS group and the control group.

Conclusions

  • In conclusion, the horse-riding simulator (HRS) combined with virtual reality (VR) could prove to be an effective additional therapeutic approach for rehabilitating children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Cite This Article

APA
Jung YG, Chang HJ, Jo ES, Kim DH. (2022). The Effect of a Horse-Riding Simulator with Virtual Reality on Gross Motor Function and Body Composition of Children with Cerebral Palsy: Preliminary Study. Sensors (Basel), 22(8), 2903. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22082903

Publication

Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
ISSN: 1424-8220
NlmUniqueID: 101204366
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 22
Issue: 8
PII: 2903

Researcher Affiliations

Jung, Yong Gi
  • Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, Korea.
Chang, Hyun Jung
  • Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Samsung Changwon Hospital, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Changwon 51353, Korea.
Jo, Eun Sol
  • Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Samsung Changwon Hospital, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Changwon 51353, Korea.
Kim, Da Hye
  • Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Samsung Changwon Hospital, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Changwon 51353, Korea.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Body Composition
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Motor Skills
  • Postural Balance / physiology
  • Time and Motion Studies
  • Virtual Reality

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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