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Objective: To establish the feasibility and effectiveness of a rehabilitation programme using low-cost virtual reality aimed at improving postural control in children with cerebral palsy—spastic hemiplegia. It also aims to compare the effectiveness of this programme under two delivery modalities, telerehabilitation (TR) and face-to-face (FtF). Methods: This is a registered randomized controlled clinical trial protocol (ACTRN12621000117819). Eighteen sessions of low-cost virtual reality therapy will be provided through both, FtF and TR modalities using a Nintendo Wii balance board. Each programme will last for 6 weeks and will consist of 3 sessions per week of 25 minutes each. Twenty patients diagnosed with cerebral palsy—spastic hemiplegia will be recruited for each group: FtF or TR (n = 40). Participants will be assessed at baseline, by the end of weeks 2, 4, and 6, and at weeks 8 and 10 (post-intervention follow-ups). The primary outcome will be the Center of Pressure sway area (CoParea); secondary outcomes will be standard deviation and velocity of the CoP in the mediolateral and anterior-posterior directions; tertiary outcomes will include the Modified-Modified Ashworth Scale for lower limbs, Modified Ashworth Scale for upper limbs, timed up-and-go tests, the timed one-leg standing and 6-minute walk test. Results: This study provides an assessment of the feasibility and effectiveness of an affordable rehabilitation programme using low-cost virtual reality aimed at improving postural control in children with cerebral palsy. Conclusion: The designed rehabilitation programme using low-cost virtual reality may improve postural control in children with cerebral palsy—spastic hemiplegia. The TR modality is likely to be as effective as the FtF modality. The TR programme has been designed to overcome access barriers to physiotherapy services for children with cerebral palsy in low-resource settings, remote areas, and in restricted mobility contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To investigate the effects of Feldenkrais Method classes on gait, balance, function, and pain in people with osteoarthritis. Design. Prospective study with pre-/postmeasures. Setting. Community. Participants. Convenience sample of 15 community-dwelling adults with osteoarthritis (mean age 67 years) attending Feldenkrais Method classes. Intervention. Series of Feldenkrais Method classes, two classes/week for 30 weeks. Main outcome measures: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis scale, Human Activity Profile, stair climbing test, 6-minute walk test, timed up-and-go test, Four Square Step Test (4SST), gait analysis, and assessment of quality of life (AQoL). Results. Participants improved on the 4SST and on some gait parameters. They also reported a greater ease of movement. Conclusions. A 30-week series of Feldenkrais classes held twice per week was feasible in the community setting. The lessons led to improvements in performance of the four square step test and changes in gait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]