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Aim: Multiple virtual reality (VR) systems are used to improve motor function in children and youth with neurological impairments. Galvin and Levac developed a classification framework to facilitate clinical decision-making about VR system use. This paper applies the classification framework to identify its strengths and limitations. Method: The classification framework is applied to three case studies where therapists may consider using VR with children involved in paediatric rehabilitation programmes. Results: The classification framework identified VR systems that met each child's individual needs. The relevance of each category to clinical decision-making varied depending on each child's goals. Categories requiring further development and suggestions for additional categories are discussed. Conclusions: The classification framework facilitates child-centred decision-making about the use of VR as a therapeutic intervention. It has shown initial utility but requires further validation with clinicians working in a variety of clinical settings and with a range of client populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging area of paediatric clinical and research practice, however the majority of research to date has focused on outcomes for adults following stroke. This paper appraises and describes current evidence for use of virtual reality interventions to improve upper limb function of children with neurological impairment. Methods: A comprehensive database search was undertaken to explore literature on the use of VR systems for rehabilitation of upper limb skills of children with neurological impairment. Studies investigating the use of robotics or other mechanical devices were excluded. Five studies were found and were critiqued using the Downs and Black scale for measuring study quality. Results: One randomized control trial and four case studies were found. No study scored over 50%% on the Downs and Black scale, indicating methodological limitations that limit generalizability. Conclusions: Current evidence for the use of VR to improve hand and arm skills is at an emerging stage. Small sample sizes and inconsistencies in outcome measurement limit the ability to generalize findings. Further studies are required to investigate the ability to maintain gains made in VR over time and to determine whether gains transfer from the VR to real life tasks and activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The use of virtual reality (VR) as a therapeutic intervention to improve motor function is an emerging area of rehabilitation practice and research. This paper describes VR systems reported in research literature and proposes a classification framework that categorizes VR systems according to characteristics relevant to motor rehabilitation. Methods: A comprehensive database search was undertaken to explore VR systems used in motor rehabilitation for children. Description of these systems, motor learning literature and expert opinion informed development of a classification framework. Results: Six VR systems are included. The descriptive analysis describes each system according to 12 user, system and context variables. The classification framework identifies three features common to all VR systems. Seven categories are proposed to differentiate between systems. Conclusion: This paper organizes available information to facilitate clinical decision-making about VR systems and identifies areas of research to support the use of VR as a therapeutic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aimed to describe participation at home, school and in the community of Australian children who had sustained an acquired brain injury (ABI). Parent ratings regarding the impact of cognitive, motor and behavioural impairments on participation were obtained. In addition, the influence of environmental factors on participation was investigated. Methodology: This study used a cross-sectional design with convenience sampling to recruit 20 children who attended a rehabilitation review clinic between September 2006 and September 2007. Participants completed the Child and Family Follow-up Survey ( Bedell, 2004 ) to describe the participation of their children in home, school and community settings. The CFFS was developed based on the International Classification of Function, and uses parent report to measure the impact of impairments and environmental factors on children’s participation in home, school and community life. Results: The children were reported to have the greatest participation restrictions for structured events in the community, and social, play or leisure activities with peers either at school or in the community. Children were least restricted moving about in and around their own homes. Conclusions: This research describes difficulties encountered by Australian children with ABI in participating in community-based activities with their same aged peers. This study adds to the current literature describing patterns of participation of United States children who have sustained brain injuries, and provides useful information for Australian therapists to consider when addressing children’s return to school and engagement with their peers following brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is widely acknowledged that children recover differently from adults following traumatic brain injury. The impact of neurological injury in the context of developing skills and changing expectations of behaviour requires a developmental approach to rehabilitation that considers children's abilities across home, school and community environments. Methods: This article aims to provide an overview of the impact of executive deficits on everyday functioning and to review information about intervention strategies that support long term development of skills. Results and conclusions: While individual disciplines are not directly referred to in this paper, input from a comprehensive and co-ordinated interdisciplinary team is crucial to understanding and reducing the impact of executive deficits on functional performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]