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Introduction: The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT)-based upper extremity rehabilitation and video game-based therapy (VGBT) using Nintendo ® wii and leap motion controller (LMC) games on upper extremity function in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). The 30 patients included in the present study were randomized to two groups: VGBT group (VGBT using Nintendo® Wii and LMC games) and control group (NDT-based upper extremity rehabilitation). Both groups trained 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Manual dexterity was evaluated using the "Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT)", functional ability using the "Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ)" and the "Duruoz Hand Index (DEI)" and grip and pinch strengths using a dynamometer. Following treatment, significant changes were found, MMDT, grip and pinch strength, CHAQ, and DHI scores in both groups (p < 0.05); however, VGBT group was statistically superior to group II with respect to changes in MMDT (p < 0.05). VGBT using Nintendo ® Wii and LMC games had slightly superior effects on manual dexterity in patients with CP while compared with NDT-based upper extremity rehabilitation. Futhermore, the effects of both treatment programs on grip strengths and functional ability were similar beneficial., (© 2020. Belgian Neurological Society.)

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Leap Motion Based Exergame Therapy (LMBET) on upper limb gross grip strength (GGS), pinch forces, hand functions, gross motor function, and cognitive functions in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with CP (11 hemiplegia and 9 diplegia) were included in the study. Structured Neurodevelopmental Therapy-based hand rehabilitation (SNDTBHR) (first treatment period) was applied a total of 12 sessions, 2 sessions per week (total 6 weeks), and then LMBET (second treatment period) was applied a total of 12 sessions, 2 sessions per week (total 6 weeks). GGS was evaluated by "dynamometer," pinch strengths were evaluated by "pinch meter," hand skills were evaluated by "Manual Ability Classification System (MACS)" and "Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JHFT)," the gross motor level was evaluated by "Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS)," and cognitive functions were evaluated by "Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)." Results: Significant difference was found between LMBET and SNDTBHR on GGF, pinch forces, JHFT, and WCST in favor of LMBET ( P  < 0.017). There was no significant difference between both MACS and GMFCS measurements ( P  > 0.05). Conclusion: Positive effects of both SNDTBHR and LMBET have been found. However, measurements after LMBET are statistically more significant. Future research should take into account higher patient allocation. Including additional leap motion training to conventional physiotherapy is feasible and might be promising to train cognitive function in children with CP.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial., Introduction: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), cerebral palsy (CP), and brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) are the most common disorders that cause upper extremity impairments in children and adolescents. Leap Motion Controller-based training (LMCBT) is a novel therapeutic method for upper extremity rehabilitation., Purpose of the Study: The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential efficacy of an 8-week LMCBT program set as an upper extremity rehabilitation program by comparing conventional rehabilitation program in children and adolescents with physical disabilities such as JIA, CP, and BPBI., Methods: A randomized control trial which included children and adolescents of different disabilities (JIA, CP, BPBI) were grouped according to their diagnosis. All patients were randomized into 2 groups namely LMCBT (group I) and conventional treatment (group II) for the treatment (3 days/8 weeks). Duruoz Hand Index and Jebson Taylor Hand Function Test were used as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included the nine-hole peg test, Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire, and assessments of grip and pinch strength using a dynamometer., Results: One hundred three patients were included in the study, and 92 of them completed the treatment. After treatment, significant differences were found in Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire, Duruoz Hand Index, Jebson Taylor Hand Function Test, nine-hole peg test, and grip and pinch strength scores in almost all groups (effect size [ES] = 0.10 to -0.77 for group I and 0.09 to -0.70 for group II in CP; ES = 0.31 to 2.65 for the group I and 0.12 to 1.66 for group II in JIA; and ES = 0 to -0.44 for group I and 0.08 to -0.62 for group II in BPBI) (P < .05). Comparisons between LMCBT and conventional treatment groups showed similar results in all parameters in all disease groups (P > .05)., Conclusions: This study has quantitatively shown that LMCBT should be used as an effective alternative treatment option in children and adolescents with physical disabilities., (Copyright © 2019 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: This study compared the effects of Nintendo Wii-Fit ® balance-based video games and conventional balance training in children with mild cerebral palsy (CP)., Methods: This randomized controlled trial involved 30 ambulatory pediatric patients (aged 5-18 years) with CP. Participants were randomized to either conventional balance training (control group) or to Wii-Fit balance-based video games training (Wii group). Both group received neuro-developmental treatment (NDT) during 24 sessions. In addition, while the control group received conventional balance training in each session, the Wii group played Nintendo Wii Fit games such as ski slalom, tightrope walk and soccer heading on balance board. Primary outcomes were Functional Reach Test (forward and sideways), Sit-to-Stand Test and Timed Get up and Go Test. Nintendo Wii Fit balance, age and game scores, 10 m walk test, 10-step climbing test and Wee-Functional Independence Measure (Wee FIM) were secondary outcomes., Results: After the treatment, changes in balance scores and independence level in activities of daily living were significant (P < 0.05) in both groups. Statistically significant improvements were found in the Wii-based game group compared with the control group in all balance tests and total Wee FIM score (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Wii-fit balance-based video games are better at improving both static and performance-related balance parameters when combined with NDT treatment in children with mild CP., (© 2016 Japan Pediatric Society.)