Effect of a New Interactive Device on the Motor and Functional Abilities of Children With Bilateral Cerebral Palsy

The Effect of Using a New Interactive Device Based on Motor Skill Learning Principles on the Motor and Functional Abilities of Children With Bilateral Cerebral Palsy

Recent research has shown that interventions with assistive technologies lead to an improvement in the motor and functional abilities of children with cerebral palsy (CP). REAtouch® is a new interactive interface based on motor skill learning principles. Its efficiency during intensive motor skill learning interventions has never been tested in children with bilateral cerebral palsy.

Therefore, the study aims to investigate the efficiency of using a virtual reality tool to provide a motor skill learning intervention in a randomized trial.

Recent research has shown that interventions with assistive technologies could lead to an improvement in the motor and functional abilities of children with cerebral palsy (CP). However they usually miss the functional motor skill learning qualities to match the changes observed in high intensity motor skill learning based interventions.REAtouch® is a new interactive interface based on motor skill learning principles that could be implemented in intensive interventions.

Therefore, the study aims to investigate the effects of intensive interventions with or without the interface on the motor and functional abilities of children with bilateral CP.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed bilateral cerebral palsy,
• MACS levels from I to III,
• GMFCS levels from I to III,
• Ability to follow instructions and complete testing.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Orthopedic surgery, botulinum toxin injections or another unusual intervention less than 6 months before or within the study period.
• Unstable seizure
• Severe visual or cognitive impairments likely to interfere with intervention or testing session completion