Virtual Reality Versus Mirror Therapy on Balance and Muscle Strength in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

Virtual Reality Versus Mirror Therapy on Balance and Muscle Strength in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

Previous research has demonstrated balance deficits ranging from 28%-43% depending on the nature of the balance task in individuals with CP compared to controls (Kenis-Coskun et al., 2016). As balance is critical for underlying normal movement, improvements in static and dynamic balance are important goals in rehabilitation for ambulatory children with CP (Saether et al., 2013).

Balance deficits are among the symptoms that having a more profound impact on motor function and quality of life inn with CP children (Lai et al., 2017). Poor balance reduces the ability to perform gait-related activities and increases the risk of falling, which, in turn, limits participation in daily activities, including sports and physical activities (Usuba et al., 2015).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Their ages will range from 6 to 10 years old.
• The degree of spasticity will range from 1+ to 2 grades according to Modified Ashworth scale (NUMANO and Günel, 2011) (Appendix II).
• They will be on level I and II on Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) (Palisano et al., 2008) (Appendix III).
• Their heights will be one meter or more.
• They will be able to follow the verbal commands or instructions.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe visual or auditory problems.
• Epilepsy.
• History of surgical interference in lower limbs.
• Botulinum toxin injections of the lower limbs during the previous six