Virtual Reality and Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Virtual Reality-based Exercises' Effects on Pulmonary Functions, Cardiopulmonary Capacity, Functional Performance, and Quality of Life in Children With Repaired Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

The study has been designed to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of using virtual reality based exercises on pulmonary functions, exercise capacity, functional performance, and quality of life in children with surgically-repaired congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Children with CDH have significant disruptions in their quality of life (QoL) due to their poor health, in this randomized controlled clinical trial, one important aspect of virtual reality is the interactivity of children and their interests in choosing the exercised game. Each child in two groups perform a specific virtual reality based respiratory exercises for 3 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age between 6 and 10 years.
• BMI was between 20 and 24 kg/m2.
• surgically-repaired congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
• respiratory distress symptoms.
• under follow-up care in pediatric and physical therapy clinic.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children were excluded if they have growth abnormality.
• neuromotor disorders.
• children with cardiac problems.
• unable to do understand all procedures.