A Gamified Breathing and Postural Awareness Education Model for Children With Cerebral Palsy

N.E.F.E.S.-CP (Qualified Education for Awareness, Accessible Breathing: Cerebral Palsy) A Gamified Breathing and Postural Awareness Education Model

This project aims to develop an accessible, learning-oriented model based on gamified breathing and posture training that emphasizes active participation for children with cerebral palsy (CP), their families, and educators. Since current practices are largely clinic-centered, there is a growing need for game-based, motivational and widely discernible programs. In this context, the project aims to provide an inclusive model that enhances breathing and postural awareness through digital technology, thereby increasing motivation and adherence.

Within the scope of the project, gamified hands-on workshops including breathing exercises and postural imagery techniques supported by visual and auditory stimuli, such as candle blowing, boat floating, and triflo simulations, will be conducted twice a week for eight weeks at the Spastic Children's Foundation of Turkey (TSÇV) with the guidance of an instructor. Additionally, educational digital games and storytelling videos will be developed to support home-based programs participation.

An initial awareness education session will be held to provide children with CP, families, and educators with foundational knowledge on breathing and postural awareness in children with CP. Throughout the project, gamified videos will be shared on the project's website to reach a wider population. Furthermore, a workshop for educators and a closing seminar for families will be organized.

The target groups include children with CP, their families, and educators involved in educational processes. 40 children with CP aged 6-18 years, receiving rehabilitation at TSÇV, with literacy skills and parental consent, will participate. The effects of the N.E.F.E.S.-CP model to be developed on respiratory functions, body awareness, posture, social participation, and quality of life will be evaluated using standardized assessment methods.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
• Classified as Level I-III according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).
• Aged between 6 and 18 years.
• Having a cognitive level sufficient to understand and follow simple instructions (for active participation in gamified training).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of uncontrolled medical conditions or systemic limitations.
• Use of medications affecting respiratory function.
• Presence of musculoskeletal problems (other than CP diagnosis) that may affect walking ability, and/or the presence of cognitive and mental impairment that may affect participation and/or motivation.
• Visual or hearing loss that severely restricts participation in digital game and video-based applications (if appropriate adaptation cannot be provided).