Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies
Date Submitted: Aug 13, 2024
Date Accepted: Jan 16, 2025
Evaluation of a Game-Based Mechatronic Device for Rehabilitation of Hand-Arm Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
ABSTRACT
Background:
Children with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Cerebral Palsy (CP), often experience motor impairments in manual dexterity, which hinder daily tasks and social interactions. Traditional rehabilitation methods require repetitive task practice, which can be difficult for children to sustain due to low engagement. Game-based rehabilitation devices and robots offer a promising alternative by combining therapy with interactive play, improving motivation and compliance. However, many systems fail to incorporate actual object manipulation, which is essential for motor learning through sensory feedback. To address this limitation, a low-cost, easy-to-use Rehabilitation Manipulandum Device (RMD) was developed. The RMD enables real-time object manipulation during gameplay while providing assistive force, allowing practice of a wide range of manual dexterity skills beyond gross reaching. This system offers an engaging and effective rehabilitation approach to enhance hand function in children with CP.
Objective:
This study aimed to provide evidence for the feasibility and therapeutic value of the RMD game-based exercise program for children with CP.
Methods:
Thirty-four children with CP, aged 4 to 10 years, were randomly assigned to the experimental group (XG) or the control group (CG). The XG received a computer game-based exercise program using the RMD, focusing on object manipulation tasks, while the CG received task-specific training similar to constraint-induced movement therapy. Both groups received their respective therapy programs three times per week for 8 weeks. Semi-structured interviews with parents and children, along with qualitative analysis, were conducted to evaluate their experiences with the exercise program. The following outcome measures were used: a) the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale-2 (PDMS-2) Grasping and Visual-Motor Integration subtests, and b) the Computer game-based Upper Extremity (CUE) assessment of manual dexterity.
Results:
No dropouts occurred during the 8-week program. Both groups showed significant improvements in the PDMS-2 subtests (P≤.001) and the CUE assessment of manual dexterity, including success rates (P≤.001) and movement errors (P≤.04). The XG outperformed the CG, showing greater improvements in PDMS-2 Grasping (P=.002) and Visual-Motor Integration (P=.01). In the CUE assessment, the XG demonstrated higher success rates (P≤.02) and fewer movement errors (P<.001). Parents reported an increase in the children’s independence in daily tasks.
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates the feasibility, acceptability, and positive outcomes of the RMD game-based exercise program for improving hand function in children with CP. The findings support further research and development of computer game-assisted rehabilitation technologies. Clinical Trial: Clinical Trials Registry - India CTRI/2021/07/034903; https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/login.php
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