JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) experience motor difficulties that limit daily activities, restrict participation in sport and play, and can reduce confidence and enjoyment of physical activity. Immersive virtual reality (VR) shows promise for motivating, feedback-rich movement practice, but evidence in children and adolescents with DCD remains limited.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the effects of immersive VR gameplay compared to tablet-based gameplay within a home-based setting on motor performance, enjoyment, and motivation in children and adolescents with DCD.

Methods:

This crossover study involved 27 children (21 boys and 6 girls) who participated in two interventions: (1) VR gameplay using the Beat Saber game, and (2) tablet-based gameplay using the Cut the Rope game. Each condition was administered over five consecutive days at home, with a minimum of 30 minutes of gameplay per day, separated by a minimum two-week washout period. Motor performance was assessed before and after each gameplay condition using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children – Third Edition (MABC-3) and the Box and Block Test (BBT). Enjoyment was also measured pre- and post-intervention using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). Participants also rated their motivation and feelings during each gameplay session.

Results:

For MABC-3 domains, condition × time interactions were non-significant. Planned within-condition contrasts showed a significant Pre–Post improvement in the VR condition and no change for the tablet condition. For the BBT, the condition × time interaction was significant, with a greater degree Pre–Post improvement in VR than tablet-based gameplay. VR gameplay also yielded significantly higher enjoyment, motivation, and feeling ratings compared to tablet gameplay.

Conclusions:

Immersive VR gameplay may be an enjoyable and engaging way for children with DCD to improve their upper-limb motor performance in a home setting.