Affiliations: [a] Bloorview Research Institute, Bloorview Kids Rehab, Toronto, ON, Canada | [b] Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada | [c] Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada | [d] Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: D. Fehlings, Bloorview Research Institute, 150 Kilgour Road, Toronto, ON, Canada M4G 1R8. Tel.: +1 416 424 3822; Fax: +1 416 424 3837; E-mail: dfehlings@bloorview.ca.
Abstract: Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (hemiplegia) have difficulty performing motor tasks with their hemiplegic upper extremity (UE). A virtual reality therapy home-based system (VRT-Home) using a Sony PlayStation 2 equipped with an “EyeToy” video camera was adapted for children to practise hemiplegic hand and arm movements and the system's preliminary usability was evaluated. To use the VRT-Home, participants sit in a chair, hold down a button that occupies their non-hemiplegic side and keeps the system on, and perform movements with their hemiplegic UE to play fun, immersive, games in virtual environments. Supervised test sessions with five child participants found that the system successfully elicited targeted hand/arm movements of the hemiplegic UE, particularly reaching activities that involve the shoulder and elbow. A further home usability study with five participants showed, through usage logging and caregiver and child satisfaction surveys, that the intervention with the VRT-Home was an enjoyable way to practise hemiplegic arm movements at home.
