Six studies that focused on virtual reality (VR) therapy met the inclusion criteria. Several outcome measures have been explored including how upper extremity motor skills, visual-spatial skills, self-efficacy, motivation, playfulness, and the perception of pain can be affected using VR therapy. Below are the systematic review summaries pertaining to the questions posed in the qualifying research.
| Intervention 1: | Virtual reality therapy |
| Subjects: | Athetoid, hemiplegic, diplegic and quadriplegic CP, 8-12 years |
| Purpose: | Improve self-efficacy, motivation, playfulness |
| Effective: | Yes |
| Level of Evidence: | None (Sackett = 5) |
| Number of Studies: | 3 |
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| Intervention 2: | Virtual reality therapy |
| Subjects: | Hemiplegic CP, 18-61 months |
| Purpose: | Improve motor skills in the more-affected upper extremity |
| Effective: | Yes |
| Level of Evidence: | Limited (2b) |
| Number of Studies: | 7 |
| Intervention 3: | Virtual reality therapy |
| Subjects: | Hemiplegic CP, 16 years |
| Purpose: | Reduce pain in post-operative physical therapy |
| Effective: | Yes |
| Level of Evidence: | None (Sackett = 5) |
| Number of Studies: | 1 |
| Intervention 4: | Virtual reality therapy and spatial skills vocabulary training |
| Subjects: | Diplegic and hemiplegic CP, mean 9.6 years |
| Purpose: | Improve spatial functioning |
| Effective: | Yes |
| Level of Evidence: | Limited (Sackett = 2b) |
| Number of Studies: | 1 |
For detailed explanations of these conclusions or article summaries please follow the “in-depth review” link.
