Effects of Virtual and Augmented Reality on Occupational Performance in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive and permanent motor disability that affects the development of movement and posture due to abnormal brain development or damage to an immature brain. It often presents with motor, cognitive, sensory, and behavioral impairments that limit occupational performance and quality of life. CP affects about two to three children in every 1,000 live births, making it the most common motor disability in childhood (Metin et al., 2013). Virtual and augmented reality (V&AR) has emerged as an innovative therapeutic intervention that targets motor and cognitive rehabilitation in children with CP through its task-oriented, interactive, and intensive training system. However, there has been limited research on its effectiveness in the CP population due to its novelty and variety of interventions available. In this systematic review, a comprehensive literature review of 20 studies was conducted to evaluate the effects of V&AR on occupational performance in children with CP. The results of this review support the use of V&AR interventions in expanding and guiding rehabilitative practitioners who work with children with CP.