EFFECTIVENESS OF VIRTUAL-ASSISTED MOTOR GAMES FOR IMPROVING BALANCE IN CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
AUTHORS:
Nicolae Lucian MOLDOVAN, Evelyn Karolina MOLDOVAN, Anca-Cristina POP, Dana Ioana CRISTEA, Ioan-Cosmin BOCA
KEYWORDS
Virtual-assisted therapy, motor games, balance improvement, Wii Balance Board
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Children with special educational needs (SEN) often present with balance and mobility deficits that limit their independence. Virtual reality and interactive video games have shown potential as engaging tools in paediatric rehabilitation. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual assisted motor game-based intervention, using the Wii Balance Board platform, in improving balance in children with special educational needs (SEN). Methods: Five children with different neuromotor impairments were included in a pre-post intervention design. Over four months, they participated in bi-weekly interactive motor training sessions using virtual games focusing on postural control and functional mobility. Progress was assessed by applying three standardized instruments: Paediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) and Functional Mobility Scale (FMS), with pre- and post-intervention testing. The analysis was mainly descriptive, given the small sample size. Results: All participants showed improvements in functional balance and overall mobility. PBS and POMA scores showed significant improvements in static and dynamic balance tasks, and FMS scores suggested increased autonomy in usual school movements. Conclusions: The use of virtual-assisted motor games, through the Wii Balance Board, emerges as a viable and attractive option for therapeutic interventions for children with CES. This approach facilitates active involvement and motivation of the participants, contributing to the efficiency of the rehabilitation process.
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KEYWORDS
Virtual-assisted therapy, motor games, balance improvement, Wii Balance Board
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Children with special educational needs (SEN) often present with balance and mobility deficits that limit their independence. Virtual reality and interactive video games have shown potential as engaging tools in paediatric rehabilitation. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual assisted motor game-based intervention, using the Wii Balance Board platform, in improving balance in children with special educational needs (SEN). Methods: Five children with different neuromotor impairments were included in a pre-post intervention design. Over four months, they participated in bi-weekly interactive motor training sessions using virtual games focusing on postural control and functional mobility. Progress was assessed by applying three standardized instruments: Paediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) and Functional Mobility Scale (FMS), with pre- and post-intervention testing. The analysis was mainly descriptive, given the small sample size. Results: All participants showed improvements in functional balance and overall mobility. PBS and POMA scores showed significant improvements in static and dynamic balance tasks, and FMS scores suggested increased autonomy in usual school movements. Conclusions: The use of virtual-assisted motor games, through the Wii Balance Board, emerges as a viable and attractive option for therapeutic interventions for children with CES. This approach facilitates active involvement and motivation of the participants, contributing to the efficiency of the rehabilitation process.
DOWNLOAD PDF