Wii Fit and Cerebral Palsy Feasibility Study (CP-WiiO)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Feasibility Study of Virtual Reality as a Therapeutic Intervention in Children with Ambulatory Cerebral Palsy
IRAS ID
155149
Contact name
W Farr
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sussex Community NHS Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
CCT-NAPN-24974., ISRCTN application
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
This research will explore the potential of utilising a widely available computer console (the Nintendo Wii Fit) within the home to deliver regular, tailored physiotherapy schedules of Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT) for children with Cerebral Palsy in comparison to free play usage.
Families of children with Cerebral Palsy, managed by Sussex Community NHS Trust, will be approached to complete an online questionnaire regarding children’s current home use of computer games such as Nintendo Wii Fit.
Thirty children, who are able to walk, will be recruited to participate in the intervention study. They will be randomised into either a supported or unsupported (control) participant group.
Supported participants will follow a therapist prescribed schedule over a 12-week period, utilising specified Nintendo Wii Fit games for designated amounts of time per session. Sessions will last 30 minutes, undertaken three times a week with games selected for specific physiotherapy purposes, such as core stability or balance. During this 12-week period, fortnightly telephone contact to families will oversee the child’s progress, update game selection and respond to any queries.
Unsupported (control) participants will use the Nintendo Wii Fit for 30-minute sessions, 3 times a week, over a 12-week period. They will have free choice over which games they choose and duration each game is played within the session. Scheduled phone contact will be made every two weeks but only to oversee progress or if they need physiotherapy advice.
Carers and children in both groups will be required to keep a simple daily diary to rate sessions. Assessments of balance and functional mobility will be taken before commencing trial, halfway through, and on completion. An exit questionnaire will ask parents and children to report factors such as engagement, ease of use and effects of fatigue.REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/1499
Date of REC Opinion
6 Jan 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion