Using motion interactive games to promote physical activity and enhance motor performance in children with cerebral palsy

Objective: To explore the feasibility of using low-cost motion interactive games as a home-based intervention for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: Fourteen children with CP, 6-16 years old, practiced with the EyeToy for PlayStation2 (R) in their homes during 4 weeks. Outcome measures were physical activity monitors, Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (mABC-2), Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (sub-test 5 : 6), 1 Minute Walk Test and gaming diaries. Results: Motivation for practice and compliance of training were high. The children's physical activity increased during the intervention and activity monitors were feasible to use, although data loss may be a concern. According to mABC-2 the children's motor performance improved, but there were both floor and ceiling effects. The two additional motor tests showed only non-significant progress. Conclusion: It is highly feasible to use motion interactive games in home rehabilitation for children with CP. Specific motor effects need to be further explored.