The Effect of Virtual Reality Therapy on Psychological Adaptation in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Background: The motor disorders of cerebral palsy (CP) are usually accompanied by sensory and perceptual problems, cognitive disorders, communication, and behavioral problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of virtual reality (VR) therapy on psychological adaptation in children with CP. Methods: Forty-one patients were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomized into two groups: 21 patients in the study group and 20 patients in the control group. Age, gender, etiological factors, and type of CP were recorded for each patient. Neurophysiological and conventional treatment methods and occupational therapy was administered to all patients. In addition to the treatments mentioned above, VR therapy 3 times per week, in 1 hour segments for four weeks, for a total of 12 sessions was also administered using Sony Play Station Eye Toy System. Patient psychological adaptation levels were measured using the Hacettepe Psychological Adaptation Scale, both before and after treatment. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for age, gender, etiological factors, and type of CP (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in Hacettepe Psychological Adaptation Scale scores before treatment (p>0.05). We found a significant increase in the scores after treatment compared to those before treatment in the study group (p<0.05). When the changes in Hacettepe Psychological Adaptation Scale scores were compared, a significant difference was found between the groups, with higher scores in the study group. Discussion: Virtual reality therapy is a very beneficial treatment method that can be used in CP rehabilitation and can improve psychological adaptation. The combination of this method with conventional rehabilitation techniques will provide a significant contribution to treatment success. (Archives of Neuropsychiatry 2013; 50: 70-74)