Effect of Using an Object Handling Serious Game on Upper Limb Rehabilitation for Children with Neurological Disorders
Children aged 4 to 17 with neurological conditions that affect their movement often struggle with daily tasks. Doctors recommend intensive training and interactive games to help. This study explores a new, fun approach: a 'serious game' designed to help children repeatedly practice grasping and releasing objects. This game aims to make exercises less boring while improving their hand and arm control. Researchers will measure children's hand skills before and after four weeks of playing the game and then check again two months later. The goal is to see if this playful, repetitive therapy can significantly boost their manual skills.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Children with neurological conditions, like cerebral palsy, can find some everyday movements quite challenging. This is because their condition can affect how their brain tells their arms and hands what to do. To help with this, health experts often suggest treatments that involve lots of repetitive exercises and sometimes using computer games that make these exercises more engaging.
This study is looking at a new way to help children improve their hand and arm movements. Researchers have created a special device, a bit like a fun computer game, that helps children practice grasping and letting go of objects. The idea is to make these important, repetitive movements more enjoyable, so children are more likely to stick with them. By turning therapy into a game, it aims to reduce the boredom that can come with doing the same exercises over and over.
The main goal is to see if playing this game regularly can really improve children's ability to use their hands and arms more effectively. The researchers hope that by making therapy enjoyable and frequent, children with movement difficulties will see real improvements in their skills, helping them with daily activities.
Key takeaways
- This study uses a fun computer game to help children improve arm and hand movements.
- It targets children aged 4-17 with neurological conditions affecting movement.
- Children will play the game three times a week for four weeks.
- Assessments will measure hand skills before, during, and after playing the game.
- The goal is to make therapy engaging and see if it leads to lasting improvements.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, children need to be between 4 and 17 years old and have a neurological condition that affects their movement. It's important that they can understand simple instructions and cooperate while playing the game.
However, some children might not be able to take part. This includes those with certain types of epilepsy that could be triggered by flashing lights in games, or children who have recently had specific treatments for their hand skills (like Botox injections or intense manual therapy) in the last three months. Also, if a child has difficulties with their senses or thinking that would prevent them from playing the game, they wouldn't be able to join.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is your child aged between 4 and 17 years old?
- Does your child have a neurological condition which affects how they move their arms or hands?
- Can your child understand simple instructions and cooperate while playing a game?
- Has your child NOT had Botulinum toxin or intensive hand therapy in the last 3 months?
- Does your child NOT have epilepsy triggered by video games or severe sensory/thinking problems that would stop them playing games?
What does participation involve?
If your child takes part, they will first have some assessments to measure their current hand and arm skills. These involve tests like moving blocks, checking wrist movement, and seeing how they use both hands. After this, there will be a four-week period where your child will play the special game three times a week, with each session lasting 40 minutes. They will also repeat some of the initial assessments during these game sessions.
Over the four weeks, your child will play the game for a total of about four hours. At the end of this period, the initial hand skill assessments will be repeated. Finally, there will be one follow-up assessment two months later to see if the improvements have lasted. The entire study participation, including the follow-up, will last about three months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- CRMTP Elisatbeth de la Panouse-DebréVerified postcodeAntony, France· Recruiting
- Fondation Ellen PoidatzVerified postcodeSaint-Fargeau-Ponthierry, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What kind of neurological disorders are included?
This study is for children with any neurological disorder that causes difficulties with movement in their arms or hands.
Will my child play the game at home?
No, the game sessions will take place in a study setting, three times a week for 40 minutes each.
What if my child doesn't like computer games?
The game was designed to be engaging, but if your child doesn't enjoy it, they wouldn't perform as well, and you can withdraw them at any time.
How long will the benefits last?
That's what the two-month follow-up assessment aims to find out – if the improvements continue after the game sessions stop.
Is there any cost for participating?
No, there are no costs for your child to participate in this research study.
How to find out more
Eric Desailly, Ph.D.
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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