Article

We developed a home-based rehabilitation exercise system incorporating
a powered joystick linked to a computer game, to enable children with arm paresis
to participate in independent home exercise. We investigated the feasibility and
impact of using the system in the home setting. METHODS: Eighteen children with
cerebral palsy (median age 7.5 years, age range 5-16 years) were recruited from
local National Health Service and the exercise system was installed in their home
for approximately 4 weeks. Baseline and post-intervention assessments were taken :
Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM); kinematic measurement of
movement quality (indexed by duration and smoothness) measured using a motion
tracking system when performing
a standardized computer task. RESULTS: The system
was used for a median time of 75 min (interquartile range (IQR) 17-271), equating
to 606 outward and 734 inward movements. Pre-COPM, (median 4.2); post-COPM
(median 6.0); obs=34; z=3.62,
p<0.01). Kinematic analysis of pre- and
post-intervention movements on the standardized task showed decreased duration
and increased smoothness. CONCLUSION: Some improvements in self-reported function
and quality of movement are observed. This pilot study suggests that the system
could be used to augment home-based arm exercise in an engaging way for children
with cerebral palsy, although a controlled clinical trial is required to
establish clinical efficacy.
The feasibility of this technology has been demonstrated.

Langue : ANGLAIS