The Effect of a Horse-Riding Simulator with Virtual Reality on Gross Motor Function and Body Composition of Children with Cerebral Palsy: Preliminary Study

Yong Gi Jung, Hyun Jung Chang, Eun Sol Jo, Da Hye Kim, Yong Gi Jung, Hyun Jung Chang, Eun Sol Jo, Da Hye Kim

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a horse-riding simulator (HRS) with virtual reality (VR) on gross motor function, balance control, and body composition in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Seventeen preschool and school-aged children with spastic CP were included; 10 children in the intervention group (HRS group) received 30 min of HRS with VR training twice a week for a total of 16 sessions in addition to conventional physiotherapy. Seven children in the control group were instructed to perform home-based aerobic exercises twice a week for 8 weeks in addition to conventional physiotherapy. Gross motor function measure (GMFM) and body composition were evaluated before the first session and after the last session. Before and after the 2-month intervention, Pediatric Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go test were evaluated for the HRS group. GMFM scores and body composition changed significantly in the HRS group (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in the control group. Changes in the GMFM total scores, GMFM dimension D scores, and skeletal muscle mass significantly differed between the HRS and control groups (p < 0.05). HRS with VR may be an effective adjunctive therapeutic approach for the rehabilitation of children with CP.

Keywords: body composition; cerebral palsy; horse-riding simulator; rehabilitation; virtual reality.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
System of a horse-riding simulator (HRS) with virtual reality (VR) (A) shows an HRS with a safety harness and head-mounted display (HMD) with controllers. (B,C) During training, the target is hit by raising the arms, and obstacles are avoided by tilting the trunk laterally on a moving saddle.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Changes in Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. * Statistically significant difference between pre- and postintervention (p < 0.05).

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