Game-Based Rehabilitation Platform for Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Acquired Brain Injuries

Summary

This research project focuses on the evaluation of an engaging exercise and cognitive computer game-based platform and embedded assessment tools for use in clinical practice and its transition to use in the home, and elementary classrooms. The goal of our research program is to produce innovative therapeutic point-of-care and cost-effective delivery system leading to better long-term health outcomes for toddlers and children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The program is grounded on our technological developments and on current research documenting the benefits of computer-aided learning tools, exercise gaming applications in rehabilitation and principles of adaptive learning and neuroplasticity. We will conduct a randomized controlled trial to study the feasibility and effectiveness of a computer-aided, game-based repetitive task practice (RTP) program designed for training of fine and gross motor skills of the hand-arms and psychomotor skills (which) in young children with CP.

Conditions

• Cerebral Palsy

Interventions

OTHER

computer game based rehabilitation protocol

Participants who consent to take part in the study will be asked to use objects instrumented with the miniature motion mouse to play various therapeutic yet entertaining games while handling and moving the test therapeutic objects as a part of experimental therapy protocol. The objects used will be everyday items; a) lifting/rotating a sports ball small beach ball which requires bimanual handling, b) rolling a cylinder object (diameter 6-10 cm with fingers extended and using elbow and shoulder motion, c) grasping grasp small glass and then a sponge ball with whole hand and rotating (supination- pronation motion) d) motion of a small wand (pencil) with 3-finger pinch grip and using hand-wrist motion, and e) turning of a key with 2-finger pinch fine finger control. These objects represent a wide range of physical properties requiring different modes of manipulation and functional demands sufficient to test the assessment tool.

OTHER

Conventional therapy protocol

In control group: 1) Stretching of Biceps, Lattisimusdorsi, Pronators, Thumb muscles. 2) Weight Bearing Exercises. 3) CIMT for 20 min per day for 3-4 weeks, repeat each task 15-20 times. Pegboard activities, Rings: reaching- removing and putting back, Ball throw (under and over arm) - at basket which is kept 10 to 15 meter distance, opening bottle cap (large size bottle), Opening and closing door handle activity, Holding water bottle, bag in hand and transfer to 10 to 20 meter distance, Crumbling paper, Clay activities, Picking marbles from sand 4)Hand arm bimanual activities: Throwing ball with both hands, Holding ball with both hands and transfer, Holding bolster and keeping at place, Holding notebook in both hands, Holding rack with both hands, Holding plate in one hand and spoon in other hand, Pushing door or wall both hands.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• SDM College of Physiotherapy

  collaborator OTHER

• Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, India

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Manitoba

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Tony Szturm, Ph.D. · Associate Professor

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

4 Years

Max Age

11 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2016-04-30

Primary Completion

2016-10-31

Completion

2016-12-31

Countries

• Canada

Study Locations