Virtual Reality Intervention in Children With Hyperlipidemia

Summary

Children with hyperlipidemia have elevated blood lipid levels, which increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases later in life. Since the atherosclerotic process begins in childhood, early identification and effective management of risk factors such as physical inactivity are essential. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve lipid profiles, reduce cardiovascular risk, and support healthy body composition in children. However, long-term lifestyle and medical treatments may reduce motivation and participation, especially in pediatric populations.

Virtual reality-based exercise programs provide an engaging and interactive environment that can increase motivation and active participation in rehabilitation. Virtual reality applications allow children to perform functional movements through game-based activities while receiving visual and auditory feedback, which may enhance motor learning, balance, and functional capacity. These applications are widely used in pediatric rehabilitation and have the potential to improve adherence to exercise programs.

Participation in daily life activities at home, school, and in the community is an important component of child development. According to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), participation refers to involvement in life situations. Children with chronic health conditions may experience limitations in participation due to physical, environmental, or motivational factors. However, participation levels of children with hyperlipidemia have not been sufficiently investigated.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a virtual reality-based exercise program on body composition, functional capacity, balance, and participation in children with hyperlipidemia. The findings of this study may contribute to the development of effective, enjoyable, and sustainable rehabilitation approaches for improving physical health and participation in daily life activities in this population.

Conditions

• Hyperlipidemia in Children

Interventions

OTHER

Virtual Reality Training

The intervention consists of an 8-week virtual reality-based exercise program using the Microsoft Kinect system for children with hyperlipidemia. Sessions will be conducted twice per week, each lasting 40 minutes. The Kinect system will track participants' three-dimensional body movements in real time using an infrared depth sensor and RGB camera. Game-based activities will be projected onto a wall, and participants will perform exercises by interacting with virtual tasks such as boat navigation and ball games. The system will provide real-time visual feedback to reinforce correct movements and correct improper movement patterns. The program is designed to promote physical activity, improve motor skills, and support cardiovascular fitness in an engaging and enjoyable environment.

OTHER

Conventional Physiotherapy

Participants in the control group will continue their usual dietary regimen and receive a conventional physiotherapy home exercise program. The program will consist of general exercises aimed at maintaining physical activity and functional capacity and will be demonstrated to the participants and their caregivers at baseline. No virtual reality-based intervention will be provided during the study period. Participants will be encouraged to perform the exercises at home throughout the 8-week study duration.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hacettepe University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

8 Years

Max Age

14 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-01-15

Primary Completion

2026-03-20

Completion

2026-04-10