Using motion interactive games to promote physical activity and enhance motor performance in children with cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVE To explore the feasibility of using low-cost motion interactive games as a home-based intervention for children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS Fourteen children with CP, 6-16 years old, practiced with the EyeToy for PlayStation2® in their homes during 4 weeks. Outcome measures were physical activity monitors, Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (mABC-2), Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (sub-test 5 : 6), 1 Minute Walk Test and gaming diaries. RESULTS Motivation for practice and compliance of training were high. The children's physical activity increased during the intervention and activity monitors were feasible to use, although data loss may be a concern. According to mABC-2 the children's motor performance improved, but there were both floor and ceiling effects. The two additional motor tests showed only non-significant progress. CONCLUSION It is highly feasible to use motion interactive games in home rehabilitation for children with CP. Specific motor effects need to be further explored.