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Effects of Virtual Reality on Functional Balance in Children With Cerebral Palsy (GMFCS III-IV)
Sponsor: Bartolome Puerta Arroyo
Summary
This study proposes a randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of an immersive virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation intervention on functional balance in children and adolescents (5-20 years) with cerebral palsy (CP), at GMFCS levels III-IV. The experimental group will receive VR therapy using Meta Quest 3 headsets over 6 weeks, compared to a control group receiving conventional balance physiotherapy during the same period. The primary objective is to determine whether VR therapy improves functional balance, assessed using the Early Clinical Assessment of Balance (ECAB). Secondary objectives include evaluating perceived quality of life (PedsQL) and treatment adherence over the 6-week intervention period.
Official title: Evaluation of a Rehabilitation Intervention Using Immersive Virtual Reality to Improve Functional Balance in Children and Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy (GMFCS III-IV)
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
5 Years - 20 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
40
Start Date
2026-03
Completion Date
2026-09
Last Updated
2025-07-22
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
immersive virtual reality intervention with Meta Quest 3
The intervention consists of a rehabilitation program based on Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR), specifically designed to improve functional balance in children and adolescents with GMFCS levels III and IV cerebral palsy, between 5 and 20 years of age. The Meta Quest 3 device will be used, a standalone, wireless, high-definition immersive virtual reality system. This device allows the user to fully immerse themselves in interactive virtual environments, blocking out external stimuli and offering an immersive, motivating, and controlled experience.
Intervention with Conventional Balance Physical Therapy
The Control Group (CG) will receive a standardized conventional physical therapy program focused on balance training, with the goal of improving postural and functional control in children and adolescents with GMFCS levels III and IV cerebral palsy, between 5 and 20 years of age. This treatment is based on traditional exercises recognized within pediatric physical therapy for balance training and is designed to be comparable in time, frequency, and intensity to the experimental group (virtual reality), but without the use of immersive technology.