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Virtual Reality-Assisted Exercise in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Sponsor: Istinye University
Summary
This randomized controlled, single-blind clinical trial investigates whether virtual reality (VR)-assisted, video game-based exercise training, added to a conventional pulmonary physiotherapy and rehabilitation program, improves functional level, respiratory parameters, and physical fitness in pediatric patients (5-18 years) following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Participants attended 24 supervised, face-to-face exercise sessions over 8 weeks (3×/week) under physiotherapist supervision. The Experimental Group received game-based exercise using the Nintendo Wii Fit U platform with the Wii Balance Board and the Breathing Labs Breathing Games software (Slovenia) in addition to the conventional program. Outcomes included the Modified Alpha-Fit Pediatric Test Battery (vertical jump, 6-minute walk test, sit-and-reach, flamingo balance), upper-extremity isometric muscle strength (handheld dynamometry) and handgrip strength (Jamar), pulmonary function tests, maximal inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures, accessory respiratory muscle architecture by myotonometry (MyotonPro: sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, pectoralis major), and ultrasound assessment of pleural thickness, diaphragm thickness, and diaphragm excursion.
Official title: Effects of Virtual Reality-Assisted Video Game-Based Exercise Training on Functional Level, Respiratory Parameters, and Physical Fitness in Pediatric Patients After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
5 Years - 18 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
38
Start Date
2025-01-16
Completion Date
2025-09-15
Last Updated
2026-06-17
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
EXERCISE TRAINING WITH OR WITHOUT MEDICATION
Physiotherapist-led pulmonary rehabilitation program (24 sessions; 3×/week × 8 weeks). Components: diaphragmatic breathing, thoracic expansion exercises, incentive spirometry, postural drainage with percussion, cough techniques, breathing control, and range-of-motion exercises. Intensity titrated by Modified Borg Scale (target 4-6).
EXERCISE TRAINING WITH OR WITHOUT MEDICATION
Game-based exercise sessions delivered concurrently with the conventional program. Breathing Labs games (Balloon, Plane, Wolf, Flowers, Pluto) progressed in difficulty between weeks 1-4 and 5-8. Wii Fit U weight-shifting games (Balance Bubble, Table Tilt, Perfect 10, Super Hula Hoop) and stepping/squatting games (Obstacle Course, Advanced Obstacle Course, Ski Jump, Basic Step) were played 4 per session for 5 minutes each on the Wii Balance Board, with or without chair-back support based on tolerance. Total 24 sessions over 8 weeks.
Locations (1)
Istinye University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)