Application of virtual reality technology in physical activity and health of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy:a systematic review of systematic reviews
Objective To systematically review the evidence from systematic reviews of the application models and health benefits of virtual reality(VR)technology in physical activities and health domains in children and adolescents with cere-bral palsy(CP).Methods PubMed,Embase,CINAHL,SPORTDiscus,Google Scholar,PsycINFO and CNKI were searched to collect and screen systematic reviews published from January,2020 to March,2024 on the application of VR technology in physical activities and health for children with CP.The relevant evidence was reported following PRISMA guidelines.Results A total of eight English researches from China,Saudi Arabia,Indonesia and Brazil were included,involving 5 692 children and adolescents with CP,came primarily from interdisciplinary journals in clinical medicine,thera-py and clinical risk management,games and gamification,and physical movement therapy.The subjects aged four to 18 years,with spastic hemiplegia and spastic diplegia.The VR technologies featured five typical applica-tion models:immersive environment simulation;interactive motion gamification;virtual training and coaching;AI-based activity data tracking and analysis,and motion capture and feedback,biofeedback integration and wear-able technology applications;and augmented reality integration.Interventions lasted 15 to 90 minutes a time,one to 15 times a week,with intensities ranging from moderate to vigorous and durations from one to 24 weeks.The application of VR technology might increase the interest in participating in physical activities,enhance the interactive experience,through integration with wearable and biofeedback technologies,enable timely monitor-ing,tracking,analysis and feedback on children's activity statuses,improving their physical and functional abili-ties.Conclusion VR technology including immersive environment simulation and interactive motion gamification may im-prove interest in physical activities,physical quality and functional abilities,promoting behavioral health,and en-hancing overall health levels and quality of life of children and adolecents with CP.