Effect of an intervention based on virtual reality on motor development and postural control in children with Down Syndrome

Abstract

There are few studies on the effect of a virtual reality-based intervention on motor development and postural control in children with Down Syndrome (DS).

Objective: To determine the effect of a virtual reality-based intervention on motor development and postural control in children with DS.

Patients and Method: Study with a quantitative approach, with a quasi-experimental design, which included 16 children with DS randomly assigned to an experimental group (Wii Balance Bord Group, WBBG, n = 9) and control group (CG, n = 7). Postural control was evaluated by the center of pressure displacement and motor development with TGMD-2. The intervention program was carried out for five weeks, two times per week. The data were subjected to statistical analysis, the Shapiro Wilk test for the sample distribution, and the Student’s T-test for the comparison of group means.

Results: Significant changes were observed in the TGMD-2 Test and its manipulation subtest (p < 0.01) respectively. In the rest of the tests, there was an improvement, but no significant differences were observed.

Conclusion: A virtual reality-based intervention was effective in GWBB, providing lowimpact exercises to improve postural control and thus leading to improved motor skills in children with DS.