Combined Effects of Virtual Reality and Computer Game-Based Cognitive Therapy on the Development of Visual-Motor Integration in Children with Intellectual Disabilities: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Purpose. Visual-motor integration is a good indicator of a child’s overall developmental and functional level. This study investigated the combined effects of virtual reality (VR) and computer game-based cognitive therapy on the development of visual-motor integration in children with intellectual disabilities. Methods. The study used a single-group pre-post study design and 13 children with intellectual disabilities who were recruited from a community rehabilitation center participated in the study. We used the Wii VR video game and the CoTras computer game to deliver cognitive therapy over 12 sessions. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2) was used to evaluate motor function related to visual-motor integration to identify changes in function, and the Developmental Test of Visual Perception-2 (DTVP-2) was used to assess changes in visual perception function associated with visual-motor integration. Results. The VR and computer game-based cognitive therapy has shown significant difference in total standard score of BOT-2 associated with visual-motor integration representing improved motor function ( p < 0.01 ). Comparison of the DTVP-2 scores showed the significant difference in visual-motor integration of spatial relation and visual-motor speed ( p < 0.05 ), motor-reduced visual perception ( p < 0.01 ), and general visual perception ( p < 0.01 ). Conclusions. Results of this study provide useful evidence supporting the possibility of combined VR and computer game-based cognitive therapy for children with intellectual disabilities.

Virtual Reality Rehabilitation Systems for Cancer Survivors: A Narrative Review of the Literature

“…This result is inconsistent with previous studies showing the efficacy of VRR compared to regular exercise for motor performance and strength outcomes in different conditions, such as cerebral palsy, senility, and after stroke [65][66][67]. One study found VRR effective for the treatment of cognitive impairment in cancer survivors, consistent with the previous literature stating the efficacy of VRR interventions for cognitive impairment [68][69][70][71][72].…”

Effect of Game-Based Cognitive Training Programs on Cognitive Learning of Children with Intellectual Disabilities

“…Studies on children without disabilities and with intellectual disabilities have also confirmed that game-based cognitive training can provide meaningful improvements in the cognitive abilities, working memory, and perceptual reasoning skills; it has also been confirmed that such training is suitable for online contents, which are generally easy to use [32]. Game-based cognitive training has been confirmed to be appropriate for children with intellectual disabilities, and VR and computer game-based cognitive training have also been shown to improve visual perception and behavioral functions in these children [33]. The possibility of game-based cognitive training as a cognitive rehabilitation tool was confirmed by verifying significant differences before and after intervention of game-based cognitive training programs through analysis of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) [34].…”

Eight-week virtual reality training improves lower extremity muscle strength but not balance in adolescents with intellectual disability: A randomized controlled trial

“…The Wechsler Intelligence Scale was used to measure the intelligence quotient (IQ) of the participants ( Jamile Benite Palma Lopes et al, 2017 ). The inclusion criteria ( Eid, 2015 ; Lee et al, 2016 ; Ahn, 2021 ) were: 1) adolescents whose IQ ranged from 50 to 70; 2) adolescents who can follow the therapist’s commands; and 3) adolescents who can independently stand and walk. The exclusion criteria ( Cowley et al, 2011 ; Lee et al, 2016 ; Ahn, 2021 ) were: 1) any contraindications to exercise; 2) severe intellectual, visual and hearing disability; and 3) any musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular or respiratory system disorders.…”

“…Few studies showed the effect of VR training on balance and lower extremity muscle strength in adolescents with ID. In previous studies, VR has been used to improve the functional abilities of individuals with ID ( Patrice L Tamar Weiss et al, 2003 ; Shira Yalon-Chamovitz and Weiss, 2008 ; Lotan et al, 2009 ; Ahn, 2021 ). Shira et al showed that VR appeared to offer diverse and stimulating experiences during leisure activities among individuals with ID.…”

“…Lotan et al found that VR training had the effects on improving the physical fitness of individuals with ID ( Lotan et al, 2009 ). Ahn showed that VR and computer game-based cognitive therapy for visual-motor integration is an effective training method for children with ID to promote visual perception and motor function ( Ahn, 2021 ). Furthermore, some studies have shown that VR training can improve the balance and muscle strength of older adults and individuals with neurological diseases, such as patients suffering from stroke, Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy ( Cho et al, 2016 ; Lee et al, 2019 ; Mak and Wong-Yu, 2019 ; Orsatti-Sánchez.…”