Effect of posture control training using virtual reality program on sitting balance and trunk stability in children with cerebral palsy.

Objective: We aimed to determine whether the posture control training in the sitting posture using virtual reality (VR) training program affects sitting balance and trunk stability in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: The experiment was conducted for 4 weeks by randomly allocating 20 children with CP. The experimental group (n = 10) performed balance training in the sitting position using a VR training program, and the control group (n = 10) performed arm reach training in the sitting position. To evaluate static and dynamic sitting balance and trunk stability, the Wii Balance Board and Balancia software, the modified functional reach test, and the Korean version of the Trunk Control Measurement Scale were used.

Results: There were significant differences between the two groups in the changes in speed and postural swing distance before and after training (p < 0.05). The mFRT measurement showed significant differences in all directions before and after training between the two groups (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the K-TCMS score.

Conclusions: Posture control training in the sitting position using a VR training program was found to be more effective in improving the sitting balance and trunk stability of children with CP.