Naslov
PeTh computer system as a therapeutic aid in physiotherapy of children with cerebral palsy

Autori
Bošković, Sandra, Najdanović, Boris

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

ISBN
978-961-6808-88-0

Skup
3rd International Scientific Conference HealthOnline: Digital Technologies And Health Ecosystems

Mjesto i datum
Ljubljana, Slovenija, 12.09.2019

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
PeTh System, Microsoft Kinect, cerebral palsy, children, video games.

Sažetak
Abstract Introduction: The development of computer technology showed the possibility of its use in physical therapy for children with cerebral palsy. Because these technologies have existed for a relatively short time only a few professional and scientific works have been published in the field. Previous studies used published computer programs such as video games as a computer-driven tool in physiotherapy. The appearance of sensors tracking movement developed for game consoles that are widely used today (Microsoft Xbox, Nintedo Wii) pointed to the possibility of interaction with the computer without standard computer peripherals such as a mouse or a keyboard. In Croatia, a computer system has been developed for computer-aided training of children with cerebral palsy named PeTh (Personal Therapist). It is based on Microsoft's Kinect motion sensor and an original Croatian developed computer program for use with a sensor. Methods: The purpose of this research was the valorisation of implementing this computer- driven aid in physical therapy for children with cerebral palsy. The research was carried out on six male children aged 9-15 years with cerebral palsy who reside in the day hospital school department of the Special Hospital for Children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The subjects exercised three times a week for a period of 30 days with a break over the weekend. In addition to the therapy, they also underwent therapy according to the Bobath concept three times a week for 60 min, which was their continuing treatment. Results: This study has shown improvement on the GMFM test of motor abilities for each respondent. Body scheme awareness also improved as well as the quality of the use of upper extremities. There was also a higher degree of respondents’ improved attention focus compared to other therapies they had attended. Results indicate a large potential of this computer- driven tool for the treatment of children with cerebral palsy. Discussion and conclusions: The review of recent studies has shown that they mostly deal with the analysis of virtually powered aids for children with cerebral palsy, which are based on motion sensors for commercial computer games. A program that provides a high level of personalization for each subject has been used in this research and the results have shown a recovery of body parts by means of a feedback system with a computer system for all subjects during exercise because the subjects monitored visual and voice instructions from the screen and independently corrected the position of the bodywork to which they were warned by the system. It may therefore, be assumed that this kind of exercise improves the octo-motor coordination and that was not studied by previous studies. You et al. have found that the use of virtual computing aids leads to neuroplastic changes and reorganization in the cerebral cortex, which improves the activities of the everyday life of children with unilateral cerebral palsy. By implementing this system of associated heart rate monitor sensors, comparisons could be made with the research conducted by Robert et al. who investigated the increase in cardiac rhythm while playing video games in children with cerebral palsy in relation to the control group of children without cerebral palsy. In conclusion, it is necessary to carry out further research on a larger sample in order to prove its effectiveness further, as well as target motor and sensory aspects in children with cerebral palsy. However, children with cerebral palsy generally lead 8 an inactive lifestyle. For this reason, using the PeTh system at home could have a great effect on maintaining an active lifestyle and preserving psychophysical functions.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA