The effect of virtual reality exercises on balance in children with brain tumors

Abstract

Balance disorders has seen in children with brain tumors. Purpose of our study is to examine the effects of balance education and compare the efficiency of video game exercise systems to conventional methods. 30 patients between 6-18 years of age included in the study and they are randomized into two groups; Wii Fit and conventional. Both groups received their exercises under supervision of a physiotherapist for 8 weeks total, twice a week 1 hour per session. Assessments performed at the beginning of the exercise program and at the end of the 8th week including disease affect, timed performance, functional capacity, balance and daily living activities. There was no significant difference between two groups and in group assessment of disease affect (p>0,05). There were significant differences in groups for timed performance (p<0,05) and functional capacity (p<0,05) but there was no difference between the two groups. Both groups results for balance improved and there was no significant difference between groups even though the Wii Fit group improved more statistically (p?0). There was no difference between total scores of daily living activities but only social communication score was better in favor of Wii Fit group. Treatment program has no effect on the disease affect instruments yet timed performance tests, functional capacity and balance skills of the patients improved. These improvements were even better for the Wii Fit group. These results show that physiotherapy and rehabilitation is beneficial for children with brain tumor even though it doesn’t have any effects on the disease itself.