Leap Motion Controller–based training for upper extremity rehabilitation in children and adolescents with physical disabilities: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Introduction: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), cerebral palsy (CP), and brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) are the most common disorders that cause upper extremity impairments in children and adolescents. Leap Motion Controller–based training (LMCBT) is a novel therapeutic method for upper extremity rehabilitation. Purpose of the Study: The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential efficacy of an 8-week LMCBT program set as an upper extremity rehabilitation program by comparing conventional rehabilitation program in children and adolescents with physical disabilities such as JIA, CP, and BPBI. Methods: A randomized control trial which included children and adolescents of different disabilities (JIA, CP, BPBI) were grouped according to their diagnosis. All patients were randomized into 2 groups namely LMCBT (group I) and conventional treatment (group II) for the treatment (3 days/8 weeks). Duruoz Hand Index and Jebson Taylor Hand Function Test were used as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included the nine-hole peg test, Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire, and assessments of grip and pinch strength using a dynamometer. Results: One hundred three patients were included in the study, and 92 of them completed the treatment. After treatment, significant differences were found in Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire, Duruoz Hand Index, Jebson Taylor Hand Function Test, nine-hole peg test, and grip and pinch strength scores in almost all groups (effect size [ES] = 0.10 to -0.77 for group I and 0.09 to -0.70 for group II in CP; ES = 0.31 to 2.65 for the group I and 0.12 to 1.66 for group II in JIA; and ES = 0 to -0.44 for group I and 0.08 to -0.62 for group II in BPBI) (P <.05). Comparisons between LMCBT and conventional treatment groups showed similar results in all parameters in all disease groups (P >.05). Conclusions: This study has quantitatively shown that LMCBT should be used as an effective alternative treatment option in children and adolescents with physical disabilities.