Spastic cerebral palsy is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by increased muscle tone, impaired balance, and limitations in motor function, particularly in the lower limbs. Conventional rehabilitation approaches such as the Bobath technique are widely used to improve posture control and movement patterns; however, patient engagement and task variability may be limited.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) combined with Bobath therapy on lower limb muscle activity, balance, and gross motor function in patients with spastic cerebral palsy. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either a VR plus Bobath intervention group or a conventional Bobath therapy group.
The intervention will be delivered over a 6-week period, with sessions conducted five times per week. Outcome measures, including surface electromyography (sEMG), center of pressure (COP) parameters, and the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), will be assessed before and after the intervention. This study seeks to provide evidence on whether integrating VR into conventional rehabilitation can improve functional outcomes in children with spastic cerebral palsy.
Aged 2 to 14 years at the time of enrollment.
Diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy (spastic diplegia or spastic hemiplegia) by a qualified clinician.
Classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to III.
Presence of lower limb spasticity with a Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score of at least 1.
Presence of severe cognitive impairment that prevents participation in the intervention or assessments.
Uncontrolled epilepsy or a history of frequent seizures that may interfere with the intervention.
Severe visual, vestibular, or auditory impairments that limit safe participation in virtual reality training.
Orthopedic surgery or botulinum toxin injection involving the lower limbs within the previous 6 months.