Effects of brain reprogramming therapy via virtual reality technology on spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Spasticity is one of the most frequently observed symptoms in patients with cerebral palsy. Since it leads to impairments in the ability to walk and in the activities of daily living, interventions such as botulinum therapy, selective dorsal rhizotomy, and soft tissue dissection are considered available treatment options. However, non–invasive and effective treatments are required owing to the side effects of the former treatments, including pain and invasiveness. In our study, we encountered three patients with spasticity due to cerebral palsy (an 11–year–old boy, a 26–year–old man, and a 12–year–old boy) who were successfully treated with mediVR KAGURA–guided brain reprogramming therapy (virtual reality [VR] rehabilitation). All patients showed reduced spasticity and improved activities of daily living, such as walking. Since VR rehabilitation does not require hospitalization, pain, or other invasive interventions, our findings suggested that it might be effective in treating spasticity in school–aged or working–aged patients with cerebral palsy. Moreover, its ease of implementation at home or at a local facility might be an additional strength. Therefore, further studies with larger sample sizes are required.