Comparative analysis of the effects of intervention with and without virtual reality on the motor performance and the energy expenditure in children with low motor proficiency

Abstract

Introduction: The virtual reality (VR) has been a growing approach to interventions with children with low motor proficiency, such as children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). However, there is still no standardized protocol for this population, making it difficult to compare this approach with conventional rehabilitation. Objective: To compare the effects of a virtual reality training in relation to a conventional training on the motor performance and the energy expenditure in children with low motor proficiency at 7 to 10 years of age. Method: Schoolchildren with DCD will be identified at 7 and 10 years of age, through parental reports, by the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionarre (DCDQ). These children will be assessed by the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - Second Edition (MABC-2), the Inventory Lifestyles in Childhood and Adolescence (ILCA) and the anthropometric measures. Those with severe motor deficits will be part of two experimental groups: 1) VR training and b) conventional training. The interventions will be based on MABC-2 domains: manual dexterity, aiming and catching, and balance, and it will be 2 games / activities by domain. The protocols will be applied two times of a week, for eight weeks in a minimum of 10 and maximum of 16 sessions of 60 minutes each. Energy expenditure will be monitored with accelerometer and heart rate monitor. After the intervention, the children will be assessed over again by MABC-2 and ILCA, and the DCDQ will be applied to the parents. Expected results: The children will present improvements after receiving both interventions, but the VR will be more effective in improving motor development of children. (AU)