The Impact of Virtual-Reality-Based Physiotherapy on Upper Limb Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy

TL;DR

This review shows that virtual reality physiotherapy improves upper limb function in children with cerebral palsy, offering a safe and engaging treatment option.

Contribution

The paper provides a systematic review of virtual reality's effectiveness for upper limb therapy in children with cerebral palsy.

Findings

Virtual reality therapy improved range of motion, muscle strength, coordination, and manual precision in children with CP.

Task-oriented and immersive virtual reality environments were most effective for upper limb rehabilitation.

Children with moderate impairment (GMFCS I–III) showed the most noticeable improvements.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common causes of permanent motor disability in children, and its consequences for upper limb function have a significant impact on the patient’s independence and quality of life. Virtual reality is attracting increasing interest as a modern, engaging and effective method of physiotherapy for children with cerebral palsy. This systematic literature review aimed to synthesize current scientific data on the impact of virtual-reality-based physiotherapy on upper limb function in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Research Gate and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Six original studies meeting the following criteria were included in the analysis: virtual reality therapy, population of children with cerebral palsy, physiotherapy goals related to the upper limb and availability of full text. Results: All included studies demonstrated a positive impact of virtual reality on at least one functional parameter of the upper limb, including range of motion, muscle strength, coordination and manual precision. Task-oriented training, immersive virtual reality environments and home-based therapy supported by remote monitoring proved to be the most effective. The effects were particularly noticeable in children with moderate impairment at GMFCS I–III. Conclusions: Virtual reality represents a safe and promising technology to support upper limb physiotherapy in children with cerebral palsy. It can be used both in clinical and home settings, contributing to increased exercise intensity and motivation. Further long-term studies using high-quality methodology are needed to determine the sustainability of the effects and their impact on everyday living.

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