Project R-13394

Serious games as a dual tasking training and evaluation tool to improve cognitive function and balance in children with cerebral palsy (Research)

Serious games as a dual tasking training and evaluation tool to improve cognitive function and balance in children with cerebral palsy Aim: to assess the effects of serious games on cognitive function and balance in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methodology: This doctoral research included four studies: (1) a scoping review with the evaluation of the psychometric properties of the digital tools to assess cognitive function in children with developmental disabilities. Preliminary results were presented as a rapid review during Rehabweek on July 2022 in Rotterdam. (2) an exploratory study assesses how performance in special serious games relates to cognitive functions and to what extent the digital biomarkers indicate cognitive impairment. Firstly, professionals from Ukraine and Belgium will correlate game outcomes and the domain of the cognitive function. After, this hypothesis will be tested in the comparison study of children with cerebral palsy with and without cognitive deficit according to screening. Participants will be recruited from the rehabilitation center in Ukraine. (3) an exploratory study to assess the feasibility of the computer-based test to assess forward-backward and left-right dynamic balance in children with CP compared with the Trunk control measurement scale. There will be two groups of children: patients with CP and normotypical participants. Participants will be recruited from the rehabilitation center and public school in Ukraine (4) a prospective, single-blind randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of special serious games as dual tasking for cognitive function and balance in children with CP with a special focus on the quality of life. The experimental group will use serious PC and AR games, while the control group will use standard therapeutic programs. Digital biomarkers from the exploratory studies will be used as an outcome measure.

01 January 2023 - 30 March 2026