Limbs Alive
Computer games have been shown to be highly motivating and enjoyable for children with cerebral palsy. A well designed computer game has been shown to provide all elements required for effective motor learning, namely interactivity, repetition, multi-sensory stimulation, immediate feedback and motivation.
Thanks to The Children's Foundation and a grant this pioneering new therapy is being piloted at the Cerebral Palsy Research & Therapy Centre. Ten North East children affected by cerebral palsy are taking part in the trial using innovative computer games designed by a computer games specialist.
The games are adapted to the needs of each child after a consultation, they are then able to take a laptop and two Wii controllers away to practice the games in their own time and in the comfort of their own home.
The children must use both controllers in both hands, encouraging the use of the weaker hand and also improving the childs co-ordination.
The longer term aim will then be to conduct a randomised double blinded trial of the effectiveness of computer driven games to improve function of the affected arm in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy following neonatal stroke.
