Computer games help young cerebral palsy sufferers

Jul 9 2008 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

CHILDREN with cerebral palsy are being encouraged to play computer games in a pioneering way to help treat the condition.

Ten North East families are taking part in the therapy trials using specially-written software and hi-tech Nintendo Wii remote controls.

The research project aims to improve muscle movement and hand-eye coordination in a fun way so youngsters can receive treatment for brain damage as they play.

Scientists at the Cerebral Palsy Research and Therapy Centre, at the Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, have already noted improvements.

Professor Janet Eyre said the project was proving a good way to improve movement and co-ordination in children.

“We want it to be frequent, fun and fresh to make their two hands and eyes work together,” she said.

“This takes it away from being an activity; the brain reacts differently to fun ways of learning.

“As they play, it teaches them to use their brain and hands together.”

Children have been using the specially-written games for three months and it is hoped that a formal research programme will begin later this year.

Designed by Newcastle-based software developer Giordani Ferdinandi, the games have been developed in partnership with North-East charity the Children’s Foundation which has provided funding for equipment from a £4,500 donation from charity Cash for Kids.

After visiting the centre for an assessment, the games are adapted to suit a child’s specific needs.

The children are given both Nintendo Wii controllers and a laptop with games programmed so that, in order to play, they must use both hands.

Games differ to those available commercially as they are not as fast paced and complicated. One game, Sunset, uses bubbles rising out of the water with the aim of bursting as many as possible before the sun sets. Each level gets more difficult.

Research has shown that children are then encouraged to use their weaker hand and there is an improvement in co-ordination.

Janice Pearse, occupational therapist for the Cerebral Palsy Research and Therapy Centre, said: “We have found that this is much more motivational and enjoyable for them than conventional therapy, and that if they enjoy doing something, they will continue doing it.

“There are two children who can now use some of the easier games available.

“This is a major achievement as it means our games are helping strengthen their ‘never learned to use’ arm.”

FAMILY GAMES

NINE-YEAR-OLD Chloe Allan has already seen an improvement in her condition.

Diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, she clenches her left hand like a fist as she is unable to control her movement.

But during a recent tumble, the youngster, of Wallsend, North Tyneside, put out both hands in order to stop herself from falling.

The St Columba’s RC Primary School pupil also has difficulties with her sight.

Mother Marie, 31, said that the computer game is helping Chloe with her movement and is allowing them to play as a family, as well as her daughter receiving the pioneering therapy.

Mrs Allan said: “She is getting a lot better at it and is more aware of her left side than she was.

“We have a Wii at home which we use on the television as a family but this one is just for her and it can be carried around which is a lot easier.

“Because of her visual problems, she has to work harder playing them but she does tend to get better playing them.

“The fact that her brother Kalvin can play with her is also great and she is able to beat him at them too.”