Effect of training children with Developmental Coordination Disorders in a virtual environment compared with a conventional environment

This study compares the effectiveness of intervention programs using conventional media or low cost off-the-shelf virtual reality (VR) games for young children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Thirty children with DCD were randomly divided into VR and conventional intervention groups. Statistically significant changes following intervention were observed for both groups in the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC-2) total standard score, balance, and aiming & catching subcategory scores, the DCD-Q and the walk+tray test. Both interventions appear to be equally beneficial for young children with DCD. Thus, low cost, VR-based games can be used to expand the clinical tools available to treat young children with DCD.