The use of video games combined with conventional physical therapy in children with upper limb fractures: An exploratory study

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of rehabilitation using video games combined with conventional therapy in children with loss of range of motion (ROM) after conservative or surgical treatment of upper limb fractures. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 12 children (9 boys, 3 girls; mean age: 6.75 ± 2.83 y) treated with combined video game and conventional physical therapy following upper limb fracture. Children completed 60 minutes of combined therapy (20 minutes of game therapy and 40 minutes of physical therapy) two times per week until therapy was no longer warranted. The flexion and extension ROM of the elbow and wrist, pronation and supination of the forearm, and pain during rest and effort were measured at the beginning and end of treatment. RESULTS: Children experienced significantly increased extension (p< 0.001) and flexion (p< 0.01) ROM of the elbow, increased flexion ROM of the wrist (p< 0.05), and reduced pain during effort (p< 0.05) after an average of 6 weeks of combined treatment. CONCLUSION: The use of video games with conventional therapy was effective in reducing pain and recovering ROM in children with upper limb fractures.