A Bbiomechanical Assessment of Active Video Gaming in Children with Cerebral Palsy Detailing Energy Expenditure, Muscle Activations, and Upper Limb Kinematics

This thesis evaluated energy levels, muscle activity, and upper limb kinematics during AVG play in children with cerebral palsy (CP). For context, a systematic review was conducted, which found that AVGs elicited light to moderate physical activity in typically developing children. In children with CP, moderate levels of physical activity were achieved for Dance Dance Revolution and Wii Boxing, while light levels of physical activity were achieved for Wii Bowling and Wii Tennis. Muscle activity was highest during Wii Boxing, but remained below the maximum voluntary effort for all games and muscles. Angular velocities and accelerations were significantly larger in the dominant limb compared to the hemiplegic limb. When children played against a real opponent, dominant arm activity increased, while hemiplegic arm activity decreased. The results of this thesis indicate that AVGs may be an enjoyable and relatively safe option for children with CP to attain moderate physical activity.MAS