Virtual Reality-Based Telerehabilitation System for Cerebral Palsy Treatment With Electromyography Feedback

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Abstract
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder caused by early brain injury. It often damages motor function, as well as generates sensory and cognitive difficulties. In this work, we proposed a virtual reality (VR)-based telerehabilitation system for CP, called Virtual Reality Telerehabilitation for Cerebral Palsy (VRTCP). The VRTCP is designed to support patients with upper-limb motor impairments. The system combines immersive VR technology with real-time surface electromyography (EMG) biofeedback sensors. The system is designed to provide interactive and task-oriented therapy sessions. We evaluated the VRTCP in two phases of studies: a) 10-participant and 100-participants. The 10-participant pilot study showed improvements across key motor-performance indicators. During the 100-participant study, we compared two intervention arms: (a) VR with EMG biofeedback and (b) EMG biofeedback only. The VR-integrated group achieved better gains, including improvements in Motor Function Score (64.8%), normalized EMG amplitude (135% increase), response time (32% reduction), and coordination index (108% improvement). Other than performance outcomes, the VRTCP provides continuous monitoring of neuromuscular control. Better engagement is observed, with a high session completion rate of around 93% in the VR with Biofeedback group. Overall, the findings suggest that VRTCP can complement conventional rehabilitation and offer a practical approach for remote therapy, particularly in areas with limited access to in-person services.
Funding Information
  • Deanship of Scientific Research, Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia (KFU260977)

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