Wii training versus non-Wii task-specific training on motor learning in children with developmental coordination disorder: A randomized controlled trial

Author(s)

Cavalcante Neto, Jorge Lopes ^{[1, 2]} ; Steenbergen, Bert ^[3] ; Roberto Zamuner, Antonio ^[4] ; Tudella, Eloisa ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Phys Therapy, Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Estado Bahia, Dept Human Sci, JJ Seabra Ave, BR-44700000 Jacobina, BA - Brazil

^[3] Radboud Univ Nijmegen, Behav Sci Inst, Nijmegen - Netherlands

^[4] Univ Catolica Maule, Dept Kinesiol, Maule - Chile

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ANNALS OF PHYSICAL AND REHABILITATION MEDICINE; v. 64, n. 2 MAR 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Background: Wii-based interventions have shown significant benefits in motor learning for children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD); however, studies comparing the effects of Wii interventions versus matched non-Wii interventions, such as task-specific training (TST), are scarce. Objective: We compared motor learning in children with DCD who participated in 12 sessions of Wiibased training and those participating in 12 closely matched non-Wii TST sessions as well as when the highest improvements in performance occurred. Methods: In total, 32 children with DCD (16 per group) were randomly allocated to receive the Wii intervention or TST during 12 sessions. Motor learning was assessed in 3 consecutive phases during the intervention and was determined by the mean of the games scores obtained in the: (1) first 4 sessions, (2) intermediate 4 sessions, and (3) last 4 sessions. Six different tasks (table tennis, frisbee, archery, bowling, tightrope walking/balance beam, and marble balance/balance disc) were performed in every session. Each session lasted 42 min (time on task). Results: Wii training and TST elicited improvements in motor learning, as assessed by increased scores with the frisbee and marble balance/balance disc tasks. However, Wii training elicited better performance in the archery and bowling tasks, whereas only TST elicited improvements in the balance beam and table tennis tasks. Conclusion: Wii training is not always superior to non-Wii training, and improvements are based on the type of task trained. Thus, each type of intervention benefits a certain skill. ?C 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/24291-0 - Comparative analysis of the effects of intervention with and without virtual reality on the motor performance and the energy expenditure in children with low motor proficiency
• Grantee: Eloisa Tudella
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants