WE PLAY | ON JOUE - Family-Centered Virtual Reality Games Room for Children with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families: A Feasibility Case Study.

Aims

To explore the feasibility, satisfaction with, enjoyment of, acceptability, and preliminary effects of joint virtual reality (VR) sessions targeting physical engagement in youth with disabilities and relaxation in caregivers.

Methods

In a mini-ethnographic case study, four youth-caregiver dyads completed weekly 30-minute immersive VR sessions over four weeks. Youth (aged 10-20 years) with cerebral palsy (n = 2), autism with motor dyspraxia (n = 1), and CHARGE syndrome (n = 1) used the AstroSurfer app targeting motor functions. Caregivers simultaneously engaged with the TRIPP® app for relaxation and meditation. Pre- and post-intervention measures included the Trunk Control Measurement Scale and the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (youth), the Parental Stress Scale and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (caregivers). Enjoyment ratings (0-10, at each session) and exit interviews were completed.

Results

Although standardized motor outcomes showed limited overall change over the intervention period, improvements were observed in one youth participant. Reductions in stress were noted for three caregivers. Enjoyment ratings were high (7-10/10 for youth; 9-10/10 for caregivers), with engaging gameplay and relaxation identified as key benefits.

Conclusions

Findings provide preliminary support for the potential feasibility and acceptability of family-centered VR interventions in pediatric rehabilitation, warranting evaluation in larger studies.