The effect of a virtual reality exergame on motor skills and physical activity levels of children with a developmental disability

Background: It is well documented that regular physical activity (PA) participation improves physical functions of children with a developmental disability (DD). Researchers have begun to pay attention to virtual reality (VR) based PA programs, but there is a lack of research evidence. Aim: We aimed to examine the effect of a VR-based PA program on motor skills and PA levels in children with DD. Methods and procedures: Twenty-three children with DD were randomly assigned to an experimental and a control group. The intervention was conducted for 24 sessions, 40 min each, and twice a week. Each participant rode a stationary bike with a cadence sensor wearing a VR headset. TGMD–3 and a GENEActiv accelerometer were used to measure motor skills and PA levels one week before and after the intervention. Outcomes and results: Children in the experimental group showed a significant increase in locomotor skills. Ball skills also increased but did not have significant differences. For PA levels, both groups did not have significant increase after the intervention. Conclusions and implications: A VR-based PA program was effective in improving locomotor skills among children with DD. To significantly change ball skills and PA levels of children with DD, VR-based PA program mixed with reality-based PA program is probably necessary.