Efficacy of integrating a semi-immersive virtual device in the HABIT-ILE intervention for children with unilateral cerebral palsy: a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial.
G Saussez, R Bailly, R Araneda and 7 others
PMID 37516873WHAT IT FOUND
Replacing half the hands-on therapy time in a HABIT-ILE camp with a virtual screen device improved hand function and daily life skills just as well as usual therapy.
It did not improve walking, so keep lower-limb practice physical.
Key findings
01The virtual device group was non-inferior to usual HABIT-ILE on the primary hand function outcome (Assisting Hand Assessment) at three months.
02Parent-reported daily life function and self-determined goals showed significant non-inferiority for the device group at follow-up.
03The device group failed to show non-inferiority for lower extremity function (6-Minute Walk Test) at follow-up.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The sample size was small (38 analysed), which reduced the power to detect differences in secondary outcomes. Accelerometer data was collected for only one day per child, so intensity assumptions may not hold for the entire camp. The device group spent significantly less time on functional activities (25% vs 33%) and more time standing, which may have influenced specific outcomes. Non-inferiority margins were based on minimal clinically important differences, which can vary by population.
Declared interests
The device was developed by Axinesis SA in collaboration with expert therapists. Funding was provided by Fonds pour la Formation à la Recherche dans l’Industrie et dans l’Agriculture and Stiftelsen Promob.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume the virtual device can replace all therapy components. It was non-inferior for hand function and daily life tasks but failed to match usual therapy for walking endurance, indicating that lower-limb and gross motor goals still require traditional physical practice.