The use of Xbox Kinect™ in a Paediatric Burns Unit.
Eleonora I Lozano, Joanne L Potterton
PMID 30135921WHAT IT FOUND
Adding Xbox Kinect sessions to standard physiotherapy for burned children improved enjoyment but did not significantly change discharge range of motion or home function compared to standard care alone.
The intervention group showed better active movement recovery after discharge, but the study design prevents confirming the game caused this.
Key findings
01Children in the Xbox group reported significantly higher enjoyment (median FACES score 5) than the control group (median 3).
02There was no significant difference in passive range of motion between groups at discharge or follow-up.
03Functional scores at follow-up did not differ significantly between the Xbox and control groups.
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 study design was non-randomised and sequential, meaning the control group was treated before the intervention group, introducing potential bias from seasonal variations or changes in unit practice. The researcher was not blinded to group allocation. The sample size was small and heterogeneous (different burn types and severities), making it difficult to generalise results. The enjoyment scale used was not validated.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that Xbox Kinect improves physical outcomes like range of motion or function. The study found no significant difference in passive ROM or functional scores between groups, and the sequential design means any observed differences in active ROM recovery cannot be definitively attributed to the game rather than time or other factors.