Physiotherapy rehabilitation program augmented with virtual reality exergame in myotonic dystrophy: Case report

Abstract

We present a case report of a 13-year-old girl diagnosed with Myotonic Dystrophy (MD), a neuromuscular disease characterized by symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, pain, and functional limitations. Over a six-month period, she underwent a combined intervention of virtual reality (VR) and physiotherapy rehabilitation program (PTR). Following the intervention, significant improvements were observed in various metrics: the discrepancy between sides of the center of gravity decreased by 8.6%, and stability increased by 4%. The integration of PTR with VR gaming consoles proved beneficial for child with MD, providing both therapeutic benefits and enjoyment. These findings underscore the potential of utilizing gaming consoles to enhance motivation and engagement in rehabilitation for pediatric MD patients. Moreover, our results contribute to the understanding of central movement dysfunction in MD and advocate for personalized treatment strategies based on neurophysiological motor patterns, emphasizing the importance of adhering to recommended protocols.