BACKGROUND
Virtual reality-assisted physical therapy is a promising treatment for children with cerebral palsy. However, thus far, it has not been used for adult patients.
OBJECTIVE
The following case report examines the safety and feasibility of customized virtual reality interventions for an adult patient with cerebral palsy who was experiencing right sided pain, weakness, dystonias.
METHODS
This research included two phases of intervention, which were based on the principles of mirror visual feedback, occasionally termed “mirror box therapy.” The patient used self-report rating scales to monitor anxiety and depression levels, as well as provided verbal feedback regarding pain levels.
RESULTS
The treatments were well tolerated, and the patient reported improved function in the injured limb. However, the duration of pain relief was only 2–4 days between sessions, causing the patient to require ongoing in office virtual reality treatments.
CONCLUSIONS
The implications of these findings for the future treatment of such patients are discussed.