Active Console Games

The idea for this research came from a parent from our Family Faculty. The parent told us that using a ‘dance mat’ computer game had been helpful for her son, who has a motor (movement) impairment.

We reviewed the evidence to assertain what was known about the impact of active console games on children and young people with motor impairments. We also contacted other research groups who shared an interest in this topic.

With clinical and research colleagues in Sussex and Oxford, and parents, we designed a study to evaluate a commercially available console game (Wii-Fit) with children with cerebral palsy. The NIHR Research for Patient Benefit programme funded this project.

The study was a feasibility study to test whether the randomised controlled trial we designed is successful in terms of recruitment and processes, and whether the outcome measures work as expected. The findings will provide information to evaluate the potential health benefits of using active console games for children with cerebral palsy and other conditions.

The lead researcher for this work was Dr Will Farr at Sussex Community NHS Trust. If you are interested in this work please get in touch.