Effects of Serious Games on Cognitive Function, Balance, and Quality of Life in Children With Cerebral Palsy: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background. Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common causes of movement difficulties in children. It is a lifelong condition that affects posture, coordination, and the ability to control movements. Many children with CP also experience challenges in other areas, such as attention, memory, and problem-solving. These challenges can make everyday tasks, school activities, and social participation more difficult.

Traditional rehabilitation programs focus on improving physical functions, especially motor control and balance. Training only movement may not be enough. Children may benefit from approaches that combine movement and cognitive training-practicing how to move while also thinking, remembering, or making quick decisions.

This idea is called dual-tasking: doing two things at the same time, such as walking while answering a question, or maintaining balance while remembering a sequence. In real life, dual-tasking is what we do constantly-walking while talking to a friend, keeping balance while carrying a schoolbag, or focusing in class while sitting upright. For children with CP, dual-tasking can be particularly difficult, but also particularly beneficial to practice.

Serious games are a new, innovative way to provide this training. Unlike ordinary video games, serious games are designed specifically for therapeutic purposes. They are meant to be engaging and motivating for children, while at the same time targeting key skills in motor and cognitive development.

What Makes This Study Unique. This study is among the first randomized controlled trials to test the Vana Vital platform-a suite of computer-based serious games that combine physical movements with cognitive tasks. Instead of repetitive exercises, children engage in playful adventures that require them to move their bodies while also solving challenges.