Leveraging Extended Reality Exergaming and Telehealth to Improve Physical Activity and Health in Children With Disabilities
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Summary
This phase II RCT evaluates the efficacy of a telehealth-delivered extended reality (XR) exergaming intervention on physical activity, cardiometabolic health, and physical fitness in physically inactive children with cerebral palsy (ages 10 to 17). A total of 130 participants will be randomized to either a 12-week XR exergaming intervention with behavioral coaching or a non-intervention control group, followed by a 24-week sustainability phase. Aim 1 examines immediate and sustained effects on physical activity levels. Aim 2 tests effects on cardiometabolic health indicators including blood lipids, blood pressure, and glycemic markers. Aim 3 explores effects on physical fitness and perceived health. All procedures are conducted remotely via telehealth.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 10–17 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. medical diagnosis of cerebral palsy 2. between the ages of 10-17 years (10 years of age is the minimum requirement of the Meta Quest 3s headset, as noted by the manufacturer) 3. physician clearance to participate in moderate-intensity exercise 4. access to a Wi-Fi Internet connection in the home 5. a caregiver that is committed to supporting the child with setting up and assisting with the prescribed exergaming and managing the study activities Exclusion Criteria: 1. physically active (defined as ≥150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise in a ty…
Interventions
- BehavioralExtended Reality Exergaming
Seated arm exercise using an extended reality headset for 36 weeks.
Locations (2)
- Children's of AlabamaBirmingham, Alabama
- University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, Alabama