Effect of virtual reality on participation in children with developmental coordination disorder: randomized controlled trial

Aim:This study aims to investigate the effect of Virtual Reality (VR), in addition to traditional occupational therapy (TOT), on participation patterns and environmental factors in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Methods:The study included 42 children aged 6 to 9, who were randomly assigned to two groups: a study group that received VR intervention in addition to TOT, and a control group that received only TOT. Both interventions were carried out twice a week for 8 weeks, totaling 16 sessions. Participants were evaluated pre- and post- intervention using the Participation and Environment Measure Children and Youth to assess participation patterns and environmental factors. Results:The study group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in participation patterns and environmental factors across home and school settings, as well as in frequency and desire for change in the community setting(p < 0,05). In the control group, a significant effect was found only for desire for change and environmental barriers in the home environment (p < 0,05). The findings revealed strong effects (d > 0,8) in the study group, whereas no strong effects were observed in the control group. Conclusion:The addition of VR to the TOT intervention demonstrated superior effects on participation patterns and environmental factors in children with DCD.