Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40278529›Full record

ArticlePediatric reports2025

Virtual Reality as a Tool for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Rett Syndrome: Reducing Stereotypies and Improving Motor Skills.

Rosa Angela Fabio, Martina Semino, Michela Perina, Matteo Martini, Emanuela Riccio, Giulia Pili, Danilo Pani, Manuela Chessa

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Pediatric reports, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Rosa Angela FabioDepartment of Biomedical, Dental and Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy.ORCID 0000-0001-7065-1528
Martina SeminoAirett Innovation and Research Center, 37100 Verona, Italy.
Michela PerinaAirett Innovation and Research Center, 37100 Verona, Italy.ORCID 0000-0003-2727-6464
Matteo MartiniDepartment of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering, University of Genoa, 16100 Genoa, Italy.ORCID 0009-0006-3929-5055
Emanuela RiccioAirett Innovation and Research Center, 37100 Verona, Italy.
Giulia PiliDepartment of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy.
Danilo PaniDepartment of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy.ORCID 0000-0003-1924-0875
Manuela ChessaDepartment of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering, University of Genoa, 16100 Genoa, Italy.ORCID 0000-0003-3098-5894

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND/

objectivesRett Syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that causes the loss of motor, communicative, and cognitive skills. While no cure exists, rehabilitation plays a crucial role in improving quality of life. Virtual Reality (VR) has shown promise in enhancing motor function and reducing stereotypic behaviors in RTT. This study aims to assess the impact of VR training on upper limb motor skills in RTT patients, focusing on reaching and hand-opening tasks, as well as examining its role in motivation and engagement during rehabilitation.

methodsTwenty RTT patients (aged 5-33) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (VR training) and a control group (standard rehabilitation). Pre- and post-tests evaluated motor skills and motivation in both VR and real-world contexts. The VR training involved 40 sessions over 8 weeks, focusing on fine motor tasks. Non-parametric statistical methods were used to analyze the data.

resultsResults indicated significant improvements in the experimental group for motor parameters, including reduced stereotypy intensity and frequency, faster response times, and increased correct performance. These improvements were consistent across VR and ecological conditions. Moreover, attention time increased, while the number of aids required decreased, highlighting enhanced engagement and independence. However, motivation levels remained stable throughout the sessions.

conclusionsThis study demonstrates the potential of VR as a tool for RTT rehabilitation, addressing both motor and engagement challenges. Future research should explore the customization of VR environments to maximize the generalization of skills and sustain motivation over extended training periods.

Indexed as

motor abilitiesrehabilitationRett Syndromestereotypiesupper limb motor skillsvirtual reality

Identifiers

PMID40278529
PMCPMC12030142

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.