Emine Nacar, Merve Karakurt, Selvin Balki
Türk Fen ve Sağlık Dergisi - 2025;6(3):164-171
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by trisomy of the 21st chromosome. Children with down syndrome may have balance and coordination disorders, abnormal movement patterns, decreased muscle tone and delays in motor development compared to typically developing peers. Various rehabilitation methods such as sensory integration, neurodevelopmental therapy and vestibular stimulation are used to treat these motor skill problems. However, one of the most important difficulties in the rehabilitation process is the lack of motivation, which negatively affects the process. In recent years, virtual reality-based rehabilitation approaches have been increasingly used to increase children's participation and make therapy more engaging. Their interactive and game-based structure strengthens intrinsic motivation in children, makes the process of achieving therapeutic goals more enjoyable, and supports long-term engagement. The literature has shown that virtual reality applications have positive effects on numerous parameters, such as muscle strength, range of motion, coordination, attention span, problem-solving skills, and motor control. Furthermore, virtual reality applications simulate daily tasks, enabling high-repetition functional movements, thus contributing to the motor learning process. The app's usability in the home environment provides a significant advantage in maintaining therapy continuity. All these features of virtual reality offer a potential contribution to the participation and development of children with down syndrome in therapy. However, although the use of virtual reality technology has been proposed during the therapeutic management of children with down syndrome, studies have generally focused on other neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, and cerebral palsy. In this review study, the aims of using virtual reality therapies in children with down syndrome were discussed and their effects on gross motor functions such as balance, coordination, speed, agility as well as fine motor functions based on upper extremity skills were evaluated.
