Immediate Effect of Digital Game Use and Verbal Encouragement on Lower Limb Activity and Psychological Enjoyment During Motor Task in Children with Motor Disorders

AIMS: The effects of interventions using digital games in the rehabilitation of children with motor disorders have been well-documented. This study examined the immediate effects of games and verbal encouragement from others on lower limb activity and psychological enjoyment during lower limb motor tasks in children with motor disorders. METHODS: Participants's sample included 14 children, aged 4-13 years, with motor disorders, including cerebral palsy and developmental coordination disorder. The motor task was a 30-s foot-stomping activity. Participants first completed the task under a baseline condition with no stimuli, followed by a game condition in which they performed foot-stomping while engaging in a game. Finally, a game plus verbal encouragement condition was introduced. RESULTS: The results revealed that game use increased lower limb activity and enhanced enjoyment levels. The additional effect of verbal encouragement was observed only in the enjoyment levels. The percentage increase in lower limb activity due to game use was negatively correlated with age and positively correlated with the level of motor impairment. CONCLUSIONS: In the rehabilitation of children with motor disorders, incorporating digital games into motor tasks and adding positive engagement from others can increase lower limb activity and enjoyment during challenging motor tasks.