Virtual Reality Improves Predictive Internal Modeling and Object Control Skills in DCD Children

Deficits in internal modeling have been suggested as a key factor contributing to the motor control and coordination challenges experienced by children with DCD. Recently, virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing the acquisition and learning of motor skills. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of VR-based interventions on internal modeling and object control skills in children with DCD. The present study employed a quasi-experimental design, incorporating a pretest, post-test, and two-month follow-up. The sample consisted of 40 female students aged 7 to 10 years, selected based on DSM-5 criteria and randomly assigned to either a VR training program or a control group. Predictive internal modeling was assessed using continuous relative phase (CRP) through a visuomotor adaptation task, while object control skills were evaluated using the TGMD-2 test. The experimental group underwent an 8-week VR-based training program comprising 16, 30-minute sessions using task-oriented Xbox Kinect 360 games. The control group received no intervention. Results indicated that VR training significantly improved the acquisition of CRP (p = 0.037), with the experimental group demonstrating superior transfer of these skills to object control tasks compared to controls (p < 0.001). The observed reduction in CRP suggests that VR training facilitated the development of internal models in children with DCD. Furthermore, enhancements in object control skills evidenced the capacity of these children to apply and generalize acquired predictive internal models. However, despite these advancements, participants continued to exhibit compensatory strategies characterized by variability and inaccuracy, indicating persistent challenges in internal model updating.