The Use of Virtual and Computational Technologies in the Psychomotor and Cognitive Development of Children with Down Syndrome: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have numerous comorbidities due to trisomy 21. However, virtual reality-based therapy (VRT) has been used nowadays as a learning and visual motor tool in order to facilitate the development and learning process of this group. The aim of this article was to carry out an integrative review of the literature on the use of virtual and computational technologies in the stimulation of children with DS. A search was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) through single key words or their combinations using AND or OR operators: “Down syndrome” AND (“development” OR “cognition” OR “visomotor” OR “digital game” OR “virtual reality”). Eventually, 18 articles were included in our review. The games used in the research were able to stimulate, through the visual field, global motor skills, balance, body scheme and spatial organization, in addition to the learning of mathematical concepts, in order to directly influence the autonomous life activities, language skills, social skills and educational aspects of people with DS. Electronic games contribute to the teaching-learning relationship and stimulate neuropsychomotor and cognitive functions and development in children with DS.

Teaching and Rehabilitation of Handwriting for Children in the Digital Age: Issues and Challenges

“…Among digital technologies, commercial devices such as virtual reality (VR) or handwriting robots seem promising. These technologies stimulate active engagement, can provide auditory and/or visual feedback, and facilitate task repetition, factors that are key to improving motor performance [118,119,[149][150][151]. VR may enhance the development of gross and fine motor skills in children with developmental disabilities [149][150][151].…”

“…These technologies stimulate active engagement, can provide auditory and/or visual feedback, and facilitate task repetition, factors that are key to improving motor performance [118,119,[149][150][151]. VR may enhance the development of gross and fine motor skills in children with developmental disabilities [149][150][151]. Regarding handwriting remediation, VR could be used to improve the construction of motor representations of letters by involving the use of gross motor skills.…”

Application of the Internet of Things Concept to Inform People With Down Syndrome

“…Several innovative technological solutions for people with DS have been developed as part of pilot research funded by the European Commission [8], and the research has been conducted in three countries. The subject of the research is the use of virtual and computer technologies in stimulating children with DS [9]. The contribution of technology is visible in teaching children with DS through electronic games.…”