Effects of Action Observation Therapy and Video-Based Play Therapy on Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy (CP) defines a group of permanent disorders in the development of movement and posture, which occur in the developing fetal and newborn brain, due to non-progressive disorders, leading to activity limitations. In addition to the traditional rehabilitation interventions used in upper extremity rehabilitation, a new treatment method, Action Observation Therapy (AOT), has been added recently with the discovery of the Mirror Neuron System. AOT; By watching the videos prepared, mirror neurons are activated and these activities are learned through imitation. Activation of mirror neurons strengthens voluntary motor movement by strengthening the affected nerve pathways or by creating alternative pathways. AOT is an easily applicable method as telerehabilitation because it is based on watching and replaying video recordings. Virtual Rehabilitation (VR); It is another treatment approach applied to improve the motor functions of children with CP and created with the contribution of developing technology. It has been reported that activities have a positive effect on motor learning due to their intense, task-oriented, active participation and high motivation. Within the scope of this thesis, the effect of AOT and VR to be applied at home, which has been on the agenda for upper extremity, on the trunk and upper extremity will be examined in detail and a contribution will be made to the literature.