Efficacy of Immersive Virtual Reality for Improving Upper Limb Motor Function in Patients With Central Nervous System Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Natalia Comino-Suárez, Vanesa Herrera, Javier Albusac et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed immersive virtual reality (VR) for upper-extremity outcomes in people with central nervous system disorders. It included 10 randomised controlled trials involving 367 participants. Compared with conventional or mirror therapy, immersive VR was associated with improved upper-extremity motor function (SMD=0.56; 95% CI: 0.17-0.95) and activities of daily living (SMD=0.74; 95% CI: 0.44-1.05). Gross motor dexterity also improved, whereas no significant effect was found for hand grip strength. The authors identify stroke and spinal cord injury as the populations for which VR may be promising.
Key findings
- Upper-extremity motor function improved with immersive VR versus conventional or mirror therapy (SMD=0.56; 95% CI: 0.17-0.95; I2 =67%).
- Gross motor dexterity improved (MD=7.52 blocks/min; 95% CI: 2.22-12.82; I2 =92%).
- Activities of daily living improved (SMD=0.74; 95% CI: 0.44-1.05; I2 =9%).
- Hand grip strength did not improve significantly (MD=1.79 kgf; 95% CI: -13.24, 16.81; I2 =73%).
Why it matters
The findings suggest immersive VR may support motor function and daily activities in people with CNS disorders, while effects differ across outcomes. The lack of a significant grip-strength benefit and substantial heterogeneity for some measures underscore that improvement in one domain should not be assumed to extend to all aspects of upper-limb function.
What to keep in mind
The evidence comprised 10 trials and 367 participants, and heterogeneity was substantial for upper-extremity motor function, dexterity, and grip strength. The authors call for larger, high-quality trials and further assessment of safety.