The Eﬀectiveness of Virtual Reality Exercise on Individual’s Physiological, Psychological and Rehabilitative Outcomes: A Systematic Review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2020 · DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17114133 · Published: June 10, 2020

Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This review looked at studies about virtual reality (VR) exercise and how it affects people's physical health, mental health, and rehabilitation outcomes. The review found that VR exercise can have positive effects on physical fitness, mental well-being, and rehabilitation, but more high-quality studies are needed. VR exercise may help people feel less tired, stressed, and depressed, and it can also improve their quality of life. It can also help with physical abilities like balance and strength.

Study Duration

Varied from 2 weeks to 12 weeks

Participants

Varied from 11 to 121, children to elderly, healthy and clinical populations

Evidence Level

Systematic Review of RCTs, controlled trials, and causal-comparative design

Key Findings

1
VR exercise has the potential to exert a positive impact on individual’s physiological, psychological, and rehabilitative outcomes compared with traditional exercise.
2
VR exercise could ease fatigue, tension, and depression and induce calmness and enhance quality of life.
3
Patients who suffered from chronic stroke, hemodialysis, spinal-cord injury, cerebral palsy in early ages, and cognitive decline usually saw better improvements using VR-based exercise.

Research Summary

This review synthesized and reviewed the latest available literature examining the eﬀects of VR exercise on individuals’ physiological, psychological, and rehabilitation outcomes among various populations Among these studies, the positive eﬀect of VR on health outcomes was greater than 60%. Our ﬁndings suggest that VR exercise has the potential to exert a positive impact on individual’s physiological, psychological, and rehabilitative outcomes compared with traditional exercise.

Practical Implications

Clinical Rehabilitation

VR-based exercise rehabilitation training in hospitals might be conducive to the physical and mental health of patients.

Public Health

Using VR properly can be a more life-like and eﬀective way to develop and maintain healthy lifestyles.

Device Selection

Rehabilitation centers and healthcare providers can choose other devices, such as non-immersive or interactive devises, based upon reality.

Study Limitations

1
Only articles published in English were included.
2
Due to rigorous inclusion criteria, only a limited number of studies were included.
3
Some included studies based their protocols in highly-controlled laboratory settings, which may limit the external validity of the ﬁndings to some extent.

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