Virtual and Augmented Reality versus Traditional Methods for Teaching Physiotherapy: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Medical Simulation
• Rehabilitation Sciences

Background:

• Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) are emerging technologies in health education.
• A comprehensive overview of VR/AR in physiotherapy education is lacking.
• This review addresses the need to compare VR/AR with traditional teaching methods in physiotherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and analyze the use of VR/AR compared to traditional methods for physiotherapy education.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of VR/AR-based teaching approaches.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review conducted up to October 2022 across major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycInfo).
• Included seven randomized and non-randomized controlled studies involving 737 physiotherapy students.
• Assessed study quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist and risk of bias with Cochrane's RoB Tool 2.0.

Main Results:

• VR/AR teaching utilized simulations, virtual worlds, head-mounted displays, AR applications, and 3D visualizations.
• Content areas covered anatomy, clinical decision-making, pathology, physiotherapy tasks, exercise performance, and movement analysis.
• Results for learning satisfaction and academic performance were inconclusive, indicating VR/AR is as effective as traditional methods.

Conclusions:

• VR/AR-based teaching models are currently as effective as traditional methods in physiotherapy education.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the benefits and optimal implementation of VR/AR.
• Integrating game-based elements into VR/AR approaches is recommended to boost interaction and active learning.