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Virtual reality-based functional recovery in burn population: a systematic review
Hafiz Muddassir Riaz1,2, Muhammad Naveed Babur1, Haroon Mansha1
1Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The Superior University Lahore, Pakistan.
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality-based interventions in promoting functional recovery among individuals with burn injuries.
Data Sources:
PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Ovid, CINAHL, PEDro, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library.
Methods:
Multiple data sources were explored from beginning to March 31, 2024, with study design of randomized clinical trials describing Range of Motion, enhanced ability for self-care (ADLs) and independence, quality of life in adult with burn injury. ROM was primarily measured using goniometers and electronic digital goniometers to assess the degrees of movement at affected joints before and after VR-based rehabilitation sessions. Two independent authors analyzed the results and selected the data. Cochrane Criteria Risk of Bias version 2 was used to measure risk of bias. Patient demographics, treatment regimen and outcome measuring tool, results and change in the patients' conditions were also extracted. Each study was appraised to check the level of evidence.
Results:
8 publications were selected with a total of 293 patients included in these studies. Level of evidence analysis revealed that 8 studies were classified as level of evidence A2. The lowest PEDro score was 6 for one study only while other studies scored 7, 8, and 9 accordingly. In this review, seven studies were categorized as low risk of bias, while one study had some risk of bias. Our results showed that virtual reality can increase range of motion, enhanced ability for Self-Care (ADLs) and independence, improved quality of life in patients with burn injury, though strength of conclusion for mobility and ADLs was moderate.
Conclusion:
Preliminary evidence indicates that virtual reality "V.R." interventions could be beneficial in promoting functional recovery in patients with burn injuries. The studies reviewed suggest Virtual Reality can reduce pain during rehabilitation, improve range of motion, and increase patient engagement. However, the limited number of studies and the variability in VR methods and outcome measures restrict the generalizability of these findings. Further rigorous research with standardized protocols is needed to validate these results and guide clinical practice. Future investigations should aim for larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods to thoroughly evaluate the effectiveness of VR in burn rehabilitation.
