Extended Reality in Rehabilitation Medicine: A Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Extended reality (XR) encompasses virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR).
• XR technologies are increasingly explored for therapeutic applications in healthcare.
• Evidence synthesis is needed to understand XR's impact on rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize current evidence on XR applications in rehabilitation medicine.
• To assess the effects of XR interventions across diverse rehabilitation domains.
• To evaluate the impact of XR on various clinical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search of three biomedical databases was performed.
• Included 58 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining XR interventions.
• Methodological quality assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale; results synthesized qualitatively.

Main Results:

• XR technologies demonstrated improvements in motor and cognitive function, pain management, and psychological well-being.
• Positive effects observed in geriatric (balance, strength), neurological (motor recovery, pain), orthopedic (postoperative, conservative), and pediatric (engagement) rehabilitation.
• XR interventions enhanced patient engagement and goal attainment.

Conclusions:

• XR technologies offer a promising, innovative approach to rehabilitation medicine.
• XR provides personalized and engaging therapeutic experiences.
• Clinicians are encouraged to utilize XR to optimize patient outcomes and empower individuals in their recovery journey.