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VR-Based Physical Activity and Self-Management Interventions for Glycemic Control and Behavioral Outcomes in Type 2
Mengyuan Leng1, Shiying Tang1, Chenxin Gan1
1School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
Journal of Medical Systems
|May 12, 2026
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) interventions show promise for type 2 diabetes management, improving glycemic control. While not superior to traditional methods, VR offers enhanced adherence and accessibility for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Medical Interventions
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Inconsistent results reported for virtual reality (VR)-based interventions in physical activity and self-management.
- Growing interest in VR for improving health outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the effectiveness of VR interventions for physical activity and self-management in T2DM patients.
- To evaluate VR's impact on glycemic control and health-related behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 studies with 1,005 adults with T2DM.
- Included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized controlled trials (nRCTs), and self-controlled before-after studies.
- Intervention groups used VR for diabetes self-management or physical activity; control groups received traditional care.
Main Results:
- Significant decrease in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels post-intervention (MD = -0.50, p=0.02).
- VR interventions did not show superior efficacy compared to traditional methods for glycemic control or behavioral outcomes.
- VR demonstrated advantages in adherence, accessibility, and reduced constraints.
Conclusions:
- VR interventions are a viable alternative for diabetes management, offering unique benefits.
- Further rigorously designed RCTs are needed to establish definitive efficacy.
- Systematic exploration of VR implementation protocols is recommended to maximize therapeutic benefits.
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