Reimagining Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Virtual Reality on Cognitive, Physical, and Functional...

The diverse applications of virtual reality (VR) for older adults require a need for comprehensive, updated syntheses, and research to understand VR's effectiveness across cognitive, physical, and functional domains. This study aimed to assess the effects of VR training on cognition, physical, and functional parameters in older adults through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Online databases were searched for relevant articles, which were screened for eligibility and data extraction following bias risk assessment. A total of sixteen RCTs were included in this systematic literature review. A meta-analysis was conducted using data extracted from the included studies. Standardized mean differences were calculated for Time Up and Go test, which is a measure of functional fitness. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) using a random effects model was - 0.175 (95% confidence interval [CI]; -0.834-0.483; P = 0.600), indicating no statistically significant difference between intervention and control groups. There was substantial heterogeneity among the included studies (Q = 42.74, df = 6, P < 0.0001), with an I value of 85.96%, suggesting considerable inconsistency in effect sizes. Among included studies, two reported statistically significant effects: Zak et al. (2022), SMD = 0.812 (95% CI: 0.053-1.570), and Htut et al. (2018), SMD = -1.996 (95% Cl: -2.750 to - 1.242). Remaining studies showed non-significant SMDs. The current review concludes that VR-based interventions are helpful for geriatric rehabilitation, especially when it comes to improving older adults' functional, cognitive, and physical outcomes.