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Effectiveness of Virtual Exercise Intervention in Adults With Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review
Radietya Alvarabie1, Elissa Burjawi1, Junhua Xiao1
1Department of Biomedical Health and Exercise Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology Hawthorn Victoria Australia.
Health Science Reports
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Virtual reality exercise shows promise for treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), improving symptoms and well-being. Further research with larger trials is needed to confirm its long-term effectiveness as a mental health care tool.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health
- Digital Therapeutics
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Virtual reality (VR) exercise is an emerging tool in mental health care.
- Its effectiveness for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) requires further investigation.
- This review focuses on VR exercise interventions for adults with MDD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the effectiveness of virtual exercise interventions for adults with MDD.
- To evaluate impacts on depressive symptoms and functional outcomes.
- To assess the certainty of the available evidence.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of four databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, AMED) following PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
- Independent study selection and data extraction by two reviewers.
- Methodological quality and certainty of evidence assessed using Cochrane's RoB 2, ROBINS-I, and GRADE frameworks.
Main Results:
- Four studies evaluating VRelax, Pacifica, and CORE interventions met inclusion criteria.
- Pacifica and CORE showed moderate improvements in depressive symptoms; VRelax improved stress.
- Interventions were well-accepted with high engagement; evidence certainty was moderate to low-moderate.
Conclusions:
- Virtual exercise interventions show potential as an adjunct therapy for MDD.
- Current evidence supports improvements in depressive symptoms and emotional well-being.
- Further large-scale RCTs with longer follow-up and neurobiological measures are needed.