Augmented Reality in Physical Therapy: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Augmented reality is a booming technology. It consists of generating new images from digital information in the real physical environment of a person, simulating an environment where the artificial and the real would be mixed. The use of augmented reality, in physiotherapy, has shown benefits in certain areas of patient health. However, these have not been studied as a whole. OBJECTIVE To determine the use of augmented reality as a complement in physiotherapy. METHODS A systematic review registered in PROSPERO was performed following PRISMA recommendations. The search was conducted from February to April 2020 in the PubMed, PEDro, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library scientific databases, using the keywords “augmented reality,” “physiotherapy,” and “physical therapy.” The methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale and the SIGN scale to determine the degree of recommendation. RESULTS Eight articles were included. Fifty percent obtained a high methodological quality and a degree of recommendation of evidence. CONCLUSIONS Augmented reality in combination with conventional therapy has been used for the treatment of balance and fall prevention in geriatrics, lower and upper limb functionality in stroke, and pain in phantom pain syndrome. Further clinical trials are needed using larger sample sizes and with greater homogeneity in terms of the device used and the frequency and intensity of interventions. In general, a promising future is foreseen for augmented reality used as an adjunct in physiotherapy.