Efficacy of virtual reality-based training programs and games on the improvement of cognitive disorders in patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction Cognitive impairments present challenges for patients, impacting memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. Virtual reality (VR) offers innovative ways to enhance cognitive function and well-being. This study explores the effects of VR-based training programs and games on improving cognitive disorders. Methods PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched until May 20, 2023. Two researchers selected and extracted data based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, resolving disagreements through consultation with two other authors. Inclusion criteria required studies of individuals with any cognitive disorder engaged in at least one VR-based training session, reporting cognitive impairment data via scales like the MMSE. Only English-published RCTs were considered, while exclusion criteria included materials not primarily focused on the intersection of VR and cognitive disorders. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the MMAT tool. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s test. The collected data were utilized to calculate the standardized mean differences (Hedges’s g) between the treatment and control groups. The heterogeneity variance was estimated using the Q test and I2 statistic. The analysis was conducted using Stata version 17.0. Results Ten studies were included in the analysis out of a total of 3,157 retrieved articles. VR had a statistically significant improvement in cognitive impairments among patients (Hedges’s g = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.68; p_value = 0.05). games (Hedges’s g = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.39; p_value = 0.20) had a more significant impact on cognitive impairment improvement compared to cognitive training programs (Hedges’s g = 0.29, 95% CI: -0.11, 0.69; p_value = 0.24). The type of VR intervention was a significant moderator of the heterogeneity between studies. Conclusion VR-based interventions have demonstrated promise in enhancing cognitive function and addressing cognitive impairment, highlighting their potential as valuable tools in improving care for individuals with cognitive disorders. The findings underscore the relevance of incorporating virtual reality into therapeutic approaches for cognitive disorders.

A machine learning approach to evaluate the impact of virtual balance/cognitive training on fall risk in older women

“…This is more often experienced by immersive VE participants, and very rarely by non-immersive VR users ( Venkatakrishnan et al, 2023 ; Sokołowska, 2024 ). Despite these (a) unfavorable effects ( Drazich et al, 2023 ; Dopsaj et al, 2024 ), but also (b) the lack of standardization of virtual tools/environments ( Kourtesis et al, 2021 ; Porffy et al, 2022 ; Kim et al, 2023 ; Holmqvist et al, 2024 ), (c) researching to prepare recommendations for the use of VR in specific patient populations ( Juras et al, 2019 ; Brassel et al, 2021 ; Liu et al, 2022 ; Rodríguez-Almagro et al, 2024 ), (d) discussing emerging user data protection/privacy issues and ethical dilemmas ( Segkouli et al, 2023 ; Goldstein et al, 2024 ; Rudschies and Schneider, 2024 ), researchers and clinicians/physiotherapists highlight the enormous potential of innovative technologies ( Jonson et al, 2021 ; Bateni et al, 2024 ; Moulaei et al, 2024 ). Today’s societies are aging at a very rapid pace, which necessitates measures to support the elderly in preventing falls and their serious consequences, including exercising cognitive function in progressive senile dementia ( Barbaccia et al, 2022 ; Yang J. G. et al, 2022 ; Buele et al, 2023 ; Ren et al, 2024 ; Siette et al, 2024 ; Tortora et al, 2024 ; Wilf et al, 2024 ) – these actions are the future of modern clinical practice in (neuro)geriatrics.…”