Virtual Reality-Based Interventions and Cognition and Motor Functions of Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Virtual Reality-Based Interventions on Cognition and motor functions of Stroke Patients.

Methods: Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and PubMed. The search terms "stroke," "virtual reality," and "rehabilitation" were used. Clinical trials and observational studies investigating the use of any virtual reality (VR) system in the rehabilitation of patients who had acute, subacute, or chronic strokes were included. The meta-analysis was conducted using Analysis R program. We used the χ2 test and I2 to evaluate heterogeneity. To decrease the impact of study heterogeneity, we used random-effect models to assess the pooled treatment effect.

Results: The VR interventions were associated with significant improvements in stroke patients' cognitive function as assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA). Significant improvements in stroke patients' memory function as assessed by the Wechsler Memory Scale-III (WMS-III) were seen. The VR therapies were linked to moderate but statistically significant improvements in cognitive function as assessed by the Korean Mini-mental State Examination (K-MMSE). Also, VR interventions had been associated with significant improvements in mild behavioral impairment as assessed by the MBI in stroke patients.

Conclusion: Virtual reality interventions are effective in improving cognitive function, motor function, daily living activities, and mild behavioral impairments in stroked patients. While VR shows great promise, more studies are needed to address the limitations and optimize VR protocols for consistent and reliable outcomes