Virtual reality rehabilitation shows mixed results across balance measures
A meta-analysis found better overall balance scores, but balance confidence and functional reach did not show statistically significant improvements.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Pooled results favored virtual reality rehabilitation for measured balance in people with neurological disorders. Some performance tests improved, while balance confidence and functional reach did not show statistically significant gains. The abstract leaves the treatment comparisons unclear, so these findings do not establish which program works best or whether falls were reduced.
The abstract does not describe comparator treatments, the overall duration range or evidence-quality ratings. It also does not show whether better test scores translated into fewer falls.
Different measures gave different answers
The review combined performance tests with a measure of people's confidence in their balance. Results differed across these outcomes. The nonsignificant findings leave room for uncertainty; they do not prove that virtual reality has no effect.
Shorter programs need closer scrutiny
The authors described shorter sessions and programs as more effective. However, the abstract provides subgroup estimates without a clear direct comparison with longer programs. That leaves the proposed optimal schedule uncertain.
The original publication
Application of virtual reality (VR) in the rehabilitation of neurological disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of treatment parameters.
Xiong M, Ng ML, Lv J
Acta Neurol Belg · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40965787
- Record checked
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