Abstract
PURPOSE: Considering the benefits of VR-based exercise on sports and health compared to traditional exercise alone, this review synthesized the literature examining the effects of VR-based exercise on physiological, psychological, and rehabilitative outcomes in various populations. METHODS: Hundreds of articles were retrieved using key words such as “VR”, “exercise intervention”, “physiological”, “psychology”, and “rehabilitation” through multiple databases including Google Scholar, Academic Search Premier, and PubMed. Articles which met the following criteria were included in the review: (1) peer-reviewed; (2) published in English; (3) randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled trials; (4) interventions using VR devices; and (5) examined effects on physiology, psychology, and/or rehabilitation. Descriptive and thematic analyses were used. RESULTS: In total, 14 studies (10 RCTs, 4 controlled trials) met the criteria across various ages. Most articles observed a cross-influence on physiological, psychological, and rehabilitative outcomes. Of the 11 articles examining physiology, 63.6% showed a positive effect on physical fitness, muscle strength, balance, and extremity function. Only four articles examined the effects on psychological outcomes, 75% of which showed positive effects such that VR exercise could ease fatigue, tension, and depression, induce calmness, and enhance quality of life. Eight articles investigated the effects of VR-based exercise on rehabilitative outcomes with physiological and/or psychological outcomes, 62.5% of which showed significant positive changes. In detail, patients who suffered from chronic stroke, hemodialysis, spinal-cord injury, cerebral palsy in early ages, and cognitive decline usually saw better improvements using VR-based exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggested VR exercise has potential to exert positive impact on individuals’ physiological, psychological, and rehabilitative outcomes compared with traditional exercise. However, the quality, quantity, and sample size of existing studies are far from ideal. Therefore, more rigorous studies are needed to confirm the positive effect and more efforts should be made on this aspect in future studies.
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