Virtual reality-based exercise interventions on quality of life, some balance factors and depression in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the impact of virtual reality-based exercise on the quality of life, some balance variables, and depression among older adults aged 60 years or older. MethodWe systematically searched five electronic databases. ResultsTwenty-seven articles met our inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis revealed that exercise using virtual reality had a significant positive effect on overall quality of life (p = 0.05), mental (p = 0.001) and physical component scores (p = 0.01), social relation (p = 0.0002), psychological health(p = 0.01), physical health(p = 0.04), and environmental health (p = 0.04). Additionally, depression significantly improved following virtual reality-based exercise (p = 0.01). However, there were significant improvements in the balance berg scale (p<0.00001) and ABC scale (p<0.00001) but not in timed-up-and-go(TUG) or 8-foot-up-and-go(8-FUG). DiscussionVirtual reality-based exercise has a positive impact on various aspects of quality of life, BBS and ABC scores, and depression. More studies with larger sample sizes and less heterogeneity in design and assessments are required.