LAUSR

Joseph Triegaardt1 & Thang S. Han1,2 & Charif Sada1 & Sapna Sharma1 & Pankaj Sharma1,3 (UK) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10072-019-04144-3 Parkinson’s disease (PD) is managed primarily by dopamine agonists and physiotherapy while virtual reality (VR) has emerged recently as a complementary method. The present study reviewed the effectiveness of VR in rehabilitation of patients with PD. Literature search up to June 2019 identified ten studies (n = 343 participants) suitable for meta-analysis and 27 studies (n = 688 participants) for systematic review. Standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random effects model. In meta-analysis, compared with active rehabilitation intervention, VR training led to greater improvement of stride length, SMD= 0.70 (95%CI = 0.32–1.08, p = 0.0003), and was as effective for gait speed, balance and coordination, cognitive function and mental health, quality of life and activities of daily living. Compared with passive rehabilitation intervention, VR had greater effects on balance: SMD= 1.02 (95%CI = 0.38–1.65, p = 0.002). Results from single randomized controlled trials showed that VR training was better than passive rehabilitation intervention for improving gait speed SMD = 1.43 (95%CI = 0.51–2.34, p = 0.002), stride length SMD= 1.27 (95%CI = 0.38–2.16, p = 0.005) and activities of daily living SMD= 0.96 (95%CI = 0.02–1.89). Systematic review showed that VR training significantly (p < 0.05) improved motor function, balance and co-ordination, cognitive function and mental health, and quality of life and activities of daily living. VR used in rehabilitation for patients with PD improves a number of outcomes and may be considered for routine use in rehabilitation.