Effects of VR exercise interventions on cognitive function and physical function in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of VR exercise with traditional exercise on cognition and physical functions in older adults.

METHODS

The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, and CBM were searched for relevant RCT from inception until 20 June 2024.

RESULTS

Thirty-four studies were included. None of the studies reported VR intolerance in older adults. Significant differences in global cognition (SMD: 0.32, P = 0.01), attention (SMD: -0.57, P = 0.05), and walking capacity (MD: -0.62 s, P < 0.001) were observed between the VR training and traditional training groups. No significant differences were found in other subdomains of cognitive function (e.g. executive function, working memory), and the rest of physical functions (e.g. lower limb strength, gait speed, exercise tolerance and muscle strength) between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

VR exercise is effective and applicable in older adults, with more significant improvement in global cognition, attention and walking capacity compared with traditional exercise.