Effect of virtual reality technology on balance ability intervention in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Objective: This study is aimed at the assessment of the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) technology in improving balance ability among patients with stroke and analyze the potential moderating effects of participant characteristics, training programs, and other factors on interventions.
Methods: An exhaustive search for published papers up to February 2025 was conducted across five electronic databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of VR on balance ability in stroke patients. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to synthesize effect sizes using the standardized mean difference (SMD, Hedges'g). Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore sources of heterogeneity.
Results: Meta analyses identified four principal findings. (1) BBS: VR significantly improved scores across 14 studies (SMD = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.23-0.88, P 2 = 36%). Egger's test indicated publication bias (P 0.05). (4) 10MWT: VR showed a borderline, non-significant positive trend in 6 studies (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.00-0.74, P = 0.05, I2 = 36%).
Conclusion: VR intervention may improve selected balance-related outcomes in stroke patients, especially when combined with conventional rehabilitation. VR significantly enhances BBS and TUG outcomes, shows a borderline positive trend on 10MWT, but has no significant effect on FRT. With good safety and high compliance, VR is a feasible adjunct for stroke rehabilitation. The evidence certainty is moderate to low; future…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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