Effects of Virtual Reality Therapy on the Balance and Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients With Stroke: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Despite the glowing advancement of Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT), clear evidence about its effectiveness in stroke is still scarce. Hence it is essential to review the current information to provide up-to-date insight. Therefore the aim of this review is to evaluate the effects of VRT on the balance and Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in patients with stroke. Data Sources: A literature search was done in Google Scholar, PEDro, Cochrane Library, Medline, Web of Science, and PubMed databases. Eligibility Criteria: We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials published from June 2014 to January 2020, evaluating the effects of VRT on the balance and/ or HRQoL in stroke. Fourteen eligible trials were analyzed, of which, 7 studies focused on balance and 7 on HRQoL. Quality Appraisal: Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Cochrane tool. Results: Most of the trials supported the effectiveness of VRT in improving balance and HRQoL. However, few trials reported similar improvements in HRQoL using VRT via Nintendo WiiTM games and conventional physiotherapy. Conclusions: High to moderate evidence supports the effectiveness of VRT use in improving balance and HRQoL in stroke survivors.