The following is a summary of “Efficacy of virtual reality-based training programs and games on the improvement of cognitive disorders in patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” published in the February 2024 issue of Psychiatry by Moulaei et al.
Patients face difficulties due to cognitive impairments, affecting memory, attention, and problem-solving, while virtual reality (VR) provides novel avenues for improving cognitive function and overall well-being.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to investigate the impact of VR-based training programs and games on enhancing cognitive disorders.
They systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases until May 20, 2023. Two researchers screened and extracted data based on predefined criteria, resolving disagreements with consultation from two additional authors. Inclusion criteria required studies involving individuals with cognitive disorders participating in at least one VR-based training session and reporting cognitive impairment data using scales like the MMSE. Only English-published RCTs were included, while exclusion criteria focused on materials not primarily addressing VR and cognitive disorders. The risk of bias in included studies was assessed using the MMAT tool, while publication bias was evaluated through funnel plots and Egger’s test. Standardized mean differences (Hedges’s g) between treatment and control groups were calculated based on collected data. The heterogeneity variance was estimated using the Q test and I2 statistic, and analysis was performed using Stata version 17.0.
The result showed that out of 3,157 articles retrieved, ten studies were included in the analysis. VR significantly improved cognitive impairments among patients (Hedges’s g = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.68; P_value = 0.05). Games (Hedges’s g = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.39; P_value = 0.20) had a more significant impact on cognitive impairment improvement compared to cognitive training programs (Hedges’s g = 0.29, 95% CI: -0.11, 0.69; P_value = 0.24). The type of VR intervention significantly moderated the heterogeneity between studies.
Investigators concluded that VR shows significant promise in boosting cognitive function and managing impairment, suggesting its potential as a valuable tool for improving cognitive disorder care.
Source: bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-024-05563-z