Ecological Effects of VR-Based Cognitive Training on ADL and IADL in MCI and AD patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Son, C., & Park, J. H. (2022).

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(23), 15875.

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the impact of cognitive interventions delivered via virtual reality (VR) on daily living skills in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease (AD). 

Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea; National Research Foundation of Korea; Soonchunhyang University Research Fund (Korea)

Not specified

Randomized-controlled trials

5

Based upon a limited number of studies, VR-based cognitive interventions were found to be associated with greater improvements in instrumental activities of daily living (i.e., the ability to complete shopping, laundry, food preparation, and other tasks required for independently living in the community) in individuals with AD or MCI when compared to traditional cognitive treatments (g= 0.558, p= 0.001). Population-specific findings were as follows:<br /> <ul> <li><span style="color: #333333;">Within one study, a medium effect of VR-based interventions was noted for individuals with AD (g= 0.623; p&lt; 0.05).&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span style="color: #333333;">Across four studies, a medium effect of VR-based interventions was noted for individuals with MCI (g=0.523; p&lt; 0.05).&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <span style="color: #333333;">These findings should be interpreted with caution due to small sample sizes across a limited number of studies, the lack of investigation regarding the maintenance of these effects, and the lack of double-blinding within the included studies. Additional high-quality research is needed in order to determine the true impact of VR-based cognitive interventions on activities of daily living for people with AD or MCI.&nbsp;</span>