Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Training on Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Skills in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Research in Developmental Disabilities
Mittal, P., Bhadania, M., et al. (2024).
Research in Developmental Disabilities, 151, 104771.
<div>This systematic review with meta-analysis investigates the effects of immersive virtual reality (VR)-based interventions on cognitive, social, or emotional skills in children, toddler to 18 years old, on the autism spectrum.</div>
No funding received
January 1, 2002 to July 31, 2023
<div>Randomized controlled trials</div>
6 studies included in the systematic review. 4 studies included in the meta-analysis.
<div>Immersive VR showed promise for improving cognitive, social, and emotional skills in children and adolescents on the autism spectrum. Three studies reported better cognitive performance post-VR intervention compared to control groups. Additionally, meta-analysis found:</div>
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<li>strong positive effects on emotional abilities (Effect Size [ES]=1.12; 4 studies); and</li>
<li>positive effects on social skills (ES=1.43; 3 studies).</li>
</ul>
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<div>The authors identified VR benefits such as adaptability and personalization and noted potential barriers such as accessibility, affordability, and cost.</div>
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<div>Limitations of this review include the paucity of RCTs, variability of sample size and participant characteristics, heterogeneity of immersive VR platforms, intervention duration, and outcome measures, a lack of standardized protocol or control in some studies, and potential biases from the search design. Additional research is needed to investigate the effects of all types of VR interventions and the feasibility and adaptability of implementation for children on the autism spectrum.</div>
