| Effectiveness of Virtual Reality–Based Exercise Rehabilitation for Enhancing Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life in Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. |
| Paper ID : 1030-ISCSR3 (R1) |
| Authors |
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Manar Eid Mohamed *1, Abdelrahman Sameh Abdelkarim2, Aml Ashraf El sayed2, Amina Hilmy Awad3 1Fourth year student at faculty of Physical Therapy , Benha University 2Fifth year student faculty of physical therapy Benha University 3Fifth year student at Faculty of Physical Therapy, Benha University |
| Abstract |
| Background: Cancer survivors experience multiple physical and cognitive symptoms, including fatigue, pain, compromised mobility, and cognitive impairment, which also impact quality of life (QoL) and daily functioning. Traditional rehabilitation interventions are hampered by lack of patients engagement, and adherence. Virtual reality-based exercise rehabilitation (VRER) is an intervention that combines formal exercise with interactive virtual environments to enhance rehabilitation outcomes. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of VRER in the areas of functional outcomes, quality of life, and symptom management in cancer survivors. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, was conducted with no date restriction to cover all relevant studies between 1997 and 2024. Only RCTs published in the English language were included. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias based on ROB2 were conducted independently by two reviewers. Exergaming, virtual reality rehabilitation with motion, cognitive-motor training in virtual reality, and interactive VR-based physical therapy were exercise interventions which were provided through non-immersive and immersive VR devices. Out of 570 records screened, 49 full-text articles were evaluated for eligibility, and exclusions were performed based on non-RCT design, non-exercise rehabilitation intervention based on VR, and non-cancer population. Results: Eleven RCTs involving 652 cancer survivors were included. VRER improved mobility, muscle strength, and range of motion, causing marked motor function enhancement. Cancer-related fatigue was reduced, and cognitive function, particularly working memory and executive function, was improved. Psychological benefits included less anxiety, depression, and pain, enhancing QoL. Intervention heterogeneity, adherence levels, and access to VR remain limitations. Conclusion: VRER is an innovative rehabilitation tool for physical, cognitive, and psychological gains in cancer survivors. Standardization of VR protocols, incorporation of artificial intelligence-driven adaptive therapy, enhancing patient engagement, and assessment of cost-effectiveness are required for large-scale implementations to be carried out in the future. |
| Keywords |
| Keywords: Cancer survivors, Exercise rehabilitation, Quality of life, Virtual reality |
| Status: Abstract Accepted |