| Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Musculoskeletal Conditions and Injuries of the Upper Limb: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis |
| Paper ID : 1048-ISCSR3 (R1) |
| Authors |
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Ahmed Ibrahim Rashad *, Afaf M. Tahoon, Reda Elsayed ElsayedElaraby, Mina Atif Melika, Zeina Sherif Hamshary, Zeinab Essam Mostafa, Rewan Ahmed Hassan Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University |
| Abstract |
| Background: Virtual reality (VR) integration into orthopedic rehabilitation is increasingly recognized for its efficacy. Despite VR advantages of cost savings, personalized therapy, and improved engagement and adherence in less motivated patients, there is no conclusive evidence of VR effectiveness in upper limb musculoskeletal (ULMSK) conditions and injuries. Objective: Systematically review and critically appraise trials that addressed VR in the rehabilitation of ULMSK conditions and injuries. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Virtual Health Library, Embase, Wiley Library, and PEDro were searched for randomized trials up to December 2024. The outcomes were pain, Shoulder function, disability, Range of motion, and Handgrip strength. PEDro scale was used for quality assessment. This review followed the PRISMA guidelines. Results: A total of 16 trials with 717 participants were included. 10 trials have undergone meta-analysis. The trials encompassed shoulder disorders (n = 8), fractures (n = 4), inflammatory conditions (n = 2), complex regional pain syndrome (n = 1), and nerve compression syndromes (n = 1). All trials had good quality, with one study fair quality. VR was more effective than conventional therapy in decreasing pain (SMD = -0.71, 95% CI: -1.41 to -0.01, P = 0.05), increasing shoulder flexion (MD = 8.22, 95% CI: 1.83 to 14.62, P = 0.01), and improving function (SMD = -1.57, 95% CI: -3.01 to -0.12, P = 0.003). No detectable differences were observed between VR and conventional therapy in SPADI (SMD = -1.03, 95% CI: -2.27 to 0.21, P = 0.1) and Handgrip strength (MD = -1.87, 95% CI: -4.32 to 0.58, P = 0.14). Conclusion: VR effectiveness is demonstrated in shoulder disorders. However, there is heterogeneity across the studies that affect the results’ consistency. Further research should focus on VR efficacy in conditions related to wrist and elbow regions, upper limb fractures, and inflammatory diseases. |
| Keywords |
| Keywords: “Virtual Reality”, “Exergames”, “Musculoskeletal”, “Upper Limb”, “Rehabilitation” |
| Status: Abstract Accepted |