Rehabilitation in the metaverse: a steady trend or contextual solutions? (Systematic review)

The concept of the metaverse is a new, actively developing idea with potential in various fields of medicine. The combination of multisensory stimulation and mutual interaction opens up a wide range of possibilities for the application of metaverse therapy technologies in the context of a pandemic. The aim of this review is to analyze the scope of application and development of the metaverse perspective in the context of a crisis. Methods: The authors searched PubMed, ScienceDirect using the keyword "metaverse", among which a manual search was conducted for studies related to various aspects of rehabilitation. Of the 1393 publications found, 37 were selected for further analysis. Results: Metaverse technologies are used in medical rehabilitation, helping to restore physical and cognitive functions. Creating digital twins-avatars and using machine learning to process patient data can make rehabilitation more personalized and effective. Discussion: The concept of the metaverse creates a unique environment based on the synergy of high technology and social interaction. The new opportunities offered by the use of the metaverse in medicine can radically change rehabilitation, making it more effective and accessible.