The Impact of Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation on Functional Mobility in Subacute Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Purpose: This systematic review was conducted to analyze the effects of virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation therapy on functional mobility in patients with subacute stroke and to provide clinical evidence for therapeutic effectiveness.Methods: Literature searches were performed using four major electronic journal databases in medicine and health sciences.The study population consisted of patients with subacute stroke between 1 and 6 months post-onset.The intervention was a VR-based rehabilitation therapy program.For comparison, studies including VR therapy groups as experimental groups and conventional therapy or other treatment modalities as control groups were included.The outcome measures assessed functional mobility, such as static/dynamic balance and gait functions.Risk of bias assessment and meta-analysis for effect sizes were conducted, focusing on randomized controlled trials.Results: Five studies with a total of 218 participants were included in the meta-analysis.Risk of bias assessment revealed that 2 studies (40%) had a low risk of bias, 1 study (20%) showed some concerns, and 2 studies (40%) had a high risk of bias.The outcome measures primarily focused on gait and balance abilities, as assessed by the Timed Up and Go test (2 studies), the 6 min walk test, walking speed, and Tinetti gait assessment (1 study each).Using Hedges' g as the effect size measure and applying a random-effects model to account for methodological differences between studies, the pooled effect size showed a moderate to large effect (standardized mean difference 0.670, 95% confidence interval 0.184-1.156;p = 0.007).