Effect of virtual reality therapy, combined with physiotherapy for improving motor proficiency in individuals with Down syndrome: A systematic review

Background: Individuals with Down syndrome may struggle with anticipatory postural adjustments, and adapt slower to motor tasks and environmental changes, due to decreased motor proficiency.Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of virtual reality therapy (VRT), specifically Nintendo Wii, combined with physiotherapy or occupational therapy (OT) for improving motor proficiency in individuals with Down syndrome, compared to standard physiotherapy, OT or no intervention.Method: Nine computerised databases were searched from inception to July 2020. Methodological quality of randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies was appraised using the physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) scale and the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case Reports.Results: Two randomised controlled trials and four quasi-experimental studies were included, with an average PEDro score of 7.3. One included case study scored 5. This review included 345 participants. Motor proficiency includes balance, coordination, strength and agility. Agility showed a significant improvement after 5 (p = 0.01) or 24 (p 0.01) weeks. Strength showed a significant improvement after a 6- (p = 0.000) or 24-week intervention (p 0.05). Balance showed inconclusive results for adults, and significant improvement in children after 6 (p = 0.000), 8 (p 0.05) or 24 (p 0.003) weeks. One study (n = 155) showed that upper limb and bilateral coordination improved significantly after 24 weeks (p 0.003).Conclusion: Level II, III-1 and IV evidence suggested that VRT may be valuable to improve agility and strength in individuals with Down syndrome, and balance and coordination in children with Down syndrome.Clinical implications: It may be beneficial to use VRT in addition to standard physiotherapy or OT interventions for improving motor proficiency in individuals with Down syndrome.

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Effect of time-dose-matched virtual reality therapy on upper limb dysfunction in patients post-stroke: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation ◽

10.1016/j.apmr.2021.09.003 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yi Li ◽

Jiashang Huang ◽

Xiaohong Li ◽

Jia Qiao ◽

Xin Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Upper Limb ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Reality Therapy ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Post Stroke ◽

Virtual Reality Therapy ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Upper Limb Dysfunction

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Virtual reality training compared with apprenticeship training in laparoscopic surgery: a meta-analysis

Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England ◽

10.1308/rcsann.2020.0178 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 102 (9) ◽

pp. 672-684

Author(s):

M Portelli ◽

SF Bianco ◽

T Bezzina ◽

JE Abela

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Laparoscopic Surgery ◽

Surgical Training ◽

Randomised Controlled Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Virtual Reality Training ◽

Apprenticeship Training ◽

Tissue Handling ◽

Randomised Controlled

Introduction Since its inception, laparoscopic surgery has evolved and new techniques have been developed due to technological advances. This requires a different and more complex skill set in comparison with open surgery. Reduced working hours, less training time and patient safety factors demand that such skills need to be achieved outside the operating theatre environment. Several studies have been published and have determined the effectiveness of virtual reality training. We aimed to compare virtual reality training with the traditional apprenticeship method of training and determine whether it can supplement or replace the traditional apprenticeship model. We also aimed to perform a meta-analysis of the literature and develop conclusions with respect to the benefits achieved by adding virtual reality training on a regular basis to surgical training programmes. Methods A literature search was carried out on PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Google Scholar academic search engines using the MESH terms ‘randomised controlled trials’, ‘virtual reality’, ‘laparoscopy’, ‘surgical education’ and ‘surgical training’. All randomised controlled trials published to January 2018 comparing virtual reality training to apprenticeship training were included. Data were collected on improved dexterity, operative performance and operating times. Each outcome was calculated with 95% confidence intervals and with intention-to-treat analysis; 24 randomised controlled trials were analysed. Findings Meta-analytical data were extracted for time, path length, instrument handling, tissue handling, error scores and objective structure assessment of technical skills scoring. There was significant improvement in individual trainee skill in all meta-analyses (p < 0.0002). Conclusion This meta-analysis shows that virtual reality not only improves efficiency in the trainee’s surgical practice but also improves quality with reduced error rates and improved tissue handling.

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Effectiveness of virtual reality therapy on anxiety and symptom distress with chemotherapy among children with cancer

International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences ◽

10.26452/ijrps.v11ispl4.4640 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (SPL4) ◽

pp. 3117-3123

Author(s):

Jeayareka J ◽

Raman K ◽

Lokesh Kumar singh ◽

Tushar B Jagzape

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Symptom Distress ◽

Reality Therapy ◽

Control Group ◽

Children With Cancer ◽

Virtual Reality Therapy ◽

Chemotherapy Administration ◽

Study Results ◽

Post Test ◽

Quasi Experimental

The present study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of virtual reality therapy on anxiety and symptom distress with chemotherapy among children with cancer. The present study was quasi experimental design with one group pretest and posttest design. A total of 12 participants were recruited in the study following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After recruiting the participants, they were assigned to experimental and control groups with six participants in each group. The participant was exposed to virtual reality therapy for at least 30 minutes during the chemotherapy administration. The control group was given the wait list measures at the end of the post test. The presents study results support virtual reality therapy as an effective tool in anxiety and symptom distress with chemotherapy among children with cancer. Further, detailed studies are recommended with higher sample size and multi centers to support the implementation of virtual reality therapy as a therapeutic tool in the management of mental health disorders.

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