Effects of virtual reality-based aerobic endurance training on the functional fitness of healthy older adults: A systematic review

Abstract

Objetiveto analytically and systematically review and integrate the available evidence of the effects of virtual reality-based aerobic endurance training on functional fitness of healthy older adults.Materials and MethodsThis systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted through searches in Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus, PEDro, Web of Science, Lilacs, Scielo, Dialnet, and IEEE Xplore between February and May 2021. The evaluation of bias and methodological quality was performed following the parameters proposed by the Cochrane Manual of Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the PEDro Scale. Review Manager Software (Version 5.4.1) served for a summary of bias.ResultsThree clinical trials were selected. None of the selected studies employed any exclusively aerobic intervention with virtual reality; however, statistically significant findings for this type of intervention were found in functional fitness such as aerobic endurance, upper and lower limb strength, agility, and dynamic balance.Conclusionsaerobic endurance training through the use of virtual reality may provide positive effects on the functional fitness of the healthy elderly. This has implications for clinical practice, as it fosters the development of more beneficial, attractive, motivational, and quality interventions, the prevention of common conditions, and the use of technological tools by the elderly population. However, as for research implications, an increase of knowledge on the effects of technologies in the elderly functional capacity, and an implementation of scientific models or theories on physical activity and exercise are recommended with the purpose of explaining the phenomena due to the use of technologies within the processes of functional rehabilitation.