Effects of virtual reality-based intervention on depression in stroke patients: a meta-analysis

Abstract

As one of the most common neuropsychiatric complications after stroke, post-stroke depression can significantly affect the initiative of rehabilitation exercise and the rehabilitation of neurological function of patients. Virtual reality (VR) has been widely used in health-related fields in recent years. There is some evidence that VR-based interventions have benefits for depression. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of VR-based intervention on depression in stroke patients. A total of 752 patients with stroke from 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studies were included in this meta-analysis and the studies derived from seven electronic databases searched from database inception to August 2021. Different tools were used to measure depression. For continuous results, the standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to synthesize the effects. We assessed the risk of bias by using the Cochrane Collaboration criteria. The results showed that compared to the control group, VR-based interventions significantly decreased the depression scale score (SMD = − 0.75, 95% CI − 1.35, − 0.15). The meta-analysis indicated that VR-based intervention had a moderate effect on depression in stroke patients compared to control group. There was no evidence of potential publication bias as assessed by visual inspection of funnel plots in Egger and Begg tests. Substantial heterogeneity between studies was observed, meta-regression analysis showed that mean age might be the source of heterogeneity.

Is Virtual Reality Orientation Therapy Useful to Optimize Cognitive and Behavioral Functioning Following Severe Acquired Brain Injury? An Exploratory Study

“…Additionally, the study by Onieva et al, 2018 [45] reported improvements in depressive symptoms in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. In line with our scores, other studies have confirmed an improvement in depression in patients with head trauma [31] and stroke [35] through virtual reality compared to conventional therapy. Neuropsychological research in depression therapy confirms the therapeutic value of digital interventions, highlighting the release of hormones such as endorphins and striatal dopamine, responsible for feelings of pleasure and well-being, during the patient's interactive experiences with virtual reality [34].…”

“…No studies have been found in the literature investigating VR-ROT in patients with severe acquired brain injury by obtaining a single cognitive functioning score, but it is examined in a fragmented manner, not allowing a comprehensive and integrated view regarding the time, place, and orientation of the person. Furthermore, neuropsychological research in the treatment of depression demonstrates the therapeutic value of digital interventions based on playful activities by assessing the release of hormones such as endorphins and striatal dopamine responsible for feelings of pleasure and well-being during the patient's interactive experiences with virtual reality [34,35].…”

A preliminary study on the occupational performances in immersive virtual and real environments in stroke patients

“…Virtual reality (VR) technology has been used widely in stroke rehabilitation for some years [5]. Previous studies demonstrated that VR was popular in the rehabilitation of upper extremity [6], lower extremity [7], cognition [8], psychology [9], et al Most of these studies employed commercial VR games or trained body function through intensive and repetitive practice. IADL assessment and training are full of challenges in real environments, and VR could be an alternative technology for overcoming these limitations.…”

Virtual Reality in the Management of Patient Psychological Symptoms

“…For example, VR has been used in pain relief therapy as an attention distractor (Viderman et al, 2023). VR has also been shown to help relieve the symptoms of depression by constructing a relaxing and hopeful virtual world for patients (Liu et al, 2023). VR may also help patients adopt and use effective coping mechanisms by creating a safe and controlled environment that facilitates effective anxiety self-management (Donnelly et al, 2021).…”