Meta-Analysis on the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Cognitive Training (VRCT) and Computer-Based Cognitive Training (CBCT) for Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Abstract

This meta-analysis aims to assess the effectiveness of virtual reality cognitive training (VRCT) and conventional computer-based cognitive training (CBCT) in five specific cognitive domains (i.e., global cognitive function (GCF), memory (Mem), executive function (EF), language (Lang) and visuospatial skills (VS)) of individuals with mild cognitive impairment. A total of 320 studies were yielded from five electronic databases. Eighteen randomized controlled trials met the PRISMA criteria, with 10 related to VRCT and 8 related to CBCT. A random-effect model was used in determining the main effect of cognitive training in five specific cognitive domains. VRCT provided the largest effect size on VS and Lang while the smallest on EF. CBCT provided the largest effect size on Mem and Lang while the smallest on EF. VRCT and CBCT generate an opposite effect on VS. VRCT outweighs CBCT in treatment effectiveness of GCF, EF, Lang and VS. More immersive and interactive experiences in VRCT may help individuals with MCI better engage in real-life experiences, which supports skill generalization and reduces external distractions. CBCT tends to improve Mem but no definite conclusions can be made. Further investigation with more stringent research design and specific protocol are required to reach consensus about the optimum intervention regime.

Efficacy and Moderators of Virtual Reality for Cognitive Training in People with Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Our review supports previous findings that suggest efficacy of VR training compared to more conventional methods in people with MCI [16][17][18][19]. Furthermore, our results are in line with previous reviews on the benefits of VR training in people with MCI regarding global cognition [15,16,18,19], but not regarding the outcomes on individual cognitive domains [16,17,19].…”

“…Our review supports previous findings that suggest efficacy of VR training compared to more conventional methods in people with MCI [16][17][18][19]. Furthermore, our results are in line with previous reviews on the benefits of VR training in people with MCI regarding global cognition [15,16,18,19], but not regarding the outcomes on individual cognitive domains [16,17,19]. For example, previous reviews report significant benefits of VR training on executive function [16,19] and language [17], whereas we did not identify a significant improvement in those domains.…”

“…Although the aforementioned factors might influence the effects of VR training on cognitive performance, no study yet has investigated their role in people with MCI and dementia. Furthermore, the sole effects of VR training have not been investigated yet, as previous metaanalyses contained studies with mixed methods in the intervention group [16,17]. For example, a study included in Hung et al [17] and Wu et al [16], used both auditory and VR training in the intervention group for 6 months [42].…”

“…Furthermore, the sole effects of VR training have not been investigated yet, as previous metaanalyses contained studies with mixed methods in the intervention group [16,17]. For example, a study included in Hung et al [17] and Wu et al [16], used both auditory and VR training in the intervention group for 6 months [42]. In the initial phase, three auditory sessions were administered alternating with three VR sessions every 2 weeks and the cycle was repeated every 2 weeks.…”

Pilot feasibility study of cognitive training exercises for Egyptian adults: Proof of concept

“…Furthermore, in our study there were positive changes had been reported after CT sessions for attention and executive function measured by pre-and post-scores of digit span forward and digit span backward, and this is aligned with the findings reported by Sarah Chui-Wai Hung et al 35 in a meta-analysis studying the effect of CCT and virtual reality training programs, that showed positive impact in attention, global cognition, and executive function.…”