Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation in Physiotherapy Practice: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Through immersive and interactive therapeutic treatments, virtual reality (VR), an emerging rehabilitation tool, improves physiotherapy. This systematic study assesses the efficacy, uses, advantages, and drawbacks of VR-based rehabilitation in neurological, musculoskeletal, paediatric, geriatric, and cardiopulmonary physiotherapy. According to the reviewed studies, VR increases therapy adherence with gamified workouts and real-time feedback while improving motor function, balance, gait, pain management, range of motion, and patient motivation. VR also facilitates telerehabilitation and home-based rehabilitation, increasing access to physiotherapy treatments. But issues including expensive equipment, inconsistent treatment guidelines, scant long-term data, and cybersickness still exist. Overall, VR is a useful addition to traditional physical therapy, and future developments in wearable technology and artificial intelligence are expected to substantially improve rehabilitation outcomes. Standardised clinical guidelines and ongoing high-quality research are necessary for its wider application in physiotherapy practice.