Background and Objective: While the aging population is a global achievement due to health and medical advances, it is also accompanied by challenges such as decrease in physical, cognitive, and social abilities. Virtual reality (VR) as a new technology has significant potential in the field of elderly rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to investigate the applications of VR to improve elderly rehabilitation.
Methods: For this systematic review, the international databases Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed and the Persian databases Iran Medex, Magiran, SID and the scientific search engine Google Scholar were searched for articles published between 2013 and 2024. The inclusion criteria for selecting studies included full-text studies published in English or Persian on the effects of VR interventions on the rehabilitation of elderly people. Exclusion criteria included letters to the editor, articles presented at conferences and seminars, and abstracts. After final screening, 28 articles were selected from 44,774 articles. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
Findings: The data analysis revealed five main categories entitled "Improving balance and motor rehabilitation of the elderly", "Improving cognitive function and memory of the elderly", "Improving social interaction and reducing social isolation of the elderly", "Improving quality of life and motivation of the elderly", and "Obstacles and challenges of using VR in rehabilitation of the elderly".
Conclusion: VR can play a significant role in improving the motor, cognitive, and social functions and quality of life of the elderly. However, for effective use, the technological, physical, and psychological challenges must be recognized and addressed.
Type of Study:
Applicable |
Subject:
Special Received: 2025/04/1 | Accepted: 2025/04/20 | Published: 2025/04/20