Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Intervention in Enhancing Motor and Cognitive Functions in Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Down syndrome (DS) is a chromosomal disorder and is most commonly associated with cognitive impairments, motor dysfunction, and developmental delays. Various therapeutic interventions have been implemented to improve developmental milestones and enhance the quality of life in DS patients. Hence, this systematic review was performed to evaluate the impact of virtual reality (VR) based physical and cognitive rehabilitation in individuals with DS. The databases involved in the literature search consisted of PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Studies were included if they assessed or evaluated VR-based therapeutic interventions in individuals with DS of any age. Moreover, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with full-text availability in English were incorporated. Furthermore, a mixed-method appraisal tool was utilized to assess the quality of the studies. A total of seven RCTs that met the inclusion criteria were included. The included studies demonstrated that VR-based interventions significantly improved motor function, postural control, physical fitness, and independent skills. However, compliance with clinical guidelines and healthcare transition planning for DS patients remain areas of concern. Additionally, future research should focus on conducting large, high-quality RCTs with standardized assessment tools and long-term follow-ups to establish evidence-based guidelines associated with VR therapy for individuals with DS.