Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40551196›Full record

SynthesisJournal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation2025

Effect of virtual reality training on dual-task performance in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Xiaoyu Wei, Chun Huang, Xinyue Ding, Zhining Zhou, Yufeng Zhang, Xiaofan Feng, Suwang Zheng, Tingting Li, Jiaojiao Lü

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
PubMed Full text at PMC Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 14 papers, 4 of them syntheses that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
14citing papers in PubMed, 4 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

14 citing papers in PubMed, 4 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
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  7. Review
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Xiaoyu WeiKey Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China.
Chun HuangKey Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China.
Xinyue DingKey Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China.
Zhining ZhouKey Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China.
Yufeng ZhangKey Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China.
Xiaofan FengKey Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China.
Suwang ZhengKey Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China.
Tingting LiSchool of International Medical Technology, Shanghai Sanda University, Shanghai, 201209, China. wellliting@163.com.
Jiaojiao LüKey Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China. ljj27@163.com.

Funding

College Students' Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program STYK20250407National Natural Science Foundation of China 12302418
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundAge-related decline in dual-task (DT) performance is closely associated with falls in older adults, posing a significant public health concern. Virtual reality (VR) training has emerged as a novel intervention to enhance motor-cognitive integration, yet its effects on dual-task performance require systematic evaluation.

objectiveThe purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the impact of VR training on dual-task performance in older adults.

methodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, we searched four databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating VR training in adults aged ≥ 60 years. Inclusion criteria required comparisons between VR training and non-VR control groups, with outcome measures including dual-task cost (DTC), dual-task timed up-and-go (DT-TUG), DT gait parameters (speed, stride length, cadence), and DT cognitive performance. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, and meta-analysis were conducted using RevMan 5.4.

resultsTwenty-one RCTs (935 participants) were included. Meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in VR groups for DTC of gait speed [SMD = -0.32, 95% CI (-0.57, -0.07), P = 0.01], stride length [SMD = -0.58, 95% CI: (-0.90 to -0.26), P < 0.001] and cadence [SMD = -0.32, 95% CI (-0.64, 0.00), P = 0.05]. DT-TUG time decreased significantly [SMD = -0.54, 95% CI (-0.89, -0.19), P = 0.002]. VR training also enhanced dual-task gait speed [SMD = 0.38 95% CI (0.03, 0.73), P = 0.03] and stride length [SMD = 1.15, 95% CI (0.81, 1.49), P < 0.001]. Subgroup analyses showed VR brought more notable improvements for MCI and PD patients. For VR interventions, durations over 1 h per session, more than 4 - week duration, and 3-5 sessions per week yielded better results. Yet, no significant improvements were observed in other DT aspects like cognitive reaction times and rapid gait speed.

conclusionVR training effectively reduces DT performance decline in older adults, particularly by lowering DTC and enhancing functional mobility, supporting its potential as a fall prevention strategy.

Indexed as

Psychomotor PerformanceVirtual RealityAgedGaitHumansRandomized Controlled Trials as TopicDual-task performanceFall preventionMeta-analysisOlder adultsVirtual reality

Identifiers

PMID40551196
PMCPMC12186363

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.