Virtual Reality for Balance in Individuals With Diabetes: A Systematic Review of Assessment and Intervention Strategies

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications have wide-ranging effects on numerous aspects of health, particularly as they affect individual’s static and dynamic balance. Balance assessments and interventions have emerged as key components of rehabilitation strategies for individuals with DM. As part of the growing incorporation of virtual reality (VR) technology into rehabilitative, this systematic review aims to synthesize the current evidence on VR-based assessment and interventions for balance in individuals with DM. Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic database including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, and PEDro was conducted from the inception through April 2024. Studies applying VR technology either as balance assessments or interventions among individuals with DM were made potentially eligible for inclusion. Results: A total of 12 studies were included according to the inclusion criteria, which included 345 individuals with DM. Four studies utilized VR for balance assessment, revealing that individuals with DM exhibited impaired balance compared with healthy controls. Eight studies applied VR tools for balance training. Despite variations in statistical significance, all studies reported enhanced balance after VR interventions. Conclusion: This systematic review summarizes VR as an innovative and interactive approach, demonstrating its applicability and usefulness in both balance assessment and intervention among individuals with DM.