The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Interventions in Patients with Ataxic Conditions: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Background: Ataxic symptoms are characterized by causing motor, balance and coordination disorders. Virtual reality-based interventions (VRBIs) including video games and exergames can improve ataxic symptoms. The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of VRBI on severity of ataxia, postural balance, mobility and manual dexterity in patients with ataxia. Methods: According to the PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed Medline, SCOPUS, WOS, CINAHL, PEDro and other sources for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effectiveness of VRBI, compared to others, on the severity of ataxia, balance, mobility and manual dexterity in patients with ataxia. The pooled effect was calculated using Cohen’s standardized mean difference (SMD) and a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: With data from seven RCTs, providing data from 171 patients with ataxia, our meta-analysis elucidated that VRBI is effective in reducing the severity of ataxia (SMD = −0.43; 95% CI −0.84 to −0.03; p = 0.04) and increasing functional balance (SMD = 0.97; 95% CI 0.16 to 1.78; p = 0.02) and manual dexterity (SMD = −0.63; 95% CI −1.16 to −0.11; p = 0.018). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that VRBI could be a promising and effective therapeutic approach in reducing ataxia disability and increasing balance and manual dexterity in ataxic patients.