Key result
Virtual reality cardiac rehab improves 6-minute walk distance by ~35 meters over conventional care.
Why the study?
The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality technology in cardiac rehabilitation patients regarding cardiopulmonary function, quality of life, adherence, and satisfaction.
Does an exercise-based virtual reality rehabilitation program improve 6-minute walk test distance and patient adherence in patients with cardiovascular diseases undergoing cardiac rehabilitation?
Meta-Analysis (n=1,335)
Does an exercise-based virtual reality rehabilitation program improve 6-minute walk test distance and patient adherence in patients with cardiovascular diseases undergoing cardiac rehabilitation?
Mean Difference: 34.9 (95% CI 24.43–45.37)
p-value: p=<0.00001
Virtual reality-based cardiac rehabilitation significantly improves cardiorespiratory fitness (measured by 6MWT) and quality of life compared to traditional approaches, though its impact on adherence remains inconclusive.
Supports VR integration in cardiac rehabilitation to improve functional capacity; extends prior trial evidence with pooled 6MWT gains while leaving adherence unresolved.
Purpose: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) technology in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients, focusing on cardiopulmonary function, quality of life, adherence, and satisfaction. Methods: Conducted following PRISMA guidelines and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42025643632), this study systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Library, Scopus, CNKI, and Wanfang Data. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 to assess the impact of VR interventions on cardiopulmonary function, quality of life (QOL), adherence, and satisfaction compared to conventional CR programs. Results: Twenty studies were included. Meta-analysis revealed that VR improved the 6 min walk test distance (MD: 34.9, 95% CI: 24.43, 45.37; p < 0.00001, I2 = 67%) and QOL (SMD: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.09, 1.17; p = 0.002, I2 = 86%). However, evidence regarding adherence and satisfaction was inconclusive. Conclusions: VR technology outperforms traditional CR in enhancing cardiopulmonary function and quality of life. While it might improve patient adherence, further research is necessary to confirm these findings.
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Cheng et al. (2025) conducted a meta-analysis in Cardiovascular diseases requiring cardiac rehabilitation (n=1,335). Virtual reality (VR) technology vs. Traditional cardiac rehabilitation or usual care was evaluated on 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance (MD 34.9, 95% CI 24.43, 45.37, p=<0.00001). Virtual reality-based cardiac rehabilitation significantly improved 6-minute walk test distance by a mean of 34.9 meters compared to conventional rehabilitation programs.
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