Effects of Vestibular Rehabilitation with Virtual Reality in Adults with Vestibular Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Virtual reality is a tool used in the rehabilitation of neurodegenerative diseases and vestibular disorders, enabling immersion in a playful and illusory world. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of vestibular rehabilitation with virtual reality in adults with vestibular disorders. DATA SYNTHESIS: Appropriate word combinations were selected and tailored specifically to seven electronic databases....

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

This systematic review and meta-analysis provides the strongest available evidence class on VR-based vestibular rehabilitation; if results are positive, audiologists and vestibular therapists should consider VR as an adjunct or alternative to conventional rehab, pending review of the full effect sizes and patient selection criteria.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

Virtual reality offers a scalable, engaging platform for vestibular rehabilitation, and a meta-analysis-level summary could meaningfully shift clinical guidelines for balance disorder management.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Systematic review and meta-analysis published in International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology (DOI: 10.1055/s-0046-1819714).
02Focuses on VR-based vestibular rehabilitation in adults with vestibular dysfunction (balance disorders).
03Meta-analytic design provides the highest level of evidence for this intervention type.
04Findings are relevant to audiologists, ENT specialists, and physiotherapists managing balance disorders.
05Results could support or challenge the routine use of VR in vestibular rehab programs.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Virtual-reality-based vestibular rehabilitation has measurable effects on adults with vestibular dysfunction.

studypartially supported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42345013
DOI: 10.1055/s-0046-1819714.
Journal: International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology
Publication type: meta_analysis
Evidence level: 1a
Population: Adults with vestibular dysfunction (inner-ear balance disorders)
Intervention: Virtual reality-based vestibular rehabilitation
Comparator: Conventional vestibular rehabilitation or control conditions

Primary outcomes

Vestibular function outcomes; Balance performance; Dizziness/vertigo symptom severity

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