Virtual Reality (VR) training is emerging in the neurorehabilitation field. Technological advancement is often faster than clinical implementation. Previous reviews stressed the study design and methodological weaknesses of research in the field of VR for neurorehabilitation. Clinically relevant conclusions on implementation in particular patient groups are needed. The aim was to update the existing knowledge with the recent evidence on the effects of VR training on functional ability of patients with stroke and Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Secondary objective was to analyze the aspects of usability of VR intervention in these populations. Systematic literature search (via PubMed, CENTRAL) was conducted from inception to February 29, 2020 to identify suitable articles for two population subcategories. Randomized controlled trials published from 2016 to 2020, investigating the effectiveness of VR on a variety of outcomes contributing to the functional independence were included. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist was used for a methodological quality assessment of the primary studies. Given the heterogeneity in types of VR intervention and outcomes, a descriptive synthesis was conducted. A total of 18 randomized controlled trials were included (10 in stroke subcategory, 8 in PD). CASP grading ranged 9–11, suggesting high methodological quality. All studies concluded that overall VR might be as effective as the conventional training, but more motivating. In some studies, VR was found to have a greater effect, taking the high response to treatment and satisfaction into account. VR training is suggested as an effective intervention to improve the functional ability in stroke and PD patients. Addition of VR into a rehabilitation program might facilitate patient’s motivation, participation and improvement, as this method was generally well accepted, and the results of trials were promising. The consideration of disorder-specific aspects should take place during the decision-making of VR implementation.

中文翻译：

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虚拟现实训练对中风和帕金森病康复的影响：系统评价和可用性视角

虚拟现实 (VR) 培训正在神经康复领域兴起。技术进步通常比临床实施更快。先前的评论强调了神经康复 VR 领域研究的研究设计和方法论弱点。需要关于在特定患者群体中实施的临床相关结论。目的是利用最近关于 VR 训练对中风和帕金森病 (PD) 患者功能能力影响的证据来更新现有知识。次要目标是分析这些人群中 VR 干预的可用性方面。从开始到 2020 年 2 月 29 日进行了系统的文献检索（通过 PubMed、CENTRAL），以确定适合两个人群子类别的文章。包括 2016 年至 2020 年发表的随机对照试验，调查 VR 对有助于功能独立的各种结果的有效性。关键评估技能计划 (CASP) 清单用于对主要研究进行方法学质量评估。鉴于 VR 干预类型和结果的异质性，进行了描述性综合。共纳入 18 项随机对照试验（卒中亚类 10 项，PD 8 项）。CASP 分级范围为 9-11，表明方法学质量高。所有研究都得出结论，整体 VR 可能与传统培训一样有效，但更具激励性。在一些研究中，考虑到对治疗的高反应和满意度，VR被发现具有更大的效果。建议 VR 训练作为一种有效的干预措施来提高中风和 PD 患者的功能能力。将 VR 添加到康复计划中可能会促进患者的积极性、参与和改善，因为这种方法被普遍接受，并且试验结果很有希望。在 VR 实施的决策过程中应考虑无序特定方面。