The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Improving Balance and Gait in People with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND

Virtual reality (VR), often used with motion sensors, provides interactive tools for physiotherapy aimed at enhancing motor functions. This systematic review examined the effects of VR-based interventions, alone or combined with conventional physiotherapy (PT), on balance and gait in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD).

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 2019 and April 2025 were included. Interventions lasted between 5 and 12 weeks and were grouped as VR alone or VR combined with PT. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro Scale.

RESULTS

Of the 31 comparisons for balance and gait, 30 were favored by the experimental group, with 12 reaching statistical significance. Secondary outcomes (function, cognition, and quality of life) showed mixed results, with 6 comparisons favoring the experimental group (3 statistically significant) and 4 favoring the control group (1 statistically significant). Overall, the studies showed fair to good quality and a moderate risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

VR-based interventions, particularly when combined with PT, show promise for improving balance and gait in PD. However, the evidence is limited by the small number of studies, heterogeneity of protocols, and methodological constraints. More rigorous, long-term trials are needed to clarify their therapeutic potential.