Category: Technology
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)-based educational programs in Parkinson’s disease (PD) rehabilitation and explore future directions for integrating VR into clinical practice.
Background: PD rehabilitation relies on motor training, cognitive engagement, and patient education to enhance functional independence and quality of life. VR has emerged as an innovative tool for delivering immersive, interactive rehabilitation experiences. However, the effectiveness, accessibility, and scalability of VR interventions in PD education and rehabilitation require further exploration.
Method: A systematic literature search was conducted across Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Studies evaluating VR-based educational interventions for PD rehabilitation were included. Data extraction focused on improvements in motor function, cognitive engagement, patient adherence, and comparative effectiveness with conventional rehabilitation methods.
Results: A total of 58 studies met inclusion criteria. VR-based rehabilitation programs demonstrated significant improvements in balance (Berg Balance Scale mean increase 5.7 points, p<0.01), gait speed (mean increase 0.14 m/s), and upper limb coordination. Cognitive benefits included enhanced executive function and visuospatial skills. Adherence rates were higher in VR interventions (average 87%) compared to traditional rehabilitation. Barriers included cost, limited access to VR technology, and patient discomfort with virtual environments.
Conclusion: VR is a promising tool for PD rehabilitation, offering immersive learning experiences and improved motor and cognitive outcomes. Future research should focus on cost-effective VR solutions, accessibility in low-resource settings, and long-term efficacy studies to integrate VR into standard PD care.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
S. A. Hassan, Y. Mohamed, M. Abouelseoud, A. Alaa, A. Hafez, M. M. Elsayed. Utilizing Virtual Reality in Educational Programs for Parkinson’s Disease Rehabilitation: A Review of Current Literature and Future Directions [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2025; 40 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/utilizing-virtual-reality-in-educational-programs-for-parkinsons-disease-rehabilitation-a-review-of-current-literature-and-future-directions/. Accessed November 20, 2025.« Back to 2025 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/utilizing-virtual-reality-in-educational-programs-for-parkinsons-disease-rehabilitation-a-review-of-current-literature-and-future-directions/