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Purpose of Review <p> Acquired brain injury (ABI) frequently results in cognitive impairments that limit independence and quality of life. Cognitive rehabilitation, in its conventional form, faces notable limitations including limited ecological validity, low patient engagement, and suboptimal intensity. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising adjunct to rehabilitation, but evidence for its effectiveness and safety in the acute stage of ABI remains limited. This review evaluates the effectiveness and safety of VR interventions for cognitive function in individuals with acute-stage ABI, using a systematic review and meta-analysis.</p> Recent Findings <p> A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and DOAJ identified 33 eligible studies (72 observations). VR interventions significantly improved cognitive outcomes compared to controls (OR = 4.38, 95% CI [1.82-10.56], p = 0.001), with negligible heterogeneity (I2 = 0.0%). All immersion levels demonstrated benefit; semi-immersive VR showed the largest mean gains. VR was effective across traumatic, non-traumatic, and mixed ABI populations. Higher session frequency was associated with improved cognitive outcomes, whereas session duration and participant age did not show significant effects. No major adverse events were reported.</p> Summary <p> VR-based rehabilitation is an effective and safe adjunct for enhancing cognitive function in the acute stage of ABI. Findings were consistent across ABI types and immersion levels, with semi-immersive VR and higher session frequency conferring the greatest benefit. The favourable safety profile supports clinical feasibility. Future studies should standardize outcome measures, optimize intervention protocols, and critically address the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of VR interventions, as these factors will be essential for widespread clinical adoption.</p>

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Effectiveness and Safety of Virtual Reality for the Cognitive Rehabilitation in Patients with Acquired Brain Injury; a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月13日

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  • Abayomi Salawu,
  • Nicholas Aderinto,
  • Iyanuloluwa Samuel Ojo,
  • Adetola Emmanuel Babalola,
  • Emmanuel Oyesiji,
  • Evelyn Faith Ogungbemi,
  • Temitomi Jane Oyedele,
  • Paul Bolaji

摘要

Purpose of Review

Acquired brain injury (ABI) frequently results in cognitive impairments that limit independence and quality of life. Cognitive rehabilitation, in its conventional form, faces notable limitations including limited ecological validity, low patient engagement, and suboptimal intensity. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising adjunct to rehabilitation, but evidence for its effectiveness and safety in the acute stage of ABI remains limited. This review evaluates the effectiveness and safety of VR interventions for cognitive function in individuals with acute-stage ABI, using a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Recent Findings

A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and DOAJ identified 33 eligible studies (72 observations). VR interventions significantly improved cognitive outcomes compared to controls (OR = 4.38, 95% CI [1.82-10.56], p = 0.001), with negligible heterogeneity (I2 = 0.0%). All immersion levels demonstrated benefit; semi-immersive VR showed the largest mean gains. VR was effective across traumatic, non-traumatic, and mixed ABI populations. Higher session frequency was associated with improved cognitive outcomes, whereas session duration and participant age did not show significant effects. No major adverse events were reported.

Summary

VR-based rehabilitation is an effective and safe adjunct for enhancing cognitive function in the acute stage of ABI. Findings were consistent across ABI types and immersion levels, with semi-immersive VR and higher session frequency conferring the greatest benefit. The favourable safety profile supports clinical feasibility. Future studies should standardize outcome measures, optimize intervention protocols, and critically address the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of VR interventions, as these factors will be essential for widespread clinical adoption.