Virtual Reality-Assisted Rehabilitation for Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of virtual reality-assisted rehabilitation in postoperative rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty). This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating virtual reality-assisted rehabilitation in patients who have undergone total knee arthroplasty. The literature search included multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, PsycINFO, PEDro, CNKI, and Wanfang, with the final search date being May 20, 2024. Virtual reality-assisted rehabilitation for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty showed lower Visual Analog Scale pain scores, better Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores, improved Hospital for Special Surgery scores, shorter Timed Up and Go times, higher Berg Balance Scale scores, and greater knee range of motion than those of the control group. Virtual reality-assisted rehabilitation effectively reduced postsurgical pain and enhanced the recovery of function, mobility, balance, and range of motion in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Integrating virtual reality-assisted rehabilitation into standard rehabilitation programs can optimize the outcomes of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.PROSPERO Registration: CRD42024596255.