| A Systematic Review of Virtual Reality Rehabilitation for Improving Functional Outcomes and Return to Sport After ACL Reconstruction |
| Paper ID : 1422-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
|
hossien ashoury * 1- Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran. |
| Abstract |
| This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) exercises compared to traditional rehabilitation methods on athletes' recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The review included six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 248 participants, sourced from databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering the period from 2015 to April 2024. The VR interventions varied, including immersive gaming and augmented reality biofeedback, with durations ranging from 4 to 12 weeks. The results indicated that VR-based rehabilitation led to significantly greater improvements in dynamic postural control (as measured by the Star Excursion Balance Test), single-leg hop distance, and IKDC scores compared to conventional physiotherapy. Two studies also reported higher return-to-sport (RTS) rates and improved psychological readiness in the VR groups at 6- and 9-month follow-ups. While a meta-analysis was not feasible due to clinical heterogeneity, the consistent findings suggest that VR is a valuable adjunct to traditional physiotherapy for ACLR rehabilitation. The benefits are likely due to enhanced neuromuscular control, proprioception, and cognitive engagement. The authors recommend further high-quality RCTs with standardized VR protocols and longer follow-up periods to confirm these findings and optimize VR's role in ACLR recovery. |
| Keywords |
| Virtual Reality, Return to Sport, Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Rehabilitation. |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
