Authors:
João Pavão
1
;
Rute Bastardo
2
and
Nelson Rocha
3
Affiliations:
1
INESC-TEC, Science and Technology School, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
;
2
UNIDCOM, Science and Technology School, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
;
3
IEETA, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
Keyword(s):
Systematic Review, Randomized Controlled Trials, Older Adults, Cognitive Training, Virtual Reality.
Abstract:
This article aimed to analyse state-of-the-art empirical evidence of randomized controlled trials designed to assess preventive cognitive training interventions based on virtual reality for older adults without cognitive impairment, by identifying virtual reality setups and tasks, clinical outcomes and respective measurement instruments, and positive effects on outcome parameters. A systematic electronic search was performed, and six randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic review. In terms of results, the included studies pointed to significant positive impact of virtual reality-based cognitive training interventions on global cognition, memory, attention, information processing speed, walking variability, balance, muscle strength, and falls. However, further research is required to evaluate the adequacy of the virtual reality setups and tasks, to study the impact of the interventions’ duration and intensity, to understand how to tailor the interventions to the c
haracteristics and needs of the individuals, and to compare face-to-face to remote interventions.
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