JMIR Publications recently published a Meta-analysis which highlighted that virtual reality (VR) balance training is being pursued more and more in biomedical research, specifically for examining balance abilities using VR and helpful for Parkinson′s disease patients (PD).

A total of 16 randomized controlled trials with scores ranging from 5 to 8 points on the methodological quality rating were evaluated. The meta-analysis revealed that, in comparison to the control group, the balance ability of PD was considerably enhanced following VR training.

The virtual environment produced by VR technology can encourage the illusion of physical movement, increase immersion to enhance the activation of motor brain regions, mobilize changes in brain neural plasticity, reconstruct the synapses of nervous system cells, and directly train the central nervous system, all of which have a significant positive impact on nerve structure recovery and reorganization in PD and other neurodegenerative diseases. (NewsMedical.Net, Aug 2 2022)