Effects of Virtual Reality Program on Glycated Hemoglobin, Static and Dynamic Balancing Ability, and Falls Efficacy for Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: We aimed to confirm the effects of virtual reality programs used for patients with diabetes on reducing blood glucose levels and improving physical function. Methods: In this systematic literature review and meta-analysis, literature was collected from various databases for randomized controlled trials published in Korean, Chinese, and English by May 2021. The search yielded 1,243 studies. Eight studies were selected for the systematic literature review, and six studies were included in the meta-analysis. Results: In the eight selected studies, a non-immersive virtual reality programs were employed as the intervention method. The effect size of the virtual reality programs on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was -0.40, with no significant difference between experimental and control groups. The effect size on static balancing ability was 1.04, and the effect size on dynamic balancing ability was 2.39. The effect size on falls efficacy was 0.69, and all functional outcomes differed significantly between the experimental and control groups (p