Virtual Reality Exergames for Improving Older Adults’ Cognition and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials

Objectives Virtual reality (VR) exergames are an innovative approach to promote older adults' mental health. VR exergames are active video games controlled by bodily movements in a safe surrounding with advantages of physical activity engagement and interactions. The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of VR exergames in improving older adults’ cognition and ameliorating depressive outcome by a systematic review, meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression. Design This is a systematic review and meta-analysis. Setting and Participants Adults over 60 years old. Methods Four electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane, were searched for related articles. After evaluation, 18 randomized control trials were selected for qualitative and quantitative synthesis. Results The meta-analytical results found moderate effects of VR exergames on overall cognitive function and memory, and a large effect on depressive outcomes in older adults. Commercial VR games had more-significant and larger effects on depressive outcomes than exergames with VR devices. The meta-regression results revealed that the total intervention duration had a significant effect on depressive outcomes. A higher intervention duration had greater effects on depressive outcomes. Conclusions and Implications This meta-analytical study suggests that VR exergames can provide potential positive influences on cognition, memory, and depression in older adult populations. VR exergames could be an interesting strategy for active aging and a good mental health status.