Virtual Reality-Assisted Rehabilitation for Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Objective To assess the effectiveness of virtual reality-assisted rehabilitation (VRehab) in postoperative rehabilitation following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating VRehab in patients who have undergone TKA. The literature search included multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, PsycINFO, PEDro, CNKI, and Wanfang, with the final search date being May 20, 2024. Results VRehab for patients undergoing TKA showed lower Visual Analog Scale pain scores, better Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores, improved Hospital for Special Surgery scores, shorter Timed Up and Go times, higher Berg Balance Scale scores, and greater knee range of motion than those of the control group. Conclusions VRehab effectively reduced postsurgical pain and enhanced the recovery of function, mobility, balance, and range of motion in patients undergoing TKA. Integrating VRehab into standard rehabilitation programs can optimize the outcomes of patients undergoing TKA.