Effectiveness of virtual reality in preventing falls in non-disabled older adults: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality interventions in preventing falls among non -disabled older adults. Methods: We conducted a librarian -designed database search. Two researchers independently screened eligible studies. The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Results: Virtual reality interventions can effectively improve gait and dynamic and static balance function, enhance lower limb muscle strength, and reduce the risk of falls in the non -disabled elderly. However, the effect of virtual reality on reducing the fear of falling remains controversial. Conclusion: Virtual reality interventions can effectively prevent falls in nondisabled elderly individuals. Higher quality, larger sample size, and long-term follow-up studies are needed to further verify the longterm effectiveness of virtual reality training in preventing falls in non -disabled elderly individuals. (c) 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.