Effectiveness and meanings of robots, virtual and augmented reality in rehabilitation: Systematic literature reviews

Abstact

This project studied the effectiveness and meanings of the use of robots, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in rehabilitation with six systematic literature reviews, summaries of quantitative evidence, and qualitative synthesis of research evidence. Searches were performed to the Ovid MEDLINE, Cinahl, PsycINFO and ERIC databases. The included quantitative studies were systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCT) having persons in need of medical rehabilitation as participants and robots, VR or AR solutions utilized as interventions. Functioning, quality of life, physical or mental wellbeing, work ability, and need of assistance, were set as outcomes. The qualitative studies focused on the rehabilitees’, their close relatives’, or their therapists’ experiences and conceptions related to the rehabilitation interventions utilizing these technologies. The systematic reviews were assessed with the AMSTAR2-tool, RCTs with the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 -tool, and qualitative studies with the Joanna Briggs Institute’s criteria. The level of evidence was evaluated primarily based on previous systematic reviews using principles of GRADE and the handbook of Current Care Guidelines. Qualitative data was classified based on the use of different technologies in rehabilitation. Robot-assisted and VR/AR-assisted rehabilitation is commonly as effective as conventional rehabilitation, and in certain patient groups they were superior to conventional exercise therapy or rehabilitation. The heterogeneity of RCT studies decreases generalizability. The evidence of effectiveness was focused on physical exercise of neurologic patient groups. The level of evidence was moderate or low. Technology was seen as complementary to conventional rehabilitation and was experienced to have meaningful physical and psychosocial benefits in rehabilitation. However, there was a wide variation in experience. The rehabilitee should be at the center of designing and implementation of technology, and the professionals’ competence should be ensured.

Full text [in Finnish] (helda.helsinki.fi).

Authors

Outi Ilves, Hilkka Korpi, Sari Honkanen, Eeva Aartolahti

Additional Information

• Peer-Reviewed: yes.
• Open Access: yes.
• Cite as: Ilves, O., Korpi, H., Honkanen, S., & Aartolahti, E. (2022). Robottien, virtuaalitodellisuuden ja lisätyn todellisuuden vaikuttavuus ja merkityksellisyys lääkinnällisessä kuntoutuksessa. Kela. http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2022052037517