The Efficacy of Virtual Reality Training in the Rehabilitation of Orthopedic Ankle Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION: Orthopedic ankle injuries are considered among the most common musculoskeletal injuries. A wide variety of modalities and techniques have been used for the management of these injuries, and virtual reality (VR) is one modality that has been examined in ankle injuries rehabilitation. PURPOSE: This study aims to systemically review previous studies evaluating the effect of virtual reality in rehabilitating orthopedic ankle injuries. METHODS: We searched six online databases: PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Virtual Health Library (VHL), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). RESULTS: Ten randomized clinical trials met the inclusion criteria. Our results showed that VR had a significant effect on overall balance compared to conventional physiotherapy (SMD = 0.359, 0.009–0.710 P = 0.04), [I (2)= 17%, P = 0.30]. Compared with conventional physiotherapy, VR programs significantly improved gait parameters such as speed and cadence, muscle power, and perceived ankle instability; however, no significant difference was detected in the foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM). Additionally, significant improvements in static balance and perceived ankle instability were reported after the use of VR balance and strengthening programs. Finally, only two articles were deemed to have good quality, and the other studies’ quality ranged from poor to fair. CONCLUSION: VR rehabilitation programs can be used to rehabilitate ankle injuries, as they are regarded as safe interventions and have promising effects. However, there is a need for studies with high quality since most included studies’ quality varied from poor to fair.