Patient-centered insights into virtual reality rehabilitation for stroke: a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis
Abstract Background Virtual reality rehabilitation (VRR) is an emerging technology that offers new possibilities for stroke recovery. Understanding stroke survivors’ experiences and expectations is essential for optimizing its application. Objective This systematic review synthesizes qualitative evi...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-025-01641-9 |
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| author | Kun Ding Yan Ma Lingling Zhang Yufang Gu Huixuan Pan Zhi-E Gu Hengzhu Zhang |
| author_facet | Kun Ding Yan Ma Lingling Zhang Yufang Gu Huixuan Pan Zhi-E Gu Hengzhu Zhang |
| author_sort | Kun Ding |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Virtual reality rehabilitation (VRR) is an emerging technology that offers new possibilities for stroke recovery. Understanding stroke survivors’ experiences and expectations is essential for optimizing its application. Objective This systematic review synthesizes qualitative evidence on stroke survivors’ experiences with and participation in VRR to identify benefits, challenges, and areas for improvement. Methods This systematic review follows the meta-aggregation method guided by ENTREQ and PRISMA and uses the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) to assess the quality of included studies. We searched eight English and Chinese databases for qualitative or mixed-method studies on stroke survivors’ experiences with VRR, published by May 31, 2024. Selected studies were independently reviewed, and data were synthesized into core themes. Results Fourteen studies were included, involving a total of 133 participants aged 13 to 85 years. The analysis identified four key themes: (1) perceived self-benefits, including physical and psychological improvements; (2) facilitators, such as user engagement and supportive environments; (3) barriers, including technical and personal limitations; and (4) expectations.The quality of the included studies was assessed using the CASP tool, with scores ranging from 26 to 30, indicating moderate to high quality across the studies. Conclusion VRR has the potential to enhance stroke rehabilitation outcomes, but its success depends on addressing individual and systemic challenges. Personalized interventions and multidisciplinary efforts are needed to develop user-friendly, adaptable VRR systems that fully leverage the advantages of this technology. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b4d3ed64eaeb41aea4dac7f4ac3cee0a |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1743-0003 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation |
| spelling | doaj-art-b4d3ed64eaeb41aea4dac7f4ac3cee0a2025-08-24T11:11:36ZengBMCJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation1743-00032025-06-0122111110.1186/s12984-025-01641-9Patient-centered insights into virtual reality rehabilitation for stroke: a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesisKun Ding0Yan Ma1Lingling Zhang2Yufang Gu3Huixuan Pan4Zhi-E Gu5Hengzhu Zhang6School of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou UniversityDepartment of Operating Room, Northern Jiangsu People’s HospitalDepartment of Operating Room, Northern Jiangsu People’s HospitalSchool of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou UniversitySchool of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou UniversityDepartment of Education and Training, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital, Yangzhou UniversityNorthern Jiangsu People’s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou UniversityAbstract Background Virtual reality rehabilitation (VRR) is an emerging technology that offers new possibilities for stroke recovery. Understanding stroke survivors’ experiences and expectations is essential for optimizing its application. Objective This systematic review synthesizes qualitative evidence on stroke survivors’ experiences with and participation in VRR to identify benefits, challenges, and areas for improvement. Methods This systematic review follows the meta-aggregation method guided by ENTREQ and PRISMA and uses the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) to assess the quality of included studies. We searched eight English and Chinese databases for qualitative or mixed-method studies on stroke survivors’ experiences with VRR, published by May 31, 2024. Selected studies were independently reviewed, and data were synthesized into core themes. Results Fourteen studies were included, involving a total of 133 participants aged 13 to 85 years. The analysis identified four key themes: (1) perceived self-benefits, including physical and psychological improvements; (2) facilitators, such as user engagement and supportive environments; (3) barriers, including technical and personal limitations; and (4) expectations.The quality of the included studies was assessed using the CASP tool, with scores ranging from 26 to 30, indicating moderate to high quality across the studies. Conclusion VRR has the potential to enhance stroke rehabilitation outcomes, but its success depends on addressing individual and systemic challenges. Personalized interventions and multidisciplinary efforts are needed to develop user-friendly, adaptable VRR systems that fully leverage the advantages of this technology.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-025-01641-9Virtual realityStrokeExperiencesQualitative researchSystematic reviewMeta-synthesis |
| spellingShingle | Kun Ding Yan Ma Lingling Zhang Yufang Gu Huixuan Pan Zhi-E Gu Hengzhu Zhang Patient-centered insights into virtual reality rehabilitation for stroke: a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation Virtual reality Stroke Experiences Qualitative research Systematic review Meta-synthesis |
| title | Patient-centered insights into virtual reality rehabilitation for stroke: a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis |
| title_full | Patient-centered insights into virtual reality rehabilitation for stroke: a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis |
| title_fullStr | Patient-centered insights into virtual reality rehabilitation for stroke: a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis |
| title_full_unstemmed | Patient-centered insights into virtual reality rehabilitation for stroke: a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis |
| title_short | Patient-centered insights into virtual reality rehabilitation for stroke: a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis |
| title_sort | patient centered insights into virtual reality rehabilitation for stroke a systematic review and qualitative meta synthesis |
| topic | Virtual reality Stroke Experiences Qualitative research Systematic review Meta-synthesis |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-025-01641-9 |
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