A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the impact of virtual reality versus traditional exercises on pain and functional aerobic capacity of fibromyalgia patient. Google Scholar, BioMed Central, and Medline databases were searched for relevant research articles. All studies in which effects of virtual reality vs. conventional exercises on pain and functional aerobic capacity of fibromyalgia patient were determined were included in the inclusion criteria. This meta-analysis included 93 patients from three randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including 50 in the virtual reality protocol and 43 in the conventional exercises protocol. Virtual reality training had a mild pool effect in decreasing pain and improving functional aerobic capacity calculated at random effect model (I² = 96.17%; p< 0.0001).

Keywords

Virtual reality, exercise, physical therapy, pain, functional aerobic capacity.