Evidence of Fully Immersive Virtual Reality on Cognition Treatment: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Author

Lillian G. Drane, University of MississippiFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-8-2025

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Communication Sciences and Disorders

First Advisor

Hyejin Park

Second Advisor

Toshikazu Ikuta

Third Advisor

Timothy Holston

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

Introduction

Fully immersive virtual reality, a computer-generated environment, scenes, and objects, is presented by a head mount display or VR goggles that display 3-dimensional images and environments in a 360-degree view. This new technology has been used for cognitive treatment for people with cognitive disorders; however, the findings are inconsistent. The current study aimed to evaluate previous results using fully immersive VR on cognitive treatment and determine whether this type of VR treatment improves various cognitive domains in people with MCI, dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Methods

We followed PRISMA paradigm to conduct the systematic review and meta-analysis. We included a total of 10 studies were included in the current meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of VR on overall cognitive treatment using the cognitive screening test. Then, 18 studies were systematically reviewed to understand the trend of VR effects on each cognitive domain (i.e., memory, executive function, attention, visuospatial function, and language).

Results

The meta-analysis revealed positive effects of the use of fully immersive virtual reality on cognition outcomes, with an effect size of 0.62. More specifically according to our systematic review, memory and executive function showed mixed results while attention, visuospatial function, and language showed no trend in improvement.

Discussion

Significant improvements in targeted cognitive skills could be produced by intentionally selecting the type and complexity of the VR. Furthermore, fully immersive VR can be used clinically to maintain cognitive skills among patient populations with declining cognitive skills and functioning. The positive effect of VR in cognitive training can prove that there is a needed advancement and usage of VR in cognitive treatment.

Recommended Citation

Drane, Lillian G., "Evidence of Fully Immersive Virtual Reality on Cognition Treatment: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (2025). Honors Theses. 3333.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3333