Virtual reality interventions to reduce social isolation in older adults: a protocol for systematic review.

Abstract

Introduction: Social isolation and loneliness are prevalent among older adults and associated with negative health outcomes. Virtual reality (VR) interventions have emerged as a potential approach to address this problem, but their effectiveness remains unclear. This systematic review aims to synthesise evidence on the effects of VR interventions on social isolation and loneliness in adults aged 60 years and older.

Methods and analysis: We will search PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and Scopus from inception to February 2025 for randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies and before-after studies that evaluate VR interventions compared with usual care, wait-list, no treatment or other active interventions in older adults. The primary outcomes will be measures of social isolation and loneliness assessed with validated scales. Secondary outcomes will include depression, quality of life, cognitive function, physical function and adverse events. Two reviewers will independently screen, select and extract data from studies. Risk of bias will be evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2 for randomised trials and ROBINS-I for non-randomised studies. If feasible, meta-analysis will be performed; otherwise, a narrative synthesis will be conducted. The quality of evidence will be assessed using GRADE.

Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval is not required for this systematic review, as it will only include published data. The review findings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations.

Prospero registration number: CRD42025637230.