VR-Based Physical Activity and Self-Management Interventions for Glycemic Control and Behavioral Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

A growing body of original research has recently investigated virtual reality (VR)-based interventions for physical activity and self-management, yet yielded inconsistent results. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VR-based physical activity and self-management interventions in improving glycemic control and modifying health-related behaviors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 10 studies involving 1,005 adults with T2DM were included, comprising 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 1 non-randomized controlled trial (nRCT), and 4 self-controlled before-after studies. Of these, participants in the intervention groups received VR-based interventions, including immersive or interactive VR programs for diabetes self-management education or physical activity promotion, with most intervention durations ranging from 8 to 24 weeks. Control groups received traditional approaches, including routine care, in-person diabetes self-management programs, and content-equivalent 2D websites. The pre-post intervention analysis revealed that glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels decreased significantly post-intervention (mean difference (MD) = -0.50, 95% CI: -0.92 to -0.08, p = 0.02). While VR-based physical activity and self-management interventions did not demonstrate superior efficacy to traditional intervention methods in glycemic control or behavioral outcomes, their unique advantages - including enhanced adherence, greater accessibility, and reduced spatiotemporal constraints - position them as a viable alternative for diabetes management. Nevertheless, the field requires more rigorously designed RCTs to establish efficacy and a systematic exploration of VR implementation protocols to maximize therapeutic benefits.