Metaverse-Related and Immersive Digital Technologies in Neurorehabilitation: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objective

To delineate current research on the use of metaverse technologies in neurorehabilitation, pinpointing essential intervention attributes, target demographics, documented results, and evidence gaps in this nascent domain.

Data Sources

A comprehensive search was performed across 7 electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, and Google Scholar, including all papers published through April 19, 2025. However, only a subset of studies that employed immersive virtual reality (VR)/augmented reality or early metaverse-related technologies were included.

Study Selection

Of 5681 initial records, studies were included if they investigated immersive technologies for the neurorehabilitation of human participants with neurological conditions and were published in English. Nineteen studies fulfilled the final eligibility criteria after screening.

Data Extraction

Two reviewers independently recorded data using a standardized form. The extracted items included study design, population characteristics, technology type, intervention specifics (duration, frequency), outcome measures, and key findings.

Data Synthesis

A narrative synthesis was conducted on the 19 included studies. VR was the most frequently used technology, accounting for 63% of studies. However, a subset of studies also incorporated early metaverse-related elements alongside VR for various neurological conditions. More than half of the studies (57.9%) reported significant improvements in motor, cognitive, or emotional domains. High methodological heterogeneity was observed, with only 26.3% of studies being randomized controlled trials.

Conclusions

Metaverse-related and immersive digital interventions show promise for improving functional outcomes in neurorehabilitation; however, the evidence base remains preliminary, heterogeneous, and limited in terms of long-term follow-up. The therapeutic effectiveness and scalability of these therapies must be established via rigorous, large-scale trials with consistent procedures and long-term follow-up.