The effect of virtual reality on health-related quality of life: a meta-analysis of randomised control trials

Abstract

The effect of virtual reality (VR) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has been debated in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses in the literature. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of VR on HRQoL by meta-analysis. Web of Science and PubMed databases were used to search for RCTs investigating the effect of VR on HRQoL. The correlation effect size was used. Due to the high heterogeneity and variance between studies, the common effect size was calculated using the random effects model (Q: 440.97; df: 17; p < 0.001; I-2 > 0.75; T > 0.68). To assess publication bias, Egger's regression method and funnel plot were used. Eighteen RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Between 2015 and 2024, these studies were published. The intervention group consisted of 400 participants. The control group consisted of 386 participants. The results of the meta-analyses showed that VR had a moderate positive effect on HRQoL (M: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.03-0.60; p < 0.05). The funnel plot has an asymmetric appearance. The results of the Egger's regression and Begg and Mazumdar's methods show no publication bias. VR has a positive effect on HRQoL. This result from the meta-analysis showed that VR was effective in improving HRQoL.