Effects of Virtual Reality Program on Glycated Hemoglobin, Static and Dynamic Balancing Ability, and Falls Efficacy for Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Purpose: We aimed to confirm the effects of virtual reality programs used for patients with diabetes on reducingblood glucose levels and improving physical function. Methods: In this systematic literature review and meta-analysis, literature was collected from various databases for randomized controlled trials published in Korean,Chinese, and English by May 2021. The search yielded 1,243 studies. Eight studies were selected for thesystematic literature review, and six studies were included in the meta-analysis. Results: In the eight selectedstudies, a non-immersive virtual reality programs were employed as the intervention method. The effect size ofthe virtual reality programs on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was -0.40, with no significant difference betweenexperimental and control groups. The effect size on static balancing ability was 1.04, and the effect size on dynamicbalancing ability was 2.39. The effect size on falls efficacy was 0.69, and all functional outcomes differedsignificantly between the experimental and control groups (p<.05). A subgroup analysis of static balancing abilitywas performed according to the duration of the interventional virtual reality program. When the virtual realityprograms lasting for more than six weeks, shows an effect size of 1.27 for static balance ability, which wasstatistically significant (Z=3.32, p<.001). Conclusion: Virtual reality programs for participants with diabetes didnot reduce HbA1c, but improved balance ability and falls prevention efficacy. The virtual reality program is aneffective method for diabetics to be interested and consistently self-care.