Impact of virtual reality‐based therapy on post‐stroke depression: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Background Post‐stroke depression is the most common neuropsychiatric consequence and reduces rehabilitation effectiveness. However, the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) on mental health treatment for patients after a stroke is uncertain. Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of VR as a co‐adjuvant form of treatment to reduce depression in stroke patients admitted to neurorehabilitation units. Methods We systematically searched medical databases including PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to November 16, 2023. Clinical trials comparing the use of VR as an adjuvant form of treatment in stroke patients' rehabilitation with the usual treatment were included. Pooled standardized mean differences were calculated using a random‐effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed according to type of stroke, VR characteristics, and the scale used to measure depression. Meta‐regression analysis was performed for intervention duration and to determine the mean age of the participants. Results Eight studies and 388 stroke patients were included. The VR interventions were associated with a lower risk of depression in patients (ES = −0.69; 95% CI [−1.05, −0.33]; I 2 = 57.6%; p ≤ .02). The estimates were not affected by the type of stroke, the type of VR used, the blinding process, the type of scale used to detect depression, the duration of the intervention (weeks and minutes), and the total number of sessions. Meta‐regression shows that younger samples ( p = .00; 95% CI [0.01, 0.08) and longer interventions ( p = < .05; 95% CI [−0.00, −0.00) lead to a greater reduction in depression. Linking Evidence to Action This review provides an important basis for treating depression in patients after a stroke. Professionals working in stroke neurorehabilitation units should consider VR as a form of co‐adjuvant treatment for depression in patients. Systematic Review Registration CRD42022303968.