A scoping review on the role of virtual walking intervention in enhancing wellness.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to synthesize evidence on the characteristics, effectiveness, feasibility, and neurological mechanisms of virtual walking interventions on health-related outcomes, particularly pain reduction and physical function improvement.
Results Summary
The study found statistically significant pain reduction (84.6%), improved physical function (mobility and muscle strength), and reduced depression. Mild adverse effects (fatigue and dizziness) were transient. Neurological evidence suggests somatosensory cortex activation during virtual walking, possibly linked to neuropathic pain.
Population
Individuals with spinal cord injuries (84.6%), lower back pain (7.7%), and lower limb pain (7.7%).
Effective Dosage
11-20 min per session, 1-5 weekly sessions for 10-14 days.
Duration
10-14 days.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
virtual walking interventions | decrease | pain | individuals with spinal cord injuries, lower back pain, and lower limb pain | 84.6% | statistically significant findings included | #1 |
virtual walking interventions | increase | physical function (mobility and muscle strength) | individuals with spinal cord injuries, lower back pain, and lower limb pain | - | statistically significant findings included improved | #2 |
virtual walking interventions | decrease | depression | individuals with spinal cord injuries, lower back pain, and lower limb pain | - | statistically significant findings included reduced | #3 |
virtual walking interventions | increase | fatigue and dizziness | individuals with spinal cord injuries, lower back pain, and lower limb pain | transient | mild adverse effects | #4 |
virtual walking | increase | somatosensory cortex | - | - | neurological evidence indicates activation | #5 |
Virtual walking has the potential to be an adjunct to traditional physical therapy. This scoping review aims to synthesize evidence on the characteristics, effectiveness, feasibility, and neurological mechanism of virtual walking interventions on health-related outcomes. Articles in English were retrieved from twelve databases (January 2014-October 2024). Thirteen interventional studies were included, focusing on three types of virtual walking: passive observing moving (71.4%), arm swing locomotion (21.5%), and foot tracking locomotion (7.1%). Most studies (84.6%) involved individuals with spinal cord injuries, while the remaining studies focused on lower back pain (7.7%) and lower limb pain (7.7%). Over 70% of studies lasted 11-20 min, 1-5 weekly sessions for 10-14 days. Statistically significant findings included pain reduction (84.6%), improved physical function (mobility and muscle strength), and reduced depression. Mild adverse effects (fatigue and dizziness) were transient. Neurological evidence indicates somatosensory cortex activation during virtual walking, possibly linked to neuropathic pain.