Virtual Reality in Physiotherapy Rehabilitation: Current Applications Across Clinical Specialities - A Narrative Review

Abstract

Recent technological progress has expanded the scope of rehabilitation practice, with virtual reality (VR) gaining attention as a supportive tool in physiotherapy. By creating interactive, computer-simulated environments, VR enables patients to participate in rehabilitation through task-oriented activities that mimic real-life situations. Features such as real-time feedback, immersive experiences, and exercise gamification may enhance participation, motor performance, symptom management, and treatment adherence in diverse patient populations. The purpose of this narrative review is to examine the use of virtual reality in physiotherapy rehabilitation across different clinical specialities, outline potential therapeutic mechanisms, and evaluate its advantages, practical limitations, and future prospects in rehabilitation settings. A narrative review approach was employed to evaluate available evidence on VR-assisted physiotherapy interventions. Relevant studies were identified through electronic sources including PubMed, Google Scholar, and PEDro. Literature comprising randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and peer-reviewed clinical investigations - predominantly from the previous decade was reviewed. Evidence related to neurological, musculoskeletal, sports, pediatric, geriatric, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation was examined and synthesized descriptively. Evidence indicates that VR-assisted rehabilitation may contribute positively to physiotherapy outcomes in several clinical domains. In neurological rehabilitation, benefits have been reported in conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, and postural instability, particularly in relation to motor recovery, gait, and balance training. Within musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation, VR has been explored for pain modulation, postoperative recovery, sensorimotor retraining, and exercise compliance. Pediatric and geriatric populations may also benefit from VR-supported programs through improved engagement, coordination, balance, and functional mobility. Nevertheless, challenges, including high implementation costs, technology-related discomfort, inconsistent intervention protocols, and limited accessibility, continue to hinder widespread adoption. Virtual reality appears to be a valuable complementary approach in physiotherapy rehabilitation and demonstrates broad applicability across multiple specialities. Although current findings support its clinical usefulness, additional rigorously designed studies and standardized intervention frameworks are necessary to strengthen evidence quality and support long-term integration into rehabilitation practice.