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Review Papers | Neuroscience | Greece | Volume 12 Issue 6, June 2023

Virtual Reality Impact on Fatigue, Quality of Life, Gait and Balance in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative Review

Anthi Chadali | Evgenia Trevlaki | Euaggelia Zarra | Emmanouil Trevlakis

Abstract: Background: VR technology provides an opportunity for high-intensity, task-oriented multisensory feedback training, which has the potential to enhance motor learning and training. The aim of this review was to explore the potential advantages of VR in addressing key aspects such as fatigue, quality of life, gait, and balance in individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: This review followed the guidelines of PRISMA. A comprehensive search on the following electronic databases was conducted: PubMed, Google scholar and PEDro. The inclusion criteria involved studies presenting original research data focused on individuals diagnosed with MS, assessing outcomes pertaining to fatigue, quality of life, gait, or balance, and published in English or other languages with an available English version. Results: 7 articles were included in the review. Most of the studies (n=5) included were clinical trials, (n=1) case study and (n=1) review. As far as the clinical trials, three studies (n=3) compared VR with usual care, one (n=1) with the use of robotics and (n=1) had no control group. Conclusion: VRensures an enhanced experience for patients, yielding positive outcomes in their rehabilitation journey. The integration of VR alongside conventional balance exercises has demonstrated a significant improvement in balance. Tele-rehabilitation utilizing VR has proven to be notably superior to conventional rehabilitation in terms of balance, postural control, gait, and compliance.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis, MS, virtual reality, VR, fatigue, quality of life, balance, gait

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 6, June 2023,

Pages: 1756 - 1759