Effects of virtual reality exercises on ankle sprains: A systematic review

The aim of this study is to make a systematic review covering the effects of exercises performed with virtual reality in people with different participant characteristics (young, adult, old) who have experienced ankle sprains now or in the past. In this context, the articles published on the subject were examined and the results were evaluated. In the systematic review, the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis) declaration was taken as a guide. Literature search was done in PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Inclusion criteria for the reviewed studies; The sample group consisted of people aged 12 and over, randomized-controlled, experimental studies, clinical studies and accessing the full text of the article. As a result of the review of the studies, it was seen that virtual reality exercises had positive effects on ankle sprains. Virtual reality, a new system, has also started to be used in rehabilitation. However, in some studies, no significant difference was found between traditional exercises. The same effect was obtained in those who exercised conventionally or did not exercise at all. This systematic review; A total of 581 participants were included in 14 randomized controlled trials. Virtual reality exercises have a positive effect on ankle sprains. It has been observed that it reduces pain, improves foot-ankle ability scores, positively affects walking parameters, increases static and dynamic balance, increases muscle strength, increases information processing speed and reduces ankle instability. Athletes doing virtual reality exercises have a shorter time to return to sports. However, more long-term and multi-sample randomized controlled studies are needed to validate the effects of virtual reality on ankle sprain. Even the effect of virtual reality on orthopedic rehabilitation is scarce. It is expected that the usage will increase in specific cases (ankle sprain, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction) and athletes and studies will be conducted in this direction. The findings of our systematic review may be a guide for further studies on this subject.