TY - JOUR
T1 - Meta-Analysis on the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Cognitive Training (VRCT) and Computer-Based Cognitive Training (CBCT) for Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
AU - Hung, Sarah Chui Wai
AU - Ho, Annie Yin Ni
AU - Lai, Idy Hiu Wai
AU - Lee, Carol Sze Wing
AU - Pong, Angela Shuk Kwan
AU - Lai, Frank Ho Yin
N1 - Funding information: This study was supported by Innovation and Technology Fund for Better Living in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (ITB/FBL/2004/19/P).
PY - 2020/12/18
Y1 - 2020/12/18
N2 - This meta-analysis aims to assess the effectiveness of virtual reality cognitive training (VRCT) and conventional computer-based cognitive training (CBCT) in five specific cognitive domains (i.e., global cognitive function (GCF), memory (Mem), executive function (EF), language (Lang) and visuospatial skills (VS)) of individuals with mild cognitive impairment. A total of 320 studies were yielded from five electronic databases. Eighteen randomized controlled trials met the PRISMA criteria, with 10 related to VRCT and 8 related to CBCT. A random-effect model was used in determining the main effect of cognitive training in five specific cognitive domains. VRCT provided the largest effect size on VS and Lang while the smallest on EF. CBCT provided the largest effect size on Mem and Lang while the smallest on EF. VRCT and CBCT generate an opposite effect on VS. VRCT outweighs CBCT in treatment effectiveness of GCF, EF, Lang and VS. More immersive and interactive experiences in VRCT may help individuals with MCI better engage in real-life experiences, which supports skill generalization and reduces external distractions. CBCT tends to improve Mem but no definite conclusions can be made. Further investigation with more stringent research design and specific protocol are required to reach consensus about the optimum intervention regime.
AB - This meta-analysis aims to assess the effectiveness of virtual reality cognitive training (VRCT) and conventional computer-based cognitive training (CBCT) in five specific cognitive domains (i.e., global cognitive function (GCF), memory (Mem), executive function (EF), language (Lang) and visuospatial skills (VS)) of individuals with mild cognitive impairment. A total of 320 studies were yielded from five electronic databases. Eighteen randomized controlled trials met the PRISMA criteria, with 10 related to VRCT and 8 related to CBCT. A random-effect model was used in determining the main effect of cognitive training in five specific cognitive domains. VRCT provided the largest effect size on VS and Lang while the smallest on EF. CBCT provided the largest effect size on Mem and Lang while the smallest on EF. VRCT and CBCT generate an opposite effect on VS. VRCT outweighs CBCT in treatment effectiveness of GCF, EF, Lang and VS. More immersive and interactive experiences in VRCT may help individuals with MCI better engage in real-life experiences, which supports skill generalization and reduces external distractions. CBCT tends to improve Mem but no definite conclusions can be made. Further investigation with more stringent research design and specific protocol are required to reach consensus about the optimum intervention regime.
KW - Cognitive training
KW - Computer
KW - Meta-analysis
KW - Mild cognitive impairment
KW - Virtual reality
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85098193324&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3390/electronics9122185
DO - 10.3390/electronics9122185
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:85098193324
SN - 2079-9292
VL - 9
SP - 1
EP - 21
JO - Electronics (Switzerland)
JF - Electronics (Switzerland)
IS - 12
M1 - 2185
ER -