APPLICATIONS OF VIRTUAL REALITY IN THE MENTAL HEALTH OF THE ELDERLY: A SCOPING REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53843/bms.v10i14.851Keywords:
Realidade Virtual; Saúde Mental; IdososAbstract
INTRODUCTION: This article aimed to compile scientific production on the applications of virtual reality in the mental health for elderly individuals, identifying the main knowledge gaps and evidence of clinical indications. METHODS: The construction of this scoping review was based on the PRISMA-ScR checklist and the methodological recommendations of Mattos, Cestari, and Moreira (2023), comprising five stages: 1) Formulation of the research question following the PCC acronym; 2) Selection of databases and search strategies; 3) Exportation of retrieved studies to Rayyan and application of eligibility criteria; 4) Independent and blinded selection of articles by two reviewers; 5) Construction of a table summarizing the evidence found and establishing investigation categories. RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies investigating the relationship between the use of virtual reality devices and the mental health of the elderly were observed. For better understanding, the studies were categorized into six groups: 1) virtual reality devices used; 2) context of virtual reality application; 3) effectiveness of virtual reality interventions; 4) feasibility and tolerance of virtual reality use by participants; 5) participants perception of the intervention; 6) data collection instruments used. DISCUSSIONS: This present work, converging with previously published literature, demonstrates that Virtual Reality, notably through Head Mounted Displays, can improve mood, reduce depression, and promote social interaction among elderly. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that Virtual Reality is a potential therapeutic tool for the mental health of the elderly and is well accepted by them. Its flexibility allows the adaptation of interventions to the individual needs of patients, contributing to better clinical outcomes. However, additional and more comprehensive investigations are needed to confirm the benefits of this technology.
Metrics
References
Schiavoni JE. Realidade virtual e lógica do espaço. Galaxia (Sao Paulo). Dez 2018;(39):165-76. doi: 10.1590/1982-255436140. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-255436140
Vieira GD, Araujo DF, Leite MA, Orsini M, Correa CL. Realidade virtual na reabilitação física de pacientes com doença de Parkinson. J Hum Growth Dev. 1 fev 2014;24(1):31. doi: 10.7322/jhgd.72046 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7322/jhgd.72046
Cunha V, Leitão M. Sistema de Realidade Virtual para tratamento de Fobia. [citado 31 jul 2024]:8-10. Disponível em: https://dlold.eg.org/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10.2312/pt20031434/131-135.pdf?seq
De Faria JW, Figueiredo EG, Teixeira MJ. Histórico da realidade virtual e seu uso em medicina. Rev Medicina. 4 set 2014;93(3):106. doi: 10.11606/issn.1679-9836.v93i3p106-114. DOI: https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1679-9836.v93i3p106-114
Kalache A, Veras RP, Ramos LR. O envelhecimento da população mundial: um desafio novo. Rev Saude Publica. Jun 1987;21(3):200-10. doi: 10.1590/s0034-89101987000300005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89101987000300005
Wendt GW. Tecnologias de interface humano-computacional: realidade virtual e novos caminhos para pesquisa. Arch Clin Psychiatry (Sao Paulo). 2011;38(5):211-2. doi: 10.1590/s0101-60832011000500009. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832011000500009
Bengel de Paula DM, Fernández Moretti L. REALIDADE VIRTUAL NA PRÁTICA DE MINDFULNESS EM PSICOTERAPIA: UMA REVISÃO NARRATIVA. Psicol Em Estud. 19 jul 2021;26. doi: 10.4025/psicolestud.v26i0.46410. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4025/psicolestud.v26i0.46410
Tricco, AC, Lillie, E, Zarin, W, O'Brien, KK, Colquhoun, H, Levac, D, Moher, D, Peters, MD, Horsley, T, Weeks, L, Hempel, S et al. PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR): checklist and explanation. Ann Intern Med. 2018,169(7):467-473. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7326/M18-0850
Mattos SM, Cestari VRF, Moreira TMM. Scoping protocol review: PRISMA-ScR guide refinement. Rev Enferm UFPI. 2023 Mar 5;12(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.26694/reufpi.v12i1.3062
Mazurek J, Cieślik B, Wrzeciono A, Gajda R, Szczepańska-Gieracha J. Immersive Virtual Reality Therapy Is Supportive for Orthopedic Rehabilitation among the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Clin Med. 14 dez 2023;12(24):7681. doi: 10.3390/jcm12247681. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12247681
Cieślik B, Juszko K, Kiper P, Szczepańska-Gieracha J. Immersive virtual reality as support for the mental health of elderly women: a randomized controlled trial. Virtual Real. 7 maio 2023. doi: 10.1007/s10055-023-00797-w. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-023-00797-w
Fuchs L, Kluska A, Novak D, Kosashvili Y. The influence of early virtual reality intervention on pain, anxiety, and function following primary total knee arthroplasty. Complement Ther Clin Pract. Nov 2022;49:101687. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101687 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101687
Kanyılmaz T, Topuz O, Ardıç FN, Alkan H, Öztekin SN, Topuz B, Ardıç F. Effectiveness of conventional versus virtual reality-based vestibular rehabilitation exercises in elderly patients with dizziness: a randomized controlled study with 6-month follow-up. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. Out 2021. doi: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2021.08.010. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjorl.2021.08.010
Rmadi H, Maillot P, Artico R, Baudouin E, Hanneton S, Dietrich G, Duron E. Tolerance of immersive head-mounted virtual reality among older nursing home residents. Front Public Health. 19 jul 2023;11. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1163484. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1163484
Barsasella D, Liu MF, Malwade S, Galvin CJ, Dhar E, Chang CC, Li YC, Syed-Abdul S. Effects of Virtual Reality Sessions on the Quality of Life, Happiness, and Functional Fitness among the Older People: A Randomized Controlled Trial from Taiwan. Comput Methods Programs Biomed. Nov 2020:105892. doi: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2020.105892. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmpb.2020.105892
Lin TY, Huang CM, Hsu HP, Liao JY, Cheng VY, Wang SW, Guo JL. Effects of a Combination of Three-Dimensional Virtual Reality and Hands-on Horticultural Therapy on Institutionalized Older Adults’ Physical and Mental Health: Quasi-Experimental Design. J Med Internet Res. 2 nov 2020;22(11):e19002. doi: 10.2196/19002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/19002
Maranesi E, Casoni E, Baldoni R, Barboni I, Rinaldi N, Tramontana B, Amabili G, Benadduci M, Barbarossa F, Luzi R, Di Donna V, Scendoni P, Pelliccioni G, Lattanzio F, Riccardi GR, Bevilacqua R. The Effect of Non-Immersive Virtual Reality Exergames versus Traditional Physiotherapy in Parkinson’s Disease Older Patients: Preliminary Results from a Randomized-Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 10 nov 2022;19(22):14818. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192214818. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214818
Gamito P, Oliveira J, Alves C, Santos N, Coelho C, Brito R. Virtual Reality-Based Cognitive Stimulation to Improve Cognitive Functioning in Community Elderly: A Controlled Study. Cyberpsychology Behav Soc Netw. 1 mar 2020;23(3):150-6. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2019.0271. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2019.0271
Brimelow RE, Dawe B, Dissanayaka N. Preliminary Research: Virtual Reality in Residential Aged Care to Reduce Apathy and Improve Mood. Cyberpsychology Behav Soc Netw. 1 mar 2020;23(3):165-70. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2019.0286. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2019.0286
Brimelow RE, Thangavelu K, Beattie R, Dissanayaka NN. Feasibility of Group-Based Multiple Virtual Reality Sessions to Reduce Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Persons Living in Residential Aged Care. J Am Med Dir Assoc. Ago 2021. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.07.026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2021.07.026
Kim SH, Cho SH. Virtual Reality Programs and Motor Imagery Training Reduce Plantar Pressure and Depression in Isolated Older Adults. Int J Gerontol. Abr 2022;16(2):https://doi.org/10.6890/IJGE.202204_16(2).0005.
Niki K, Okamoto Y, Maeda I, Mori I, Ishii R, Matsuda Y, Takagi T, Uejima E. A Novel Palliative Care Approach Using Virtual Reality for Improving Various Symptoms of Terminal Cancer Patients: A Preliminary Prospective, Multicenter Study. J Palliat Med. Jun 2019;22(6):702-7. doi: 10.1089/jpm.2018.0527. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2018.0527
Lin CS, Jeng MY, Yeh TM. The Elderly Perceived Meanings and Values of Virtual Reality Leisure Activities: A Means-End Chain Approach. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 3 abr 2018;15(4):663. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040663. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15040663
Brito H, Pham T, Vicente B. Effect of sensorimotor rehabilitation based on an immersive virtual reality model on mental health. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 28 maio 2021. doi: 10.1002/gps.5541. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.5541
Saredakis D, Keage HA, Corlis M, Ghezzi ES, Loffler H, Loetscher T. The Effect of Reminiscence Therapy using Virtual Reality on Apathy in Residential Aged Care: Results from a Multi-site Non-Randomised Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res. 12 abr 2021;23(5). doi: 10.2196/29210. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/preprints.29210
Kang JM, Kim N, Lee SY, Woo SK, Park G, Yeon BK, Park JW, Youn JH, Ryu SH, Lee JY, Cho SJ. Effect of Cognitive Training in Fully Immersive Virtual Reality on Visuospatial Function and Frontal-Occipital Functional Connectivity in Predementia: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res. 6 maio 2021;23(5). doi: 10.2196/24526. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/24526
Liu Q, Wang Y, Yao MZ, Tang Q, Yang Y. The Effects of Viewing an Uplifting 360-Degree Video on Emotional Well-Being Among Elderly Adults and College Students Under Immersive Virtual Reality and Smartphone Conditions. Cyberpsychology Behav Soc Netw. 1 mar 2020;23(3):157-64. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2019.0273. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2019.0273
Appel L, Appel E, Bogler O, Wiseman M, Cohen L, Ein N, Abrams HB, Campos JL. Older Adults With Cognitive and/or Physical Impairments Can Benefit From Immersive Virtual Reality Experiences: A Feasibility Study. Front Med. 15 jan 2020;6. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00329. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2019.00329
Fan CC, Choy CS, Huang CM, Chih PS, Lee CC, Lin FH, Guo JL. The effects of a combination of 3D virtual reality and hands-on horticultural activities on mastery, achievement motives, self-esteem, isolation and depression: a quasi-experimental study. BMC Geriatr. 12 set 2022;22(1). doi: 10.1186/s12877-022-03431-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-022-03431-7
Levy F, Rautureau G, Komano O, Millet B, Jouvent R, Leboucher P. Fear of falling: efficacy of virtual reality associated with serious games in elderly people. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. Abr 2016:877. doi: 10.2147/ndt.s97809. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S97809
Wang Y, Yang SL, Luo SX, Tong H, Fang Q, Guo YZ. Effects of virtual reality in phase I cardiac rehabilitation training for elderly coronary heart disease patients after percutaneous coronary intervention. Sheng Li Xue Bao. 2023;75(6):953-961. PMID: 38151357.
Lee M, Son J, Kim J, Yoon B. Individualized feedback-based virtual reality exercise improves older women’s self-perceived health: A randomized controlled trial. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. Set 2015;61(2):154-60. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2015.06.010. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2015.06.010
Khirallah Abd El Fatah N, Abdelwahab Khedr M, Alshammari M, Mabrouk Abdelaziz Elgarhy S. Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality Reminiscence versus Traditional Reminiscence Therapy on Cognitive Function and Psychological Well-being among Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities: A randomized controlled trial. Geriatr Nurs. Jan 2024;55:191-203. doi: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.11.010. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.11.010
Matsangidou M, Frangoudes F, Schiza E, Neokleous KC, Papayianni E, Xenari K, Avraamides M, Pattichis CS. Participatory design and evaluation of virtual reality physical rehabilitation for people living with dementia. Virtual Real. 7 abr 2022. doi: 10.1007/s10055-022-00639-1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-022-00639-1
Sasaninezhad M, Moradi A, Farahimanesh S, Choobin MH, Almasi-Dooghaee M. Enhancing cognitive flexibility and working memory in individuals with mild cognitive impairment: Exploring the impact of virtual reality on daily life activities. Geriatr Nurs. Mar 2024;56:32-9. doi: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.12.008. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.12.008
Cheng VY, Huang CM, Liao JY, Hsu HP, Wang SW, Huang SF, Guo JL. Combination of 3-Dimensional Virtual Reality and Hands-On Aromatherapy in Improving Institutionalized Older Adults’ Psychological Health: Quasi-Experimental Study. J Med Internet Res. 23 jul 2020;22(7). doi: 10.2196/17096. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/17096
Li Y, Wilke C, Shiyanov I, Muschalla B. Impact of Virtual Reality-Based Group Activities on Activity Level and Well-Being Among Older Adults in Nursing Homes: Longitudinal Exploratory Study. JMIR Serious Games. 2024 Mar 29;12. doi: 10.2196/50796. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/50796
Lundstedt R, Håkansson C, Lõhmus M, Wallergård M. Designing virtual natural environments for older adults in residential care facilities. Technol Disabil. 2 set 2021:1-14. doi: 10.3233/tad-210344. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/preprints.40932
Moro C, Štromberga Z, Stirling A. Virtualisation devices for student learning: Comparison between desktop-based (Oculus Rift) and mobile-based (Gear VR) virtual reality in medical and health science education. Australas J Educ Technol. 29 nov 2017;33(6). doi: 10.14742/ajet.3840. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.3840
Baragash RS, Aldowah H, Ghazal S. Virtual and augmented reality applications to improve older adults’ quality of life: A systematic mapping review and future directions. DIGIT HEALTH. Jan 2022;8:205520762211320. doi: 10.1177/20552076221132099. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076221132099
Kalantari S, Xu TB, Mostafavi A, Lee A, Barankevich R, Boot WR, Czaja SJ. Using a Nature-based Virtual Reality Environment for Improving Mood States and Cognitive Engagement in Older Adults: A Mixed-method Feasibility Study. Innov Aging. 17 mar 2022. doi: 10.1093/geroni/igac015. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igac015
Krishnamoorthy Y, Rajaa S, Rehman T. Diagnostic accuracy of various forms of geriatric depression scale for screening of depression among older adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. Mar 2020;87:104002. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2019.104002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2019.104002
Corregidor-Sánchez AI, Segura-Fragoso A, Criado-Álvarez JJ, Rodríguez-Hernández M, Mohedano-Moriano A, Polonio-López B. Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Systems to Improve the Activities of Daily Life in Older People. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 28 ago 2020;17(17):6283. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17176283. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176283
Freeman D, Reeve S, Robinson A, Ehlers A, Clark D, Spanlang B, Slater M. Virtual reality in the assessment, understanding, and treatment of mental health disorders. Psychol Med. 22 mar 2017;47(14):2393-400. doi: 10.1017/s003329171700040x. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S003329171700040X
Roberts AR, De Schutter B, Franks K, Radina ME. Older Adults’ Experiences with Audiovisual Virtual Reality: Perceived Usefulness and Other Factors Influencing Technology Acceptance. Clin Gerontol. 5 mar 2018;42(1):27-33. doi: 10.1080/07317115.2018.1442380. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2018.1442380
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Davi Ricardo Soares Gama de Amorim, Catarina Paraiso Libório de Azevedo Mello, Maria Eduarda Barradas Borba, Iasmin Andrade Tenório Salvador , Luísa Guedes Basílio de Oliveira, Thássio Frankle de Sousa Veloso, Maria Eduarda Ferreira de Vasconcelos Penante, Maria Santoro de Mello, Hugo Rafael de Souza e Silva
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
User licenses define how readers and the general public can use the article without needing other permissions. The Creative Commons public licenses provide a standard set of terms and conditions that creators and other rights holders can use to share original works of authorship and other material subjects to copyright and certain other rights specified in the public license available at https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.pt_BR. Using the 4.0 International Public License, Brazilian Medical Students (BMS) grants the public permission to use published material under specified terms and conditions agreed to by the journal. By exercising the licensed rights, authors accept and agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License.
