Effects of remote rehabilitation with modern technologies on impairments in people with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This article systematically reviews and meta-analyzes the effects of virtual reality (VR) and telerehabilitation (TR) on motor and non-motor impairments in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Based on 30 studies, including 26 randomized controlled trials, the evidence suggests that VR and TR are feasible remote rehabilitation methods that improve balance function, particularly as measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), but show minimal or no significant effects on gait, upper limb function, speech, falls, neurocognitive, psychosocial aspects, or global motor function. While VR combined with treadmill training may enhance gait outcomes more than treadmill training alone, these benefits are often not sustained long-term. The review highlights variability in study designs, intervention types, and durations, indicating a need for more rigorous research to clarify the role of VR and TR as adjuncts to traditional physiotherapy in PD rehabilitation.