VR-Based Physical Activity and Self-Management Interventions for Glycemic Control and Behavioral Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: p = 0.02

• Effect Size: Mean difference = -0.50%

• Primary Outcome: Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Clinically modest HbA1c reduction of 0.5% - below the 0.7-1.0% threshold typically considered clinically meaningful

• Confidence Interval: 95% CI: -0.92 to -0.08

Clinical Application

Limited by VR technology costs, technical support requirements, and patient digital literacy May complement existing diabetes management under RACGP diabetes guidelines; PBS funding for VR interventions not established; would require integration with existing Diabetes Australia and state-based diabetes services Adults with T2DM who have access to VR technology and are comfortable with digital health interventions

Abstract

A growing body of original research has recently investigated virtual reality (VR)-based interventions for physical activity and self-management, yet yielded inconsistent results. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VR-based physical activity and self-management interventions in improving glycemic control and modifying health-related behaviors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 10 studies involving 1,005 adults with T2DM were included, comprising 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 1 non-randomized controlled trial (nRCT), and 4 self-controlled before-after studies. Of these, participants in the intervention groups received VR-based interventions, including immersive or interactive VR programs for diabetes self-management education or physical activity promotion, with most intervention durations ranging from 8 to 24 weeks. Control groups received traditional approaches, including routine care, in-person diabetes self-management programs, and content-equivalent 2D websites. The pre-post intervention analysis revealed that glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels decreased significantly post-intervention (mean difference (MD) = -0.50, 95% CI: -0.92 to -0.08, p = 0.02). While VR-based physical activity and self-management interventions did not demonstrate superior efficacy to traditional intervention methods in glycemic control or behavioral outcomes, their unique advantages - including enhanced adherence, greater accessibility, and reduced spatiotemporal constraints - position them as a viable alternative for diabetes management. Nevertheless, the field requires more rigorously designed RCTs to establish efficacy and a systematic exploration of VR implementation protocols to maximize therapeutic benefits.

References

1. 1.Leng, M., Tang, S., Gan, C., Xu, J., & Luo, D. (2026). VR-Based Physical Activity and Self-Management Interventions for Glycemic Control and Behavioral Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Medical Systems. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2021.06.033