Guides
Straight answers about VR therapy
What the research says, what good programmes do, and how care organisations fund and buy them. Every guide leads with a short answer and lists its sources.
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Does virtual reality help stroke rehabilitation?
Yes, modestly, and most clearly when it adds therapy time. The 2025 Cochrane review (190 trials, 7,188 people) found VR slightly improves upper-limb function, balance and daily activities compared with other therapy, and that adding VR on top of usual care probably improves upper-limb function further. Effects on walking speed and quality of life remain uncertain.
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Can VR therapy help people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment?
It can help some thinking skills, with modest effects. A 2025 meta-analysis of 18 randomised trials (722 older adults with mild cognitive impairment) found small improvements in memory, attention and executive function, but very small effects on overall cognition, mood and daily living. VR does not cure or reverse dementia; it delivers structured, engaging cognitive and physical training.
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How can Active Ageing Centres in Singapore use VR?
Active Ageing Centres mainly use VR for group exercise and brain-training sessions that keep seniors coming back week after week: one facilitator runs the group while each senior plays a programme graded to their level. Funding routes include the AAC IT Grant for whitelisted systems and the Productivity and Digitalisation Grant; confirm current criteria with AIC.
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Can VR therapy help children with ADHD, autism or developmental delay?
The early evidence is encouraging but limited. A 2025 meta-analysis of 11 randomised trials (640 children aged 6 to 12) found VR training moderately reduced attention difficulties in ADHD, and reviews in autism report gains in social and emotional skills. Studies are small and varied, so VR works best as play-based practice inside a programme led by therapists.
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How to choose a VR therapy platform for a hospital or care provider
Check six things: regulatory status (such as HSA registration or CE/UKCA marking), the evidence behind each claim and its level, whether clinicians prescribe and adjust programmes, a non-headset option such as tablets, data protection (PDPA or UK GDPR, with a data-processing agreement), and the full workflow: training, hygiene, group sessions and continuation at home.
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How do NHS organisations buy VR therapy?
Through assessment and procurement rather than grants. NHS organisations assess digital health tools against the Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC); an updated form replaced the previous version from April 2026. It covers clinical safety, data protection, technical security, interoperability, and usability and accessibility. Buyers then weigh the evidence behind the product's claims and the implementation plan.
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