Work

Effects of virtual reality exercise on social skills and emotional recognition among children with autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Year: 2026

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that is characterised by repetitive behaviours and issues with social communication. This review assessed the effects of virtual reality (VR) exercise on social skill (SS) and emotional recognition (ER) in children with ASD through meta-analysis. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCO databases were searched from January 2005 to October 2025. The search strategy encompassed the following keywords: virtual reality, autism spectrum disorder, and children. Randomized controlled trials recruiting children with ASD and comparing VR exercise with standard treatment were included. RESULTS: Resultantly, compared with the control group, VR exercise could enhance SS (SMD, 0.94 [0.71, 1.17], p < 0.05, I2 = 74%) and ER (SMD, 0.42 [0.18, 0.65], p < 0.05, I2 = 0%). The subgroup analysis revealed that interventions lasting less than 14 weeks (SMD, 0.63 [0.36, 0.91], p < 0.05, I2 = 0%) and those lasting more than 14 weeks (SMD, 1.70 [1.27, 2.13], p < 0.05, I2 = 44%) could substantially improve SS. In addition, VR exercise has improved cognitive function (SMD, 0.49 [0.06, 0.93], p < 0.05, I2 = 0%) and reduced anxiety (SMD, −0.56 [−1.10, −0.02], p < 0.05, I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: VR exercise can significantly improve children’s SS and ER, and has a moderate and cautious explanatory effect on improving cognitive function and reducing anxiety. Nonetheless, the effects on language function and depression remain unclear. VR exercise may be a potential intervention for children with ASD.

Source: BMC Psychology

DOI: 10.1186/s40359-026-04160-x

Authors: Tiankuo Cui, Rafidah binti Ariffin, Xinyuan Wang, Xinyuan Wang, Xiao Wang, Xiao Wang

Institutions: University of Technology Malaysia, Jining University

Language: English

Topic: Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,990