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Sarvaiya KP, Tank K, Devmurari P, et al. Investigating the therapeutic role of immersive virtual reality in mitigating menopausal symptoms: a narrative review. Physio Occup Ther Jr. 2025;18(1):79-85.
Timeline
Received : January 16, 2025
Accepted : February 17, 2025
Published : March 21, 2025
Abstract
Background: Menopause, or the permanent cessation of the menstrual cycle, was a signicantphysiologicaltransitioninawoman'slife.Itwasfrequentlyassociated withsymptomssuchashot ashes,nightsweats,vaginaldryness,sleepdifculties, sexual dysfunction, depression, anxiety, memory loss, fatigue, headache, joint pain,weightgain,stressurineincontinence,andpelvic oormuscledysfunction. Traditional therapies mainly involved hormonal and pharmaceutical procedures, but other non-pharmaceutical ways were progressively investigated. Objective: This review explores the potential of immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) as an innovative, non-drug-based solution for managing menopause-related challenges. Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies that explored the use of immersive, semi-immersive, and non-immersive VR in alleviating menopausal symptoms. A total of 15 studies were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of IVR in addressing symptoms, including osteoporosis, cognitiveproblems,stressurinaryincontinence,hot ashes,anxiety,pelvic oor dysfunction, and overall well-being. Results: Thendings indicatedthat immersiveVRoffereduniquebenetssuch as enhanced engagement, real-time feedback, and personalized interventions. Evidence suggested signicant improvements in balance, cognitive function, muscle strength, and psychological health. IVR interventions also demonstrated potentialinmanagingsymptomssuchasstressurinaryincontinence,pelvic oor dysfunction,anxiety,andhot ashes,contributingtoimprovedoverallwell-being Conclusion: IVR offers a promising, non-pharmaceutical solution to improve menopausal women’s quality of life by effectively addressing physical and emotional symptoms.
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Data Sharing Statement
There are no additional data available. All raw data and code are available upon request.
Funding
This research received no funding.
Author Contributions
All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.
Ethics Declaration
This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.
Conflicts of Interest
No conflicts of interest in this work.
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Cite this article
Sarvaiya KP, Tank K, Devmurari P, et al. Investigating the therapeutic role of immersive virtual reality in mitigating menopausal symptoms: a narrative review. Physio Occup Ther Jr. 2025;18(1):79-85.
This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.