Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Dual-Task Training in Pediatric Neurorehabilitation: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background

Children with neurological disorders frequently experience impairments in gait, balance, functional mobility, attention, executive function, and other cognitive domains. These difficulties may become more evident when cognitive and motor tasks must be performed simultaneously. Dual-task training provides an opportunity to address cognitive-motor integration, while immersive virtual reality (IVR) can create controlled, interactive environments for progressively challenging rehabilitation tasks. However, evidence specifically examining IVR-based dual-task training in ambulatory children with neurological disorders remains limited and heterogeneous.

Objective

To map the available evidence regarding the effects of immersive virtual reality-based dual-task training on cognitive function and functional mobility in ambulatory children with pediatric neurological disorders.

Methods

A scoping review framework based on Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was adopted. The Population–Concept–Context framework included ambulatory children and adolescents with neurological disorders, immersive or substantially immersive virtual-reality interventions incorporating cognitive-motor or dual-task components, and pediatric neurorehabilitation settings. Evidence was mapped according to participant characteristics, neurological diagnosis, VR technology, cognitive and motor task characteristics, intervention dosage, cognitive outcomes, functional mobility outcomes, and feasibility.

Results

The available literature demonstrates three overlapping evidence areas: immersive VR rehabilitation, pediatric dual-task training, and VR-based gait and balance rehabilitation incorporating cognitive-motor demands. Existing studies report improvements in balance, gross motor function, gait, visuospatial performance, and selected cognitive outcomes. However, substantial heterogeneity exists in VR technology, intervention dosage, cognitive tasks, motor tasks, and outcome measures. Direct evidence specifically evaluating IVR-based dual-task training with both cognitive and and functional mobility outcomes remains limited.

Conclusion

IVR-based dual-task training represents an emerging approach in pediatric neurorehabilitation. Current evidence supports its feasibility and potential clinical relevance, but insufficient direct evidence prevents definitive conclusions regarding effectiveness. Future controlled trials should use standardized IVR and dual-task protocols, validated cognitive and mobility outcomes, dual-task cost measures, and longer-term follow-up.

Keywords: immersive virtual reality; dual-task training; cognitive-motor training; pediatric neurorehabilitation; cognitive function; functional mobility.

Immersive Virtual Reality,Cognitive Function,Functional Mobility,Dual Task Training

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