Review

Effects of Sensory-Based Virtual Reality Interventions on Motor Performance and Sensory Processing in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review

Volume: 5 Number: 2 July 21, 2026
TR EN

Effects of Sensory-Based Virtual Reality Interventions on Motor Performance and Sensory Processing in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent motor coordination difficulties that significantly affect daily activities, academic performance, and social participation. Increasing evidence suggests that these motor impairments are closely linked to atypical sensory processing and inefficient sensorimotor integration rather than isolated motor deficits. Sensory-based virtual reality (VR) interventions have emerged as a promising rehabilitation approach by providing immersive, interactive, and multisensory environments that facilitate motor learning and neuroplasticity. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize and critically evaluate the effects of sensory-based VR interventions on motor performance and sensory processing outcomes in children with DCD. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across six electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials, controlled trials, and quasi-experimental studies involving children aged 5–12 years with DCD were included. The findings indicate that sensory-based VR interventions are associated with consistent improvements in balance and postural control, with moderate improvements in coordination and functional motor performance. Although sensory processing outcomes were less frequently assessed, available evidence suggests positive effects on proprioceptive and visual integration, often accompanying motor gains. Overall, sensory-based VR interventions appear to be a promising adjunct to conventional therapy for children with DCD. However, methodological limitations such as small sample sizes, heterogeneous intervention protocols, and limited long-term follow-up highlight the need for further high-quality research to optimize clinical application.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Physiotherapy

Journal Section

Review

Publication Date

July 21, 2026

Submission Date

December 23, 2025

Acceptance Date

April 24, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 5 Number: 2

APA
Eryılmaz, M. C., & Eryılmaz, B. (2026). Effects of Sensory-Based Virtual Reality Interventions on Motor Performance and Sensory Processing in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review. Balkan Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, 5(2), 151-159. https://doi.org/10.61830/balkansbd.1847736
AMA
1.Eryılmaz MC, Eryılmaz B. Effects of Sensory-Based Virtual Reality Interventions on Motor Performance and Sensory Processing in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review. Balkan Health Sci J. 2026;5(2):151-159. doi:10.61830/balkansbd.1847736
Chicago
Eryılmaz, Muhammed Celal, and Burak Eryılmaz. 2026. “Effects of Sensory-Based Virtual Reality Interventions on Motor Performance and Sensory Processing in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review”. Balkan Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 5 (2): 151-59. https://doi.org/10.61830/balkansbd.1847736.
EndNote
Eryılmaz MC, Eryılmaz B (July 1, 2026) Effects of Sensory-Based Virtual Reality Interventions on Motor Performance and Sensory Processing in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review. Balkan Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 5 2 151–159.
IEEE
[1]M. C. Eryılmaz and B. Eryılmaz, “Effects of Sensory-Based Virtual Reality Interventions on Motor Performance and Sensory Processing in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review”, Balkan Health Sci J, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 151–159, July 2026, doi: 10.61830/balkansbd.1847736.
ISNAD
Eryılmaz, Muhammed Celal - Eryılmaz, Burak. “Effects of Sensory-Based Virtual Reality Interventions on Motor Performance and Sensory Processing in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review”. Balkan Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 5/2 (July 1, 2026): 151-159. https://doi.org/10.61830/balkansbd.1847736.
JAMA
1.Eryılmaz MC, Eryılmaz B. Effects of Sensory-Based Virtual Reality Interventions on Motor Performance and Sensory Processing in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review. Balkan Health Sci J. 2026;5:151–159.
MLA
Eryılmaz, Muhammed Celal, and Burak Eryılmaz. “Effects of Sensory-Based Virtual Reality Interventions on Motor Performance and Sensory Processing in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review”. Balkan Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 5, no. 2, July 2026, pp. 151-9, doi:10.61830/balkansbd.1847736.
Vancouver
1.Muhammed Celal Eryılmaz, Burak Eryılmaz. Effects of Sensory-Based Virtual Reality Interventions on Motor Performance and Sensory Processing in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review. Balkan Health Sci J. 2026 Jul. 1;5(2):151-9. doi:10.61830/balkansbd.1847736