
Abstract Over the past decade, research using virtual reality and serious game-based instruments for assessing spatial navigation and spatial memory in at-risk and AD populations has risen. We systematically reviewed the literature since 2012 to identify and evaluate the methodological quality and risk of bias in the analyses of the psychometric properties of VRSG-based instruments. The search was conducted primarily in July–December 2022 and updated in November 2023 in eight major databases. The quality of instrument development and study design were analyzed in all studies. Measurement properties were defined and analyzed according to COSMIN guidelines. A total of 1078 unique records were screened, and following selection criteria, thirty-seven studies were analyzed. From these studies, 30 instruments were identified. Construct and criterion validity were the most reported measurement properties, while structural validity and internal consistency evidence were the least reported. Nineteen studies were deemed very good in construct validity, whereas 11 studies reporting diagnostic accuracy were deemed very good in quality. Limitations regarding theoretical framework and research design requirements were found in most of the studies. VRSG-based instruments are valuable additions to the current diagnostic toolkit for AD. Further research is required to establish the psychometric performance and clinical utility of VRSG-based instruments, particularly the instrument development, content validity, and diagnostic accuracy for preclinical AD screening scenarios. This review provides a straightforward synthesis of the state of the art of VRSG-based instruments and suggests future directions for research.
Psychometrics, Construct (python library), Clinical psychology, Health Professions, FOS: Mechanical engineering, Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, Neuroimaging, Review, Epistemology, Applied psychology, Mobility and Driving Safety in Older Adults, Data science, Spatial Ability for STEM Domains, Engineering, Health Sciences, Psychology, Construct validity, Virtual Environments, Content validity, Diagnosis and Management of Alzheimer's Disease, Computer science, Neuroimaging Studies, FOS: Philosophy, ethics and religion, Programming language, FOS: Psychology, Psychiatry and Mental health, Philosophy, Automotive Engineering, Physical Sciences, Quality (philosophy), Medicine
Psychometrics, Construct (python library), Clinical psychology, Health Professions, FOS: Mechanical engineering, Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, Neuroimaging, Review, Epistemology, Applied psychology, Mobility and Driving Safety in Older Adults, Data science, Spatial Ability for STEM Domains, Engineering, Health Sciences, Psychology, Construct validity, Virtual Environments, Content validity, Diagnosis and Management of Alzheimer's Disease, Computer science, Neuroimaging Studies, FOS: Philosophy, ethics and religion, Programming language, FOS: Psychology, Psychiatry and Mental health, Philosophy, Automotive Engineering, Physical Sciences, Quality (philosophy), Medicine
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 7 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
