VIRTUAL REALITY AS A COGNITIVE AND MOTOR STIMULATION STRATEGY IN PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressive, disabling neurodegenerative pathology, marked by motor symptoms such as tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, postural changes, and cognitive deficits. Its growing impact is evidenced by the significant increase in prevalence in the last 25 years, configuring it as one of the conditions with the highest demand for health care. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of the use of virtual reality (VR), integrated with physical therapy care, on the cognitive performance of patients with PD, justified by the need for strategies that increase motivation, adherence to treatment and the promotion of functionality. This is an integrative review structured by the PICO strategy, with a search carried out in the PubMed, PEDro and LILACS databases, using descriptors in Portuguese and English. Randomised controlled trials published in the last five years were included, resulting in the selection of seven studies. The findings indicate that VR, by simulating interactive environments and providing real-time feedback, promotes significant gains in cognitive (attention, memory, planning) and motor (gait, balance, functional mobility) functions, in addition to stimulating greater engagement and adherence to treatment. Evidence also suggests the induction of neuroplasticity mechanisms, reinforcing the therapeutic potential of this approach. It is concluded that the integration of virtual reality into physical therapy represents a promising resource in the management of PD, although the need for more robust and long-term clinical trials to consolidate its effectiveness and guide clinical practice is highlighted