ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy of virtual reality technology on cognitive dysfunction in patients with cerebral vascular accident (CVA).MethodsEMbase, Web of Science, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, WanFang Data, VIP and CNKI databases were electronically searched to collect the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on virtual reality technology on cognitive dysfunction in patients with CVA from inception to December 31st, 2020. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed using RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsA total of 25 RCTs involving 1 113 patients were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the scores of MBI (MD=9.24, 95%CI 1.91 to 16.56, P=0.01), MMSE (MD=3.02, 95%CI 1.11 to 4.93, P=0.002) and RBMT-2 (MD=2.74, 95%CI 1.97 to 3.51, P<0.000 01) in VR group were superior to the control group. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in scores of BI, MOCA, and VCPT.ConclusionsCurrent evidence shows that virtual reality technology may have positively influence on cognitive function and participation in the daily life activities of patients with CVA. Due to the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusions.