Fig. 6: Forest plot for outcome mental health.
Plot representing comparison of self-guided digital interventions versus controls (divided by therapeutic framework and active versus non-active controls) for outcome mental health at the end of the intervention. Data was pooled from thirty comparisons (n = 1977). The random-effects meta-analysis found a small significant treatment effect of all self-guided interventions compared to controls (g = −0.41 (95% CI −0.60 to −0.22; z = 4.20; p < 0.0001)). Self-guided digital cognitive training interventions provided only a marginal significant treatment effect (k = 12, g = −0.34, 95% CI −0.65 to −0.02; z = 2.10; p = 0.04; I2 = 76%), while self-guided digital cognitive rehabilitation provided a moderate significant treatment effect (k = 9, g = −0.64, 95% CI −1.04 to −0.23; Z = 3.07, p = 0.002; I2 = 85%). Virtual reality provided a small significant treatment effect versus controls (k = 7, g = −0.36, 95% CI −0.66 to −0.06; z = 2.37; p = 0.02; I2 = 37%) that was more pronounced against active control groups. The effects of internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy on mental health outcomes were non-significant (k = 2, g = −0.18, 95% CI −0.61 to 0.25; Z = 0.81, P = 0.42; I2 = 0%), while videogames did not provide data for meta-analysis. For simplification only cognitive training, cognitive rehabilitation and virtual reality interventions are displayed.
