Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) experience impairments in motor development, balance, coordination, and functional mobility that restrict independence and participation in daily activities. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as an innovative rehabilitation approach by providing interactive, task-specific, and feedback-rich environments that promote motor learning. Although VR has demonstrated beneficial effects on motor performance, the mechanisms underlying these improvements remain unclear. Aim of this review was to map the existing evidence regarding the mechanisms underlying virtual reality–facilitated motor learning in individuals with Down syndrome. A scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect for English-language studies published between 2019 and 2024. Studies investigating VR-based interventions for motor rehabilitation in individuals with Down syndrome were included. Data were extracted and synthesized to identify the mechanisms of motor learning and associated rehabilitation outcomes. A total of 495 records were identified, of which seven studies met the eligibility criteria. Across the included studies, VR facilitated motor learning through several complementary mechanisms, including repetitive task-specific practice, real-time visual feedback, multisensory integration, enhanced motivation and engagement, cognitive– motor integration, and postural control training. These mechanisms were consistently associated with improvements in balance, postural stability, coordination, proprioception, functional performance, and cognitive function. Current evidence suggests that VR enhances motor learning in individuals with Down syndrome primarily through established motor learning principles rather than directly demonstrated neural mechanisms. The absence of studies incorporating objective neurophysiological assessments represents a significant gap in the literature. Future research integrating neuroimaging and neurophysiological techniques with VR-based rehabilitation is needed to clarify the neural adaptations underlying motor learning and optimize rehabilitation strategies for individuals with Down syndrome.

Priyanka Amit Kumar (PT), PhD, MPT (Pediatrics), is an experienced academician, researcher, and clinician in physiotherapy with 16 years of professional experience. Her professional expertise encompasses physiotherapy education, academic administration, research, program coordination, and evidence-based clinical practice.

She currently serves as Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy at Yenepoya School of Allied and Health Care Professions (Yenepoya Deemed to be University), where she also contributes to examination administration and scientific review activities. Her academic and research interests include pediatric physiotherapy, childhood obesity, exercise interventions, rehabilitation, and emerging technologies in physiotherapy. She has published research on virtual reality rehabilitation, childhood obesity, plyometric exercise, musculoskeletal health, and therapeutic interventions.

Kumar has presented her research at national and international conferences and has received multiple recognitions, including the Best Researcher Award at Yenepoya University in 2025 & 2026. She is also associated with several innovative physiotherapy-related patents, including wearable technologies for gait, posture, and rehabilitation. Her professional strengths include research, curriculum development, academic administration, communication, and subject-matter expertise