Five randomized controlled trials with a total of 150 patients suffering from spinal cord injury were included in this meta-analysis comparing game-based virtual reality interventions (n=81) and conventional physical therapy (n=69) for the improvement of functional performance. Pooled outcomes of interest included the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), spinal cord independence measure (SCIM) total score and self-care sub-test, and the performance of activities of daily living via the Barthel Index. Pooled results revealed statistically significantly favourable FIM scores in the physical therapy group compared to the virtual reality group (p=0.01). No statistical significant differences in pooled SCIM total score, SCIM self-care sub-test, or Barthel index were observed between the two groups (p>0.05 for all).