Physiological Responses to Virtual Reality-Based Stress Regulation and Relaxation Interventions: A Systematic Review - PubMed

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Systematic review on VR-based stress regulation and relaxation interventions focusing on physiological responses.
Challenges in using physiological markers to assess VR stress interventions are discussed.
Follows PRISMA guidelines, with studies sourced from EMBASE, IEEE Xplore, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science.
69 studies included out of 11,479 identified, with most in the general population, some in mental healthcare, and professional contexts.
Nature-based VR experiences were common, often referencing Attention Restoration Theory and Stress Reduction Theory.
Stress was commonly induced using mental arithmetic tasks or the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST).
Many studies lacked theoretical grounding, had small sample sizes, and were of low quality.
Heart rate (HR), HRV (RMSSD, SDNN, LF, HF), and blood pressure were the most common physiological markers.
56 studies found VR interventions reduced stress as measured by physiological markers, but methodological inconsistencies were noted.
Future research should focus on ambulant measurements, long-term effects, and standardizing marker selection and protocols.

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