Physiological Responses to Virtual Reality-Based Stress Regulation and Relaxation Interventions: A Systematic Review - PubMed
3 hours ago
- #Virtual Reality
- #Stress Regulation
- #Physiological Markers
- 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.