Changing Stress Mindset Through Stressjam: A Virtual Reality Game Using Biofeedback

Maarsingh, Bernard M; Bos, Jannah; Tuijn, Charlotte F.J. Van; Renard, Selwyn

doi:10.1089/g4h.2018.0145

Cited by 34 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…This type of game is often defined in the literature as a “serious game” [ 69 ], as gaming features are used as the primary medium for serious purposes [ 66 ]. Several custom-made video games for relaxation integrate biofeedback techniques into the game modes, such as Deep [ 70 , 71 ], Nevermind [ 72 ], MindLight [ 73 , 74 ], Dojo [ 75 , 76 ], and StressJam [ 77 ]. Furthermore, studies have shown that ad hoc video games could help adults with anxiety better handle emotional and physiological responses to stressors [ 78 ] and improve behavioral performance on anxiety-related stress tasks [ 79 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Commercial Off-The-Shelf Video Games for Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Systematic Review

Pallavicini¹,

Pepe²,

Mantovani³

2021

JMIR Ment Health

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Background Using commercial off-the-shelf video games rather than custom-made computer games could have several advantages for reducing stress and anxiety, including their low cost, advanced graphics, and the possibility to reach millions of individuals worldwide. However, it is important to emphasize that not all commercial video games are equal, and their effects strongly depend on specific characteristics of the games. Objective The aim of this systematic review was to describe the literature on the use of commercial off-the-shelf video games for diminishing stress and anxiety, examining the research outcomes along with critical variables related to computer game characteristics (ie, genre, platform, time of play). Methods A systematic search of the literature was performed following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. The search databases were PsycINFO, Web of Science, Medline, IEEExplore, and the Cochrane Library. The search string was: [(“video game*”) OR (“computer game*”)] AND [(“stress”) OR (“anxiety”) OR (“relaxation”)] AND [(“study”) OR (“trial”) OR (“training”)]. Results A total of 28 studies met the inclusion criteria for the publication period 2006-2021. The findings demonstrate the benefit of commercial off-the-shelf video games for reducing stress in children, adults, and older adults. The majority of the retrieved studies recruited young adults, and fewer studies have involved children, middle-aged adults, and older adults. In addition to exergames and casual video games, other genres of commercial off-the-shelf games helped to reduce stress and anxiety. Conclusions Efficacy in reducing stress and anxiety has been demonstrated not only for exergames and casual video games but also for other genres such as action games, action-adventure games, and augmented reality games. Various gaming platforms, including consoles, PCs, smartphones, mobile consoles, and virtual reality systems, have been used with positive results. Finally, even single and short sessions of play had benefits in reducing stress and anxiety. Trial Registration International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols INPLASY202130081; https://inplasy.com/?s=INPLASY202130081

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Commercial Off-The-Shelf Video Games for Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Systematic Review

Pallavicini¹,

Pepe²,

Mantovani³

2021

JMIR Ment Health

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“…Supporting a positive effect of combining biofeedback and VR on user engagement and immersion is its increased usage in game design. For example, in the biofeedback-integrated VR applications StressJam and Breath VR users must modify their heartrate and breathing actions, respectively to interact with element of the gaming environment and direct gameplay [ 35 , 36 ]. Like Performance Edge VR, the relaxation-focused VR game DEEP incorporates respiratory biofeedback to support diaphragmatic breathing at a slow and steady rate [ 37 , 38 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…meditation), rather than specific skills training [33]. Several VR applications have integrated biofeedback including heart and breathing rate into a virtual environment [34][35][36][37][38], with reported improvements in user engagement and motivation. To date, these applications have not integrated respiratory biofeedback into a structured skills training program for a military audience.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of a modular stress management platform (Performance Edge VR) and a pilot efficacy trial of a bio-feedback enhanced training module for controlled breathing

Kluge

Maltby

Walker³

et al. 2021

PLoS ONE

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This paper describes the conceptual design of a virtual reality-based stress management training tool and evaluation of the initial prototype in a pilot efficacy study. Performance Edge virtual-reality (VR) was co-developed with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to address the need for practical stress management training for ADF personnel. The VR application is biofeedback-enabled and contains key stress management techniques derived from acceptance and commitment and cognitive behavioural therapy in a modular framework. End-user-provided feedback on usability, design, and user experience was positive, and particularly complimentary of the respiratory biofeedback functionality. Training of controlled breathing delivered across 3 sessions increased participants’ self-reported use of breath control in everyday life and progressively improved controlled breathing skills (objectively assessed as a reduction in breathing rate and variability). Thus the data show that a biofeedback-enabled controlled breathing protocol delivered through Performance Edge VR can produce both behaviour change and objective improvement in breathing metrics. These results confirm the validity of Performance Edge VR platform, and its Controlled Breathing module, as a novel approach to tailoring VR-based applications to train stress management skills in a workplace setting.

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“…In their study, Maarsingh et al examined whether VR with real-time biofeedback would help in training people to develop a new mindset related to stress. They concluded that using a VR application may be useful in working toward a more positive stress mindset [ 48 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Use of Virtual Therapy in Cardiac Rehabilitation of Female Patients with Heart Disease

Jóźwik

Cieślik

Gajda³

et al. 2021

Medicina

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Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become increasingly prevalent in women, and it is also in this group that the risk of developing depression is the highest. The most commonly applied therapeutic intervention in cardiac rehabilitation is Schultz’s autogenic training, which has proven to be of little efficacy in reducing depression and anxiety disorders. At the same time, a growing number of scientific reports have been looking at the use of virtual reality (VR) to treat mental health problems. This study aimed at assessing the efficacy of virtual therapy in reducing levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in female CVD patients. Materials and Methods: The study included 43 women who were randomly divided into two groups: experimental group (N = 17), where eight-week cardiac rehabilitation was enhanced with VR-based therapeutic sessions, and control group (N = 26), where the VR therapy was replaced with Schultz’s autogenic training. Mental state parameters were measured using the Perception of Stress Questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: In the experimental group, the sole parameter which failed to improve was HADS-Anxiety, which remained at the baseline level. In the control group, there was a deterioration in nearly all tested parameters except for HADS-Depression. Statistically significant differences in the efficacy of rehabilitation were recorded in relation to the level of stress in the sub-scales: emotional tension (p = 0.005), external stress (p = 0.012), intrapsychic stress (p = 0.023) and the generalized stress scale (p = 0.004). Conclusions: VR therapy is an efficient and interesting complement to cardiac rehabilitation, with proven efficacy in reducing stress levels.

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Changing Stress Mindset Through Stressjam: A Virtual Reality Game Using Biofeedback

Cited by 34 publications

References 24 publications

Commercial Off-The-Shelf Video Games for Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Systematic Review

Commercial Off-The-Shelf Video Games for Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Systematic Review

Development of a modular stress management platform (Performance Edge VR) and a pilot efficacy trial of a bio-feedback enhanced training module for controlled breathing

The Use of Virtual Therapy in Cardiac Rehabilitation of Female Patients with Heart Disease

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