Improving immersive experiences in virtual natural setting for public health and environmental design: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a powerful tool in the field of therapeutic landscapes. For hospitalized patients or individuals with limited mobility, VR provides highly personalized therapy by simulating authentic natural environments within a safe, convenient, and engaging setting. This study investigated the effectiveness of immersing patients in virtual natural environments for health recovery and compared the varying impacts of different types of landscapes on patients’ recovery levels. The aim was to complement traditional medical approaches and enhance environmental design in the field of public health. Researchers systematically reviewed databases (January 2018 to August 2, 2023) to identify randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of virtual nature immersion with other treatments. The inclusion/exclusion criteria were established based on the population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, study design, and other aspects (expanded PICO) framework. The Cochrane tool was employed to assess the risk of bias. Meta-analysis was conducted by pooling the mean differences with a 95% confidence interval. Among 30 trials, a total of 2123 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 15 studies included in the meta-analysis. 30 trials met the criteria. Results show significant improvements in pain, anxiety, fear, and some physiological indicators with virtual nature-based treatments. On the other hand, natural scenes incorporating blue and green elements have been applied more extensively and have shown more significant effects. In comparison to conventional methods, this study strongly advocates that virtual reality environments are a crucial tool in bridging the gap between patients and nature, demonstrating their potential to reshape medical interventions and improve environmental design in the field of public health.

Effects of simulated multi-sensory stimulation integration on physiological and psychological restoration in virtual urban green space environment

“…The virtual environment stimulation method is mature and had been proved scientific and feasible by many researchers ( Gall et al, 2021 ; Mollazadeh and Zhu, 2021 ; Capatina et al, 2024 ). Although the process and mechanism of virtual natural environment stimulation and real experience had not been thoroughly compared and demonstrated, they had certain similarities in terms of their effects on health ( Li et al, 2023 ; Wen et al, 2024 ). A simulated nature experience has been shown to attract young people to digital media over outdoor recreation ( Pergams and Zaradic, 2006 ) and to facilitate the rotection of seniors from environmental hazards and barriers ( Satariano et al, 2012 ; Wen et al, 2018 ).…”

Table_1.DOCX

“…The virtual environment stimulation method is mature and had been proved scientific and feasible by many researchers (Gall et al, 2021;Mollazadeh and Zhu, 2021;Capatina et al, 2024). Although the process and mechanism of virtual natural environment stimulation and real experience had not been thoroughly compared and demonstrated, they had certain similarities in terms of their effects on health (Li et al, 2023;Wen et al, 2024). A simulated nature experience has been shown to attract young people to digital media over outdoor recreation (Pergams and Zaradic, 2006) and to facilitate the rotection of seniors from environmental hazards and barriers (Satariano et al, 2012;Wen et al, 2018).…”

“…Physical access to nature is sometimes restricted by various factors, resulting in urbanities being deprived of the opportunity to enjoy nature (Bratman et al, 2019). In addition, the elderly, supervised personnel, patients and other people with impaired mobility also need the stimulation of virtual natural environment to restore physical and mental health (Nadkarni et al, 2021;Li et al, 2023;Wen et al, 2024). At the same time, the rise of the meta-universe also provides a higher possibility of obtaining health effects through virtual natural environment experiences (Capatina et al, 2024).…”

Presentation_1.PPTX

“…The virtual environment stimulation method is mature and had been proved scientific and feasible by many researchers (Gall et al, 2021;Mollazadeh and Zhu, 2021;Capatina et al, 2024). Although the process and mechanism of virtual natural environment stimulation and real experience had not been thoroughly compared and demonstrated, they had certain similarities in terms of their effects on health (Li et al, 2023;Wen et al, 2024). A simulated nature experience has been shown to attract young people to digital media over outdoor recreation (Pergams and Zaradic, 2006) and to facilitate the rotection of seniors from environmental hazards and barriers (Satariano et al, 2012;Wen et al, 2018).…”

“…Physical access to nature is sometimes restricted by various factors, resulting in urbanities being deprived of the opportunity to enjoy nature (Bratman et al, 2019). In addition, the elderly, supervised personnel, patients and other people with impaired mobility also need the stimulation of virtual natural environment to restore physical and mental health (Nadkarni et al, 2021;Li et al, 2023;Wen et al, 2024). At the same time, the rise of the meta-universe also provides a higher possibility of obtaining health effects through virtual natural environment experiences (Capatina et al, 2024).…”