Virtual reality relaxation for the general population: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose Relaxation has significant restorative properties and implications for public health. However, modern, busy lives leave limiting time for relaxation. Virtual reality (VR) experiences of pleasant and calming virtual environments, accessed with a head-mounted display (HMD), appear to promote relaxation. This study aimed to provide a systematic review of feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of studies that use VR to promote relaxation in the general population (PROSPERO 195,804). Methods Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase, and MEDLINE were searched until 29th June 2020. Studies were included in the review if they used HMD technology to present virtual environments that aimed to promote or measure relaxation, or relaxation-related variables. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) quality assessment tool was used to assess methodological quality of studies. Results 6403 articles were identified through database searching. Nineteen studies published between 2007 and 2020, with 1278 participants, were included in the review. Of these, thirteen were controlled studies. Studies predominantly used natural audio-visual stimuli to promote relaxation. Findings indicate feasibility, acceptability, and short-term effectiveness of VR to increase relaxation and reduce stress. Six studies received an EPHPP rating of ‘strong’, seven were ‘moderate’, and six were ‘weak’. Conclusions VR may be a useful tool to promote relaxation in the general population, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when stress is increasing worldwide. However, methodological limitations, such as limited randomised controlled trials and longer-term evidence, mean that these conclusions should be drawn with caution. More robust studies are needed to support this promising area of VR relaxation.

Can Viewing Nature Through Windows Improve Isolated Living? A Pathway Analysis on Chinese Male Prisoners During the COVID-19 Epidemic

“…Therefore, prisoners may resort to nature viewing for recreation and relaxation. According to recent studies, people might engage in nature for enjoyment and recreation, and viewing nature may help people reduce physiological and psychological stress ( 55 , 56 ). Therefore, these benefits may promote prisoners' visual contact with nature through windows.…”

Access to Nature via Virtual Reality: A Mini-Review

“…Empirically, VR is typically defined in terms of its technological hardware, including computers, head-mounted displays, headphones, and motion-sensing gloves ( Steuer, 2010 ), which offer accessible ways to enable immersion with pleasant virtual environments ( Riches et al, 2021 ). Currently, although multisensory VR has been developed, a head-mounted display (HMD) is still the most common device due to its convenience and affordability.…”

“…Relaxation is the key function of virtual nature, which includes both psychological and physiological relaxation ( Riches et al, 2021 ). These relaxation effects are usually detected via physiological indices (e.g., heart rate variability, electrodermal activity, and saliva cortisol) and self-reported questionnaires (e.g., the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and the State-Trait Inventory) ( Annerstedt et al, 2013 ; Anderson et al, 2017 ; Blum et al, 2019 ; Browning et al, 2019 ; Figure 1 ).…”

“…Virtual nature is deemed as a potential method for relaxation ( Riches et al, 2021 ). Theoretically, patients and the elderly are most likely to benefit from the technology due to the inconvenience of physical activity.…”

“…Therefore, future studies need to involve more special populations, such as people who are quarantined due to COVID-19, to explore more practical and useful interventions. Additionally, as most studies are concentrated on the acute effects of simulated nature exposure, long-term interventions are needed to check if virtual nature can be beneficial without the sense of novelty ( Riches et al, 2021 ).…”