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White MP, Yeo NL, Vassiljev P, Lundstedt R, Wallergård M, Albin M, Lõhmus M. A prescription for "nature" - the potential of using virtual nature in therapeutics. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2018; 14:3001-3013. [PMID: 30510422 PMCID: PMC6231506 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s179038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies suggest that increased exposure to urban greenness is associated with better population health. Accessing nature can in some circumstances, however, be difficult, especially for individuals with mobility constraints. Therefore, a growing body of work is investigating the ways to replace the in vivo experience with forms of "virtual" contact, in order to provide these individuals with at least some benefits of the natural environment. The aim of this paper is to provide a review of previous use of virtual reality (VR) nature in health and care settings and contemplate the potential use of this technology in future. Our central question is whether engaging with virtual nature can contribute to enhanced physical and emotional well-being in housebound or mobility-constrained individuals. We conclude that while contact with real-world nature is preferred, VR use can be an alternative in cases when in vivo contact with nature is not possible. There are many possibilities for the use of VR technology in psychiatric and medical care; however, the risks, benefits, and cost efficiency of these attempts should be carefully assessed and the outcomes should be measured in a scientifically valid manner. The current review has nonetheless demonstrated that VR nature could play a role in each of the proposed mediating mechanisms linking natural environments and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P White
- The European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske, Truro, Cornwall TR1 3HD, UK
| | - Nicola L Yeo
- The European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske, Truro, Cornwall TR1 3HD, UK
| | - Peeter Vassiljev
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Rikard Lundstedt
- Department of Design Science, Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Mattias Wallergård
- Department of Design Science, Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria Albin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, 22363 Lund, Sweden, .,Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden, .,Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, 11365 Stockholm, Sweden,
| | - Mare Lõhmus
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, 22363 Lund, Sweden, .,Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden, .,Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, 11365 Stockholm, Sweden,
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Kállai J, Kincses P, Lábadi B, Dorn K, Szolcsányi T, Darnai G, Hupuczi E, Janszky J, Csathó Á. Multisensory integration and age-dependent sensitivity to body representation modification induced by the rubber hand illusion. Cogn Process 2017; 18:349-357. [DOI: 10.1007/s10339-017-0827-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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