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Cortez-Vázquez G, Adriaanse M, Burchell GL, Ostelo R, Panayiotou G, Vlemincx E. Virtual Reality Breathing Interventions for Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2024; 49:1-21. [PMID: 38236355 PMCID: PMC10869395 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-023-09611-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Breathing exercises have been shown to reduce mental health problems among clinical and non-clinical populations. Although virtual reality (VR) breathing interventions are assumed to have potential benefits, it remains unclear whether VR breathing interventions are more effective at improving mental health than non-VR breathing interventions. We conducted a systematic literature search in six electronic databases (Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and PubMed) from inception to 30th September, 2022. We included randomized controlled trials in adults evaluating effects of VR compared to non-VR breathing interventions on primary outcomes of mental health (stress, anxiety and mood), and secondary outcomes of physiological stress measures (e.g., heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV)). Within these selected studies, we explored differences in likeability and future use between VR and non-VR breathing interventions. 2.848 records were identified of which 65 full-text articles were assessed. Six RCTs were included, of which five were suitable for meta-analyses. Comparing VR to non-VR breathing interventions, there were no significant differences in overall mental health, stress, anxiety or mood, nor in HR or HRV. There was no evidence that participants liked VR breathing interventions more than non-VR, nor would use them more in the future. These results suggest that there is no evidence that VR breathing interventions are more effective than non-VR in improving mental health outcomes, HR, HRV. Further research is required to determine whether there may be advantages to longer-term VR-implementation and practice, and explore possible mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Cortez-Vázquez
- Department of Health Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Adriaanse
- Department of Health Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Raymond Ostelo
- Department of Health Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC location, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Georgia Panayiotou
- Department of Psychology and Center for Applied Neuroscience, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Elke Vlemincx
- Department of Health Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Health Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Mitsea E, Drigas A, Skianis C. Digitally Assisted Mindfulness in Training Self-Regulation Skills for Sustainable Mental Health: A Systematic Review. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:1008. [PMID: 38131865 PMCID: PMC10740653 DOI: 10.3390/bs13121008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased demand for mental health interventions, with a special focus on digitally assisted ones. Self-regulation describes a set of meta-skills that enable one to take control over his/her mental health and it is recognized as a vital indicator of well-being. Mindfulness training is a promising training strategy for promoting self-regulation, behavioral change, and mental well-being. A growing body of research outlines that smart technologies are ready to revolutionize the way mental health training programs take place. Artificial intelligence (AI); extended reality (XR) including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR); as well as the advancements in brain computer interfaces (BCIs) are ready to transform these mental health training programs. Mindfulness-based interventions assisted by smart technologies for mental, emotional, and behavioral regulation seem to be a crucial yet under-investigated issue. The current systematic review paper aims to explore whether and how smart technologies can assist mindfulness training for the development of self-regulation skills among people at risk of mental health issues as well as populations with various clinical characteristics. The PRISMA 2020 methodology was utilized to respond to the objectives and research questions using a total of sixty-six experimental studies that met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that digitally assisted mindfulness interventions supported by smart technologies, including AI-based applications, chatbots, virtual coaches, immersive technologies, and brain-sensing headbands, can effectively assist trainees in developing a wide range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral self-regulation skills, leading to a greater satisfaction of their psychological needs, and thus mental wellness. These results may provide positive feedback for developing smarter and more inclusive training environments, with a special focus on people with special training needs or disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Mitsea
- Net Media Lab & Mind & Brain R&D, Institute of Informatics & Telecommunications, National Centre of Scientific Research ‘Demokritos’ Athens, Agia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece;
- Department of Information and Communication Systems Engineering, University of Aegean, 82300 Mytilene, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Drigas
- Net Media Lab & Mind & Brain R&D, Institute of Informatics & Telecommunications, National Centre of Scientific Research ‘Demokritos’ Athens, Agia Paraskevi, 15341 Athens, Greece;
| | - Charalabos Skianis
- Department of Information and Communication Systems Engineering, University of Aegean, 82300 Mytilene, Greece;
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Wiebe A, Kannen K, Selaskowski B, Mehren A, Thöne AK, Pramme L, Blumenthal N, Li M, Asché L, Jonas S, Bey K, Schulze M, Steffens M, Pensel MC, Guth M, Rohlfsen F, Ekhlas M, Lügering H, Fileccia H, Pakos J, Lux S, Philipsen A, Braun N. Virtual reality in the diagnostic and therapy for mental disorders: A systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2022; 98:102213. [PMID: 36356351 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virtual reality (VR) technologies are playing an increasingly important role in the diagnostics and treatment of mental disorders. OBJECTIVE To systematically review the current evidence regarding the use of VR in the diagnostics and treatment of mental disorders. DATA SOURCE Systematic literature searches via PubMed (last literature update: 9th of May 2022) were conducted for the following areas of psychopathology: Specific phobias, panic disorder and agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, dementia disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and addiction disorders. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA To be eligible, studies had to be published in English, to be peer-reviewed, to report original research data, to be VR-related, and to deal with one of the above-mentioned areas of psychopathology. STUDY EVALUATION For each study included, various study characteristics (including interventions and conditions, comparators, major outcomes and study designs) were retrieved and a risk of bias score was calculated based on predefined study quality criteria. RESULTS Across all areas of psychopathology, k = 9315 studies were inspected, of which k = 721 studies met the eligibility criteria. From these studies, 43.97% were considered assessment-related, 55.48% therapy-related, and 0.55% were mixed. The highest research activity was found for VR exposure therapy in anxiety disorders, PTSD and addiction disorders, where the most convincing evidence was found, as well as for cognitive trainings in dementia and social skill trainings in autism spectrum disorder. CONCLUSION While VR exposure therapy will likely find its way successively into regular patient care, there are also many other promising approaches, but most are not yet mature enough for clinical application. REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO register CRD42020188436. FUNDING The review was funded by budgets from the University of Bonn. No third party funding was involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Wiebe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kyra Kannen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Benjamin Selaskowski
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Aylin Mehren
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Thöne
- School of Child and Adolescent Cognitive Behavior Therapy (AKiP), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lisa Pramme
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nike Blumenthal
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Mengtong Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Laura Asché
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stephan Jonas
- Institute for Digital Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katharina Bey
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marcel Schulze
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Maria Steffens
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Max Christian Pensel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Guth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Felicia Rohlfsen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Mogda Ekhlas
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Helena Lügering
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Helena Fileccia
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Julian Pakos
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Silke Lux
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexandra Philipsen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Niclas Braun
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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Luo L, Zou R, Yang D, Yuan J. Awe experience trigged by fighting against COVID-19 promotes prosociality through increased feeling of connectedness and empathy. THE JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2022.2131607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Li Luo
- The Affect Cognition and Regulation Laboratory (ACRLab), Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China 610066
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China 400715
- The Department of Education Science, Neijiang Normal University, Neijiang, China 641112
| | - Rong Zou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Sport Training and Monitoring, Department of Psychology, College of Health Science, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, China 430079
| | - Dong Yang
- The Affect Cognition and Regulation Laboratory (ACRLab), Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China 610066
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China 400715
| | - Jiajin Yuan
- The Affect Cognition and Regulation Laboratory (ACRLab), Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China 610066
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China 400715
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Ma J, Zhao D, Xu N, Yang J. The Effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) Based Mindfulness Training on Improvement Mental-Health in Adults: A Narrative Systematic Review. Explore (NY) 2022; 19:310-318. [PMID: 36002363 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In recent years, digital techniques, such as virtual reality (VR) has been employed in tandem with more traditional psychological interventions. The aim of this study is to investigate whether VR-based mindfulness training can improve mental health outcomes, and notably mindfulness levels amongst adults. In addition, this review seeks to summarise the various designed VR scenarios, as well as those elements around VR that may assist people in practising mindfulness and meditation. METHODS The search for eligible studies for inclusion was conducted via the following databases: the Applied Social Science Index & Abstract (ASSIA), PsychINFO, Medline, EMBASE, and the Web-of-Science Core Collection. Only experimental studies were eligible for inclusion, and specifically, those that compared the effectiveness of mindfulness training using immersive VR (on the one hand) with a control condition. RESULTS This search generated 2523 articles published between 2016 and 2022, and of these, 106 were assessed for eligibility. This review included seven studies, with a collective total of 798 participants. VR-based mindfulness training has been shown to be more effective than conventional mindfulness - it improves levels of mindfulness and meditation experience; but also shown to reduce anxiety, depression, improve sleep quality, emotion regulation, and generate mood improvement. VR-based mindfulness training frequently contains natural 'environmentally relevant' elements, such as forest, grassland, caves, sea, etc. CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that using VR to assist mindfulness training is an effective and innovative way to improve mental health conditions within the adult population. Further directions and limitations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingni Ma
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Dongrong Zhao
- Lanzhou Third People's Hospital, No. 130, Jianlan New Village, Qilihe District, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Naihong Xu
- Lanzhou Third People's Hospital, No. 130, Jianlan New Village, Qilihe District, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Jinmei Yang
- Lanzhou Third People's Hospital, Administration Building, No. 130, Jianlan New Village, Qilihe, Lanzhou, China.
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Mediating Mindfulness-Based Interventions with Virtual Reality in Non-Clinical Populations: The State-of-the-Art. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10071220. [PMID: 35885747 PMCID: PMC9316803 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10071220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness is one of the most popular psychotherapeutic techniques that help to promote good mental and physical health. Combining mindfulness with immersive virtual reality (VR) has been proven to be especially effective for a wide range of mood disorders for which traditional mindfulness has proven valuable. However, the vast majority of immersive VR-enhanced mindfulness applications have focused on clinical settings, with little evidence on healthy subjects. This narrative review evaluates the real effectiveness of state-of-the-art mindfulness interventions mediated by VR systems in influencing mood and physiological status in non-clinical populations. Only studies with an RCT study design were considered. We conclude that most studies were characterized by one single meditation experience, which seemed sufficient to induce a significant reduction in negative mood states (anxiety, anger, depression, tension) combined with increased mindfulness skills. However, physiological correlates of mindfulness practices have scarcely been investigated. The application of VR-enhanced mindfulness-based interventions in non-clinical populations is in its infancy since most studies have several limitations, such as the poor employment of the RCT study design, the lack of physiological measurements (i.e., heart rate variability), as well as the high heterogeneity in demographical data, technological devices, and VR procedures. We thus concluded that before applying mindfulness interventions mediated by VR in clinical populations, more robust and reliable methodological procedures need to be defined.
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Virtual Reality (VR) Technology for Treatment of Mental Health Problems during COVID-19: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095389. [PMID: 35564784 PMCID: PMC9102209 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There was a surge in psychological distress and emotional burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual reality (VR) is helpful as a psychological intervention whilst maintaining physical or social distancing. The present systematic review assessed the role of VR as a psychological intervention tool for mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a systematic review that followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. This study used the search-related terms: (Virtual reality OR simulated-3D-environment OR VR) AND (covid! or corona!) AND (mental* OR psychologic* OR well* OR health*) AND (intervention) on six databases, i.e., MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Ovid Medline, EMBASE, ACM digital library, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from the inception date until 23 June 2021. We finally included four studies in the systematic review out of the 379 references imported for screening. These studies reveal that VR is beneficial as a psychological tool for intervention in individuals with mental health problems. Immersed in the telepresence, interacting in a 3-D format compared to a 2-D layout, having a sense of enjoyment and engagement, activating an affective-motivational state, “escaping” to a virtual from the real world are pivotal faucets of VR as a psychological tool for intervention.
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Hatta MH, Sidi H, Sharip S, Das S, Saini SM. The Role of Virtual Reality as a Psychological Intervention for Mental Health Disturbances during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042390. [PMID: 35206578 PMCID: PMC8872329 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic spread throughout the world and created many problems. The COVID-19 pandemic caused an increase in mortality and morbidity, including mental health problems. Around the world, the movement control order (MCO) was strictly enforced, but the spread of the infection epidemic was still rampant. The magnitude of the increase in mental health illnesses has caused many individuals to suffer. Given that face-to-face interventions are challenging to carry out during an outbreak, we need to address this critical problem through an online approach, such as virtual reality (VR). This approach is vital to helping patients deal with their existing problems in more pragmatic, practical, and customer-friendly ways. Thus, in the present review, we proposed the development of a virtual digital device for this noble purpose. Various challenges, improvements, and expectations for VR applications were outlined and discussed in this narrative review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Hizri Hatta
- Department of Psychiatry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (M.H.H.); (H.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Hatta Sidi
- Department of Psychiatry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (M.H.H.); (H.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Shalisah Sharip
- Department of Psychiatry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (M.H.H.); (H.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Srijit Das
- Department of Human & Clinical Anatomy, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Al Khoud, Muscat 123, Oman;
| | - Suriati Mohamed Saini
- Department of Psychiatry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (M.H.H.); (H.S.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-391456035
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Pallavicini F, Pepe A, Clerici M, Mantovani F. Virtual Reality Applications in Medicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review (Preprint). JMIR Serious Games 2021; 10:e35000. [PMID: 36282554 PMCID: PMC9605086 DOI: 10.2196/35000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Virtual reality can play an important role during the COVID-19 pandemic in the health care sector. This technology has the potential to supplement the traditional in-hospital medical training and treatment, and may increase access to training and therapies in various health care settings. Objective This systematic review aimed to describe the literature on health care–targeted virtual reality applications during the COVID-19 crisis. Methods We conducted a systematic search of the literature on the PsycINFO, Web of Science, and MEDLINE databases, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The search string was as follows: “[(virtual reality)] AND [(COVID-19) OR (coronavirus) OR (SARS-CoV-2) OR (healthcare)].” Papers published in English after December 2019 in peer-reviewed journals were selected and subjected to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. We used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool to assess the quality of studies and the risk of bias. Results Thirty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Seventeen studies showed the usefulness of virtual reality during the COVID-19 crisis for reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and pain, and promoting physical activity. Twenty-two studies revealed that virtual reality was a helpful learning and training tool during the COVID-19 crisis in several areas, including emergency medicine, nursing, and pediatrics. This technology was also used as an educational tool for increasing public understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic. Different levels of immersion (ie, immersive and desktop virtual reality), types of head-mounted displays (ie, PC-based, mobile, and standalone), and content (ie, 360° videos and photos, virtual environments, virtual reality video games, and embodied virtual agents) have been successfully used. Virtual reality was helpful in both face-to-face and remote trials. Conclusions Virtual reality has been applied frequently in medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, with positive effects for treating several health conditions and for medical education and training. Some barriers need to be overcome for the broader adoption of virtual reality in the health care panorama. Trial Registration International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY) INPLASY202190108; https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2021-9-0108/
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Pallavicini
- Department of Human Sciences for Education, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
- Gamers VR Lab, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pepe
- Department of Human Sciences for Education, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
- Gamers VR Lab, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Clerici
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Mantovani
- Department of Human Sciences for Education, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
- Gamers VR Lab, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
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Kaplan-Rakowski R, Johnson KR, Wojdynski T. The impact of virtual reality meditation on college students’ exam performance. SMART LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS 2021; 8:21. [PMCID: PMC8520331 DOI: 10.1186/s40561-021-00166-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Advocates of meditation claim that it can improve various aspects of life, including health, attention, thinking, and learning. The purpose of this empirical, quantitative, between-subject study was twofold. First, it compared the effectiveness of meditation delivered through virtual reality versus video, as measured by students’ test scores. Second, the study provided insights on the use of meditation, whether via virtual reality or video, as a way to positively affect well-being. T-test analysis showed virtual reality meditation to be significantly more beneficial than video meditation. Students reported that meditation techniques delivered using either medium to be helpful in decreasing their pre-exam anxiety. This study has practical implications and offers evidence on the beneficial impact of VR meditation on students’ exam performance and anxiety levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Kaplan-Rakowski
- Department of Learning Technologies, College of Information, University of North Texas, 3940 N. Elm Street, G159, Denton, TX 76207 USA
| | - Karen R. Johnson
- Department of Learning Technologies, College of Information, University of North Texas, 3940 N. Elm Street, G150, Denton, TX 76207 USA
| | - Tomasz Wojdynski
- School of Banking and Management in Cracow, Aleja Kijowska 14, 30-079 Kraków, Poland
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