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Fukumoto H, Shimoda M, Hoshino S. The effects of different designs of indoor biophilic greening on psychological and physiological responses and cognitive performance of office workers. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307934. [PMID: 39058729 PMCID: PMC11280145 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Impression on biophilic designs influences the effects of indoor greening. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of different biophilic designs in office rooms on the psychological and physiological responses and the cognitive performance of office workers. Indoor greening rooms with Japanese and tropical designs were used along with the green-free (control) design in this study. The heart rate variability of the participants was not affected by green designs. However, there was improvement in impressions on tropical and Japanese designs in office rooms. In particular, the Japanese design was more effective in decreasing negative emotions than the tropical design. The electroencephalography during 5-min exposure to the greening designs showed limited frequency bands and regions of interest affected by the greenery design. Taken together with the psychological data, indoor greening with the tropical design promoted positive mood states. Meanwhile, indoor greening in the Japanese design, inhibited negative mood states. However, there were no significant differences between the two designs in terms of cognitive task performance. Hence, indoor greening increases neural efficiency during cognitive tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Fukumoto
- Division of Environment Conservation, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Saiwai-cho Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shimoda
- Division of Environment Conservation, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Saiwai-cho Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Saeko Hoshino
- Urban Scape Unit, Green Relation Department, Greeval Co. Ltd., Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Latini A, Marcelli L, Di Giuseppe E, D'Orazio M. Investigating the impact of greenery elements in office environments on cognitive performance, visual attention and distraction: An eye-tracking pilot-study in virtual reality. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2024; 118:104286. [PMID: 38583317 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2024.104286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The human-nature connection is one of the main aspects determining supportive and comfortable office environments. In this context, the application of eye-tracking-equipped Virtual Reality (VR) devices to support an evaluation on the effect of greenery elements indoors on individuals' efficiency and engagement is limited. A new approach to investigate visual attention, distraction, cognitive load and performance in this field is carried out via a pilot-study comparing three virtual office layouts (Indoor Green, Outdoor Green and Non-Biophilic). 63 participants completed cognitive tasks and surveys while measuring gaze behaviour. Sense of presence, immersivity and cybersickness results supported the ecological validity of VR. Visual attention was positively influenced by the proximity of users to the greenery element, while visual distraction from tasks was negatively influenced by the dimension of the greenery. In the presence of greenery elements, lower cognitive loads and more efficient information searching, resulting in improved performance, were also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Latini
- Department of Construction, Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICEA), Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Ludovica Marcelli
- Department of Construction, Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICEA), Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elisa Di Giuseppe
- Department of Construction, Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICEA), Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Marco D'Orazio
- Department of Construction, Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICEA), Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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You J, Wen X, Liu L, Yin J, Ji JS. Biophilic classroom environments on stress and cognitive performance: A randomized crossover study in virtual reality (VR). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291355. [PMID: 37910474 PMCID: PMC10619869 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The emerging Metaverse will likely increase time expenditure in indoor virtual environments, which could impact human health and well-being. The biophilia hypothesis suggests that humans have an innate tendency to seek connections with the natural world and there is increasing evidence that biophilic design such as the incorporation of green plants can yield health benefits. Recently, virtual reality (VR) has been used to regulate stress and improve overall wellness, particularly by incorporating natural settings. In this randomized crossover study, we designed five virtual classroom scenes with different biophilic elements and turbidity in VR and investigated whether the visual stimulations can affect the stress levels and cognitive functions of 30 young adults from a university in China. We measured their physiological indicators of stress reaction by wearable biomonitoring sensors (blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and skin conductance level (SCL)), conducted verbal cognitive tests on attention and creativity, and evaluated subjective/perceived (self-reported) stress levels and connection with nature. Albeit our results suggested no significant change in physiological stress reactions or cognitive functions induced by the biophilic and turbid interventions in VR, the addition of biophilic elements in the Metaverse could benefit students' health due to significantly decreased perceived stress levels and increased connections with nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jicheng You
- Center for the Study of Contemporary China, Duke Kunshan University, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Xinyi Wen
- Center for the Study of Contemporary China, Duke Kunshan University, Jiangsu, China
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Linxin Liu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Yin
- Key Laboratory of Ecology and Energy-Saving Study of Dense Habitat, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - John S. Ji
- Center for the Study of Contemporary China, Duke Kunshan University, Jiangsu, China
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Jiangsu, China
- Environmental Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Jiangsu, China
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Gonçalves G, Sousa C, Fernandes MJ, Almeida N, Sousa A. Restorative Effects of Biophilic Workplace and Nature Exposure during Working Time: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6986. [PMID: 37947544 PMCID: PMC10650875 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20216986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The work environment plays a crucial role in the health and performance of employees. The growing interest in workers' well-being has driven the inclusion of nature in workplaces, despite many employees spending most of their time indoors, away from nature. Studies show that biophilic design in offices can have positive effects and promote workers' well-being. However, research on the beneficial effects of nature exposure in the workplace is limited and scattered. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to consolidate current knowledge on the restorative effects of nature exposure on workers during work activities. Different types of exposure, both outdoors and indoors, were considered, with a focus on outcomes related to well-being, motivation, job satisfaction, and work performance. Out of the initially identified 1225 articles, only 16 met the criteria for analysis. Although the analysed studies provided compelling evidence regarding the restorative effects of nature exposure in the workplace, the review also points out gaps and limitations concerning the number of specific studies in this area and the need to adequately assess the sensory dimensions involved in these effects. Conducting more comprehensive and multidimensional investigations into the impacts of nature on the work environment could contribute to guiding more effective design strategies and creating healthier and more productive workplaces for employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Gonçalves
- Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;
- Centre for Research in Psychology (CIP/UAL), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Cátia Sousa
- Centre for Research in Psychology (CIP/UAL), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Higher School of Management, Hospitality and Tourism, University of Algarve, Campus da Penha, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Maria Jacinta Fernandes
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;
| | - Nuno Almeida
- Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;
- Centre for Research in Psychology (CIP/UAL), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - António Sousa
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Higher Institute of Engineering, University of Algarve, Campus da Penha, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;
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Ríos-Rodríguez ML, Testa Moreno M, Moreno-Jiménez P. Nature in the Office: A Systematic Review of Nature Elements and Their Effects on Worker Stress Response. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2838. [PMID: 37957983 PMCID: PMC10650689 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11212838] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Work-related stress is a significant problem in many work environments and can have negative consequences for both employees and organisations. This review aimed to identify which elements of biophilic design in the workplace affect workers' stress response. To enable this, a literature search was conducted using PsycINFO, Scopus, and Medline. The search was limited to articles published from 2012 to June 2023. This review only integrated quantitative data, incorporating twelve records for qualitative synthesis. The selected studies suggest that strategies such as access to outdoor environments or the creation of outdoor areas are effective in reducing stress in the workplace. If these are not feasible, the examined research advocates the use of virtual means to recreate such relaxation or break spaces. Furthermore, aspects of interest for future research were identified, such as multisensory stimulation, including the sense of smell, the exploration of views with natural elements, the creation of shelters, or the study of biomorphic forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Luisa Ríos-Rodríguez
- Department of Social Psychology, Social Work, Social Services and Social Anthropology, University of Málaga, 29016 Málaga, Spain; (M.T.M.); (P.M.-J.)
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Besa R, Angelo E, Cutroneo A, Frieman A, Paliwal M, Williams D. Effect of Nature-Themed Recharge Room on Healthcare Workers' Level of Stress and Anxiety. J Nurs Adm 2023; 53:481-489. [PMID: 37624810 DOI: 10.1097/nna.0000000000001319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if there is a difference in stress and anxiety before and after the use of the nature-themed recharge room. BACKGROUND Psychological support measures have been noted to be relevant to nurses; however, the effect of the pandemic on the healthcare workers' emotional and psychological well-being led to urgent calls to implement psychological support measures more widely. METHODS The study utilized a 1-group pretest and posttest design. One hundred sixty hospital employees utilized the recharge room, with 131 completed questionnaires counted in the data analysis. Data were collected using the demographic form, Perceived Stress Scale, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS Most participants were between 25 and 35 years old, female, worked the morning shift, had 3 to 5 years of experience, preferred a water feature theme, and used the room for 10 minutes. The mean stress preintervention score was 7.44, and postintervention score was 7.17, with the difference not statistically significant. The mean anxiety preintervention score was 14.17, and postintervention score was 8.48, with the difference statistically significant at a P < 0.05. Females working in the hospital for 1 to 5 years were physicians/residents, nursing support staff, and leaders with the highest mean stress (4-item Perceived Stress Scale) and anxiety (6-item State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) preintervention scores. Comparing the preintervention and postintervention anxiety levels, the highest reduction was noted among females working in the hospital for 1 to 3 years and nursing support staff who have used the room for 5 to 15 minutes with 2 or fewer people. CONCLUSION Organizational leaders should offer psychological support programs, such as the nature-themed recharge room, to help reduce the healthcare workers' stress and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocel Besa
- Author Affiliations: Magnet Program Director (Dr Besa), Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune; and Chief Nursing Officer/Vice President of Nursing (Dr Angelo), Vice President of Support Service Operations (Cutroneo), Chief Wellness Officer (Dr Frieman), Senior Biostatistician at the Institute for Evidence Based Care (Paliwal), and Director of Patient Care (Williams), Hackensack Meridian Health, Edison, New Jersey
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Mostajeran F, Steinicke F, Reinhart S, Stuerzlinger W, Riecke BE, Kühn S. Adding virtual plants leads to higher cognitive performance and psychological well-being in virtual reality. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8053. [PMID: 37198210 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34718-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research has shown the positive effects of exposure to real and virtual nature. To investigate how such benefits might generalize to ever-more-prevalent virtual workplaces, we examined the effects of the absence or presence of virtual plants in an office environment in Virtual Reality (VR) on users' cognitive performance and psychological well-being. The results of our user study with 39 participants show that in the presence of virtual plants, participants performed significantly better in both short-term memory and creativity tasks. Furthermore, they reported higher psychological well-being scores, including positive affect and attentive coping, whilst reporting lower feelings of anger and aggression after exposure to virtual plants in VR. The virtual office with plants was also perceived as more restorative and induced a higher sense of presence. Overall, these results highlight how the presence of virtual plants in VR can have positive influences on users, and therefore, constitute important design considerations when developing future working and learning spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Mostajeran
- Human-Computer Interaction Group, Department of Informatics, Universitāt Hamburg, 22527, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Frank Steinicke
- Human-Computer Interaction Group, Department of Informatics, Universitāt Hamburg, 22527, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Reinhart
- Human-Computer Interaction Group, Department of Informatics, Universitāt Hamburg, 22527, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Stuerzlinger
- VVISE Lab, School of Interactive Arts and Technology, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, V3T 0A3, Canada
| | - Bernhard E Riecke
- iSpace Lab, School of Interactive Arts and Technology, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, V3T 0A3, Canada
| | - Simone Kühn
- Neural Plasticity Group, Clinic and Polyclinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Max Planck-UCL Center for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, 14159, Berlin, Germany
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Zeng X, Luo P, Wang T, Wang H, Shen X. Screening visual environment impact factors and the restorative effect of four visual environment components in large-space alternative care facilities. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2023; 235:110221. [PMID: 36970043 PMCID: PMC10027311 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.110221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Alternative care facilities (ACFs) based on large-space public buildings were widely used early at the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, studies have shown that the indoor spatial environment of ACFs can significantly induce mental health problems among users. Thus, this study hypothesizes that improving the visual environment in the interiors of large-space ACFs may reduce mental health problems among users. To verify this hypothesis, this study used critical analysis to screen the influencing factors and used analytic hierarchy process analysis to determine the weights. Particularly, the analyses were based on ACF research in Wuhan and questionnaire surveys of patients with experience using ACFs. Subsequently, virtual reality experiments were conducted to measure physiological indicators and subjective questionnaire collection based on the orthogonal experimental design of the four screened visual environment components. The results revealed the following related to large-space ACFs: 1) Lifestyle support was the most dominant patient requirement and preference for the visual environment. 2) The visual environment can influence the participants' efficiency of psychological stress relief, emotional regulation, and subjective perception. 3) Different design characteristics of the four visual environment components were causally related to restorative effects. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study analyzing patients' preferences and psychological needs for the visual environment of large-space ACFs and combining subjective and objective measures to investigate the restorative effects of the visual environment. Improving the quality of the visual environment in large-space ACFs presents an effective intervention for alleviating the psychological problems of admitted patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianqi Zeng
- School of Architecture, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
- Key Laboratory of Cold Region Urban and Rural Human Settlement Environment Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Peng Luo
- School of Architecture, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
- Key Laboratory of Cold Region Urban and Rural Human Settlement Environment Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Taiyang Wang
- School of Architecture, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
- Key Laboratory of Cold Region Urban and Rural Human Settlement Environment Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Hao Wang
- School of Architecture, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
- Key Laboratory of Cold Region Urban and Rural Human Settlement Environment Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xiaoying Shen
- School of Architecture, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
- Key Laboratory of Cold Region Urban and Rural Human Settlement Environment Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
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Effects of exposure to immersive computer-generated virtual nature and control environments on affect and cognition. Sci Rep 2023; 13:220. [PMID: 36604527 PMCID: PMC9815073 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26750-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research has shown that exposure to immersive virtual nature environments is able to induce positive affective and physiological effects. However, research on the effects on cognitive performance is scarce. Additionally, the effects of virtual nature exposure compared to a virtual control environment with a comparable amount of virtual objects have not been examined so far. Therefore, we conducted an experiment with 27 participants to study the psychological effects of such exposure. The virtual nature consisted of a 3D model of a typical forest environment, whereas the control environment was an abstract replication of the virtual forest environment. In both environments, a virtual wooden cart was used to transport the users from the start to the end of the virtual road. The typical background noise of moving such a cart was integrated into both environments as well. In addition, the virtual nature environment included typical forest sounds in the background, whereas the control condition did not have such background sounds. Both environments were compared with regard to their effects on cognitive performance (using trail making tests (TMTA, TMTB, and TMTB-A) as well as digit span forward and digit span backward tests), perceived restorativeness, mood, stress, sense of presence, and simulator sickness. The results showed that in comparison to the control environment, exposure to the virtual nature resulted in significantly higher cognitive performance, higher perceived restorativeness, higher positive affect, higher sense of presence, lower perceived stress, and lower simulator sickness.
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Lu Z, Pesarakli H. Seeing Is Believing: Using Eye-Tracking Devices in Environmental Research. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2023; 16:15-52. [PMID: 36254371 DOI: 10.1177/19375867221130806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This article aims to provide methodological guidance for research that uses eye-tracking devices (ETDs) to study environment and behavior relationships. BACKGROUND Vision is an important human sense through which people acquire a large amount of environmental information. ETDs are tools for detecting eye/gaze behaviors, facilitating better understanding about how people collect visual information and how such information is related to emotions and psychological states. However, there is a lack of guidance for the application of ETDs to environment and behavior studies. METHODS A literature review was conducted on articles reporting empirical studies that used ETDs. The data were extracted and compiled, including information such as research questions, research design, types of ETDs, variables measured, types of physical environment (or visual stimuli), stimuli durations, data analysis methods, and so on. RESULTS Fifty articles were identified. The main research topics were related to urban and landscape environments, and architecture and interior spaces. Most of the research designs were experimental or quasi-experimental designs, with a few cross-sectional studies. The majority types of ETDs were screen-based ETDs, followed by mobile ETDs (glasses). Main variables were gaze fixations, fixation durations, and scan paths. Typical types of stimuli included images, videos, virtual reality, and real environments and/or objects. CONCLUSIONS Guidance for eye-tracking research on environment and behavior was developed based on the literature review results, to provide direction for determining research questions, selecting appropriate research designs, establishing participant inclusion and/or excluding criteria, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting research results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Lu
- Department of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Homa Pesarakli
- Department of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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Radhakrishnan U, Chinello F, Koumaditis K. Investigating the effectiveness of immersive VR skill training and its link to physiological arousal. VIRTUAL REALITY 2022; 27:1091-1115. [PMID: 36405878 PMCID: PMC9663202 DOI: 10.1007/s10055-022-00699-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper details the motivations, design, and analysis of a study using a fine motor skill training task in both VR and physical conditions. The objective of this between-subjects study was to (a) investigate the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality for training participants in the 'buzz-wire' fine motor skill task compared to physical training and (b) investigate the link between participants' arousal with their improvements in task performance. Physiological arousal levels in the form of electro-dermal activity (EDA) and ECG (Electrocardiogram) data were collected from 87 participants, randomly distributed across the two conditions. Results indicated that VR training is as good as, or even slightly better than, training in physical training in improving task performance. Moreover, the participants in the VR condition reported an increase in self-efficacy and immersion, while marginally significant differences were observed in the presence and the temporal demand (retrieved from NASA-TLX measurements). Participants in the VR condition showed on average less arousal than those in the physical condition. Though correlation analyses between performance metrics and arousal levels did not depict any statistically significant results, a closer examination of EDA values revealed that participants with lower arousal levels during training, across conditions, demonstrated better improvements in performance than those with higher arousal. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of VR in training and the potential of using arousal and training performance data for designing adaptive VR training systems. This paper also discusses implications for researchers who consider using biosensors and VR for motor skill experiments. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10055-022-00699-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unnikrishnan Radhakrishnan
- Department of Business Development and Technology, Aarhus University, Birk Centerpark 15, 7400 Herning, Denmark
| | - Francesco Chinello
- Department of Business Development and Technology, Aarhus University, Birk Centerpark 15, 7400 Herning, Denmark
| | - Konstantinos Koumaditis
- Department of Business Development and Technology, Aarhus University, Birk Centerpark 15, 7400 Herning, Denmark
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Frigione I, Massetti G, Girondini M, Etzi R, Scurati GW, Ferrise F, Chirico A, Gaggioli A, Gallace A. An Exploratory Study on the Effect of Virtual Environments on Cognitive Performances and Psychophysiological Responses. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2022; 25:666-671. [PMID: 36179069 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2021.0162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Research shows that reduced exposure to natural contexts is associated with an increase in psychophysical disorders. Recent evidence suggests that even a brief experience in natural scenarios can positively affect people's health and well-being. However, natural contexts are not always easily accessible. This study investigates the effects of natural and indoor virtual environments (VREs) on psychophysiological and cognitive responses. Following a within-subject design, 34 healthy participants were exposed to two VREs (i.e., a forest and a living room) in a counterbalanced order through a head-mounted display (Oculus Rift). Participants were asked to explore the scenarios and execute a modified version of the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test. Physiological parameters (heart rate, skin conductance level [SCL], and respiration rate) were recorded during the whole session. After the exposure to VREs, participants filled a set of visual analog scales to rate their subjective experience of presence, relaxation, and stress. Participants reported a higher perceived sense of relaxation in the virtual forest. Moreover, their SCLs were significantly higher in this environment, showing that the forest elicited higher physiological arousal than the living room. Furthermore, their SCLs were significantly higher during the attentional task in the virtual living room. The results suggest that a natural virtual environment can make people feel more relaxed and physiologically engaged than an indoor scenario. The latter instead can be linked to a performing venue, as reported for real contexts. However, these changes were not related to modulations of attentional performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Frigione
- MiBTec-Mind and Behavior Technological Center, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Gemma Massetti
- MiBTec-Mind and Behavior Technological Center, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- NeuroMI-Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Girondini
- MiBTec-Mind and Behavior Technological Center, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Etzi
- MiBTec-Mind and Behavior Technological Center, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- NeuroMI-Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Ferrise
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Chirico
- Research Center in Communication Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Gaggioli
- Research Center in Communication Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
- ATN-P Lab, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Gallace
- MiBTec-Mind and Behavior Technological Center, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- NeuroMI-Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Awada M, Becerik-Gerber B, Lucas G, Roll S. Cognitive performance, creativity and stress levels of neurotypical young adults under different white noise levels. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14566. [PMID: 36028546 PMCID: PMC9418159 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18862-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Noise is often considered a distractor; however recent studies suggest that sub-attentive individuals or individuals diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can benefit from white noise to enhance their cognitive performance. Research regarding the effect of white noise on neurotypical adults presents mixed results, thus the implications of white noise on the neurotypical population remain unclear. Thus, this study investigates the effect of 2 white noise conditions, white noise level at 45 dB and white noise level at 65 dB, on the cognitive performance, creativity, and stress levels of neurotypical young adults in a private office space. These conditions are compared to a baseline condition where participants are exposed to the office ambient noise. Our findings showed that the white noise level at 45 dB resulted in better cognitive performance in terms of sustained attention, accuracy, and speed of performance as well as enhanced creativity and lower stress levels. On the other hand, the 65 dB white noise condition led to improved working memory but higher stress levels, which leads to the conclusion that different tasks might require different noise levels for optimal performance. These results lay the foundation for the integration of white noise into office workspaces as a tool to enhance office workers’ performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Awada
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Burcin Becerik-Gerber
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| | - Gale Lucas
- USC Institute for Creative Technologies, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Shawn Roll
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
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14
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The Advances of Immersive Virtual Reality Interventions for the Enhancement of Stress Management and Relaxation among Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12147309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The rapid changes in human contacts due to the COVID-19 crisis have not only posed a huge burden on the population’s health but may have also increased the demand for evidence-based psychological programs delivered through digital technology. A systematic review, following the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)” guidelines, was therefore conducted to explore the advances in stress management interventions utilizing VR and suggest up-to-date directions for future practice. The relevant literature was screened and the search resulted in 22,312 records, of which 16 studies were considered for analysis. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) was also employed to assess the quality of the included studies. The results suggest that VR-based interventions can facilitate positive changes in subjective stress levels and stress-related biomarkers. However, special attention should be paid to the development of rigorous VR protocols that embrace natural elements and concepts deriving from traditional treatment approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. Overall, this review aims to empower future researchers to grasp the opportunity that the COVID-19 pandemic generated and utilize digital technologies for strengthening individuals’ mental health. Future projects need to conduct large-scale VR studies to evaluate their effectiveness compared to other mental health interventions.
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15
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Biophilic Experience-Based Residential Hybrid Framework. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148512. [PMID: 35886362 PMCID: PMC9320315 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
There has been increasing academic interest in biophilic design in response to recent environmental and climate change issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic. However, discussions of the utilization of digital technology in providing universal access to nature, and opportunities to experience more diverse nature, are lacking. This study aimed to compare and analyze major theoretical systems for biophilic experiences in a residential environment, and to propose a hybrid framework that combines physical and digital design techniques for comparison and analysis. This paper discusses framework application strategies in line with scales of residential environments. Based on a systematic literature review, this study integrated and derived key elements of biophilic experience for a better quality of life in a modern residential environment and proposed a hybrid framework and strategy based on this. As a result, a hybrid framework of 15 integrated factors for three biophilic experiences was derived, and various strengths and potential opportunities were identified in terms of application depending on the scales. At the unit scale, it was found that the well-being and health of residents improved; at the building scale, the potential for sustainability was highlighted; at the complex scale, there was a contribution to higher residential competitiveness in multi-dimensional aspects. In particular, the biophilic experience-based hybrid framework in this study provided insights into addressing the weaknesses and threats discussed in the existing biophilic design.
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16
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Wang M, Liu X, Lai Y, Cao W, Wu Z, Guo X. Application of Neuroscience Tools in Building Construction – An Interdisciplinary Analysis. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:895666. [PMID: 35801176 PMCID: PMC9253515 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.895666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Interdisciplinary integration is a new driving force in development of science and technology. Neuroscience, a powerful tool for studying human physiology and psychology that is greatly interconnected with the field of building construction, has attracted numerous research attention. In this paper, we systematically review the interdisciplinary applications of neuroscience tools using bibliometric methods. We report that the built environment, construction safety, architectural design, and occupational health are the main areas of research attention, while thermal comfort, air quality, hazard recognition, safety training, aesthetic design, and biophilic design, among others, comprise the most frequently studied topics with regards to application of neuroscience tools. Currently, eye tracking and the electroencephalogram are the most commonly used tools in the field of building construction, while functional near-infrared spectroscopy, functional magnetic resonance imaging and trigeminal nerve stimulation are still at their initial stage of application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Wang
- School of Management, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an, China
- Laboratory of Neuromanagement in Engineering, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiaodan Liu
- School of Management, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an, China
- Laboratory of Neuromanagement in Engineering, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an, China
| | - Yu Lai
- School of Management, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an, China
| | - Wenna Cao
- School of Management, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an, China
- Laboratory of Neuromanagement in Engineering, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhiyong Wu
- School of Management, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an, China
- Laboratory of Neuromanagement in Engineering, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiaotong Guo
- School of Management, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an, China
- Laboratory of Neuromanagement in Engineering, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaotong Guo,
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17
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Abstract
Since the COVID-19 crisis has caused the cancellation of a great number of travel plans in the last two years, this study examines the prospects of the post-COVID-19 era, during which we expect tourism will return strongly. The impact of the epidemic on people’s attitudes toward tourism, particularly their tourist choices, appears to be a major challenge for post-COVID-19 international tourism development. Very little is known about tourists’ accommodation preferences during the period emerging after the COVID-19 crisis. With a long and challenging experience of lockdowns, stress, and fear of disease, the current study attempts to examine peoples’ preferences for hotel attributes during the post-COVID-19 era. It examines factors contributing to peoples’ preferences for hotels with biophilic attributes. A total of 507 Iranian undergraduate and graduate students participated in the study. They answered questions on their perceived stress, level of depression, the specific burden of COVID-19, the perceived benefits of nature, and their preferences for biophilic design attributes in their accommodation. The online survey was conducted from August to October 2021. We found that the burden of COVID-19 increased the stress level of the respondents, which consequently increased the chance of depression. We further found that perceived stress and the benefits of nature significantly affect tourists’ preferences for exposure to nature and hotels with biophilic attributes. Based on the data, we suggest that the demand for biophilic buildings will be strongly increased during the post-COVID-19 era.
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18
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Post-Occupancy Evaluation of the Biophilic Design in the Workplace for Health and Wellbeing. BUILDINGS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/buildings12040417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
There is mounting evidence suggesting that workplace design directly connects with workers’ health and wellbeing. Additionally, the personal status of the mind can affect subjective attitudes and feelings towards the environment. In this study, the impacts of biophilic design attributes in offices on workers’ health and wellbeing are examined. A new post-occupancy evaluation (POE) questionnaire is developed for evaluating the biophilic design for workplace health and wellbeing. A questionnaire and field observations of two green building offices in Singapore and Shenzhen, China, are performed. The main obtained results are: (i) the questionnaire results show that the workers have a moderately high evaluation of the biophilic attributes in the workplace for improving health and wellbeing; (ii) there are significant differences between the self-reported health and nature relatedness of various ages and genders. Furthermore, the present study provides designers with new weighted biophilic design guidelines, specifically for workplace design practices.
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Healthy Dwelling: Design of Biophilic Interior Environments Fostering Self-Care Practices for People Living with Migraines, Chronic Pain, and Depression. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042248. [PMID: 35206441 PMCID: PMC8871637 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The benefits of biophilic interior design have been recognized by healthcare facilities, but residential environments receive relatively less attention with respect to improving the health of people living with chronic diseases. Recent “stay-at-home” restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the importance of creating interior spaces that directly and indirectly support physical and mental health. In this viewpoint article, we discuss opportunities for combining biophilic interventions with interior design, fostering disease-specific self-care. We provide examples of designing residential spaces integrating biophilic interventions, light therapy, relaxation opportunities, mindfulness meditation, listening to music, physical activities, aromatherapy, and quality sleep. These modalities can provide the clinical benefits of reducing migraine headaches and chronic pain, as well as improving depressive symptoms. The disease-specific interior environment can be incorporated into residential homes, workplaces, assisted-living residences, hospitals and hospital at home programs. This work aims to promote a cross-disciplinary dialogue towards combining biophilic design and advances in lifestyle medicine to create therapeutic interior environments and to improve healthcare outcomes.
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20
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Saving Species in a Snap: On the Feasibility and Efficacy of Augmented Reality-based Wildlife Interactions for Conservation. J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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21
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Nukarinen T, Rantala J, Korpela K, Browning MH, Istance HO, Surakka V, Raisamo R. Measures and modalities in restorative virtual natural environments: An integrative narrative review. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2021.107008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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22
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Adhyaru JS, Kemp C. Virtual reality as a tool to promote wellbeing in the workplace. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221084473. [PMID: 35284084 PMCID: PMC8905197 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221084473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background NHS staff are disproportionately impacted by workplace stress, threatening not only quality of service delivery, but the sustainability, of this vital healthcare system. There is an urgent need for accessible and cost-effective interventions that promote the wellbeing of this integral workforce. Aim The aim of this study was to explore the potential propensity of a short virtual reality (VR) nature experience, delivered during the workday, to induce positive mood states NHS clinicians. Method NHS clinicians working in a fast-paced trauma service were offered the opportunity to take part in a short virtual reality (VR) relaxation session, during their working day, in which they were able to explore the “Green Meadows” experience available within the Nature Treks application. An indication of physiological arousal (heart rate) was obtained, and subjective measures of emotional state were employed to assess the effect of the intervention on participants’ mood. Further, feedback was gathered to provide an initial indication of the acceptability of the experience. Results Analysis of data from 39 clinicians revealed that, following the VR experience, participants reported significantly increased feelings of happiness (p < 0.001) and relaxation (p < 0.001), and significantly decreased feelings of sadness (p = 0.003), anger (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p < 0.001). No significant differences in reported levels of surprise (p = 0.603) or vigour (p = 0.566) were found. Further, the experience was associated with a significant reduction in heart-rate (p = 0.025), and had high acceptability ratings, despite participants’ varied experience with computers and VR technology. Conclusions The findings of this study indicate that the administration of VR for the promotion of NHS staff wellbeing in the workplace is a potentially fruitful avenue of exploration that warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai Shree Adhyaru
- Children and Young People's Trauma Service, Grenfell Health and Wellbeing Service, London, UK
| | - Charlotte Kemp
- City University, London, UK.,The Fred Company, London, UK
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23
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The Living Space: Psychological Well-Being and Mental Health in Response to Interiors Presented in Virtual Reality. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312510. [PMID: 34886236 PMCID: PMC8656816 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
There has been a recent interest in how architecture affects mental health and psychological well-being, motivated by the fact that we spend the majority of our waking time inside and interacting with built environments. Some studies have investigated the psychological responses to indoor design parameters; for instance, contours, and proposed that curved interiors, when compared to angular ones, were aesthetically preferred and induced higher positive emotions. The present study aimed to systematically examine this hypothesis and further explore the impact of contrasting contours on affect, behavior, and cognition. We exposed 42 participants to four well-matched indoor living rooms under a free-exploration photorealistic virtual reality paradigm. We included style as an explorative second-level variable. Out of the 33 outcome variables measured, and after correcting for false discoveries, only two eventually confirmed differences in the contours analysis, in favor of angular rooms. Analysis of style primarily validated the contrast of our stimulus set, and showed significance in one other dependent variable. Results of additional analysis using the Bayesian framework were in line with those of the frequentist approach. The present results provide evidence against the hypothesis that curvature is preferred, suggesting that the psychological response to contours in a close-to-reality architectural setting could be more complex. This study, therefore, helps to communicate a more complete scientific view on the experience of interior spaces and proposes directions for necessary future research.
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24
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Emotional Responses to the Visual Patterns of Urban Streets: Evidence from Physiological and Subjective Indicators. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189677. [PMID: 34574601 PMCID: PMC8467209 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent progress in the research of people's emotional response to the environment, the built-rather than natural-environment's emotional effects have not yet been thoroughly examined. In response to this knowledge gap, we recruited 26 participants and scrutinized their emotional response to various urban street scenes through an immersive exposure experiment using virtual reality. We utilized new physiological monitoring technologies that enable synchronized observation of the participants' electroencephalography, electrodermal activity, and heart rate, as well as their subjective indicators. With the newly introduced measurement for the global visual patterns of the built environment, we built statistical models to examine people's emotional response to the physical element configuration and color composition of street scenes. We found that more diverse and less fragmented scenes inspired positive emotional feelings. We also found (in)consistency among the physiological and subjective indicators, indicating a potentially interesting neural-physiological interpretation for the classic form-function dichotomy in architecture. Besides the practical implications on promoting physical environment design, this study combined objective physiology-monitoring technology and questionnaire-based research techniques to demonstrate a better approach to quantify environment-emotion relationships.
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25
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Jimenez MP, DeVille NV, Elliott EG, Schiff JE, Wilt GE, Hart JE, James P. Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094790. [PMID: 33946197 PMCID: PMC8125471 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
There is extensive empirical literature on the association between exposure to nature and health. In this narrative review, we discuss the strength of evidence from recent (i.e., the last decade) experimental and observational studies on nature exposure and health, highlighting research on children and youth where possible. We found evidence for associations between nature exposure and improved cognitive function, brain activity, blood pressure, mental health, physical activity, and sleep. Results from experimental studies provide evidence of protective effects of exposure to natural environments on mental health outcomes and cognitive function. Cross-sectional observational studies provide evidence of positive associations between nature exposure and increased levels of physical activity and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, and longitudinal observational studies are beginning to assess long-term effects of nature exposure on depression, anxiety, cognitive function, and chronic disease. Limitations of current knowledge include inconsistent measures of exposure to nature, the impacts of the type and quality of green space, and health effects of duration and frequency of exposure. Future directions include incorporation of more rigorous study designs, investigation of the underlying mechanisms of the association between green space and health, advancement of exposure assessment, and evaluation of sensitive periods in the early life-course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia P. Jimenez
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
- Correspondence: (M.P.J.); (N.V.D.)
| | - Nicole V. DeVille
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (E.G.E.); (J.E.H.)
- Correspondence: (M.P.J.); (N.V.D.)
| | - Elise G. Elliott
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (E.G.E.); (J.E.H.)
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (J.E.S.); (G.E.W.)
| | - Jessica E. Schiff
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (J.E.S.); (G.E.W.)
| | - Grete E. Wilt
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (J.E.S.); (G.E.W.)
| | - Jaime E. Hart
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (E.G.E.); (J.E.H.)
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (J.E.S.); (G.E.W.)
| | - Peter James
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (E.G.E.); (J.E.H.)
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (J.E.S.); (G.E.W.)
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Abstract
Biophilic design as a new design approach promotes the integration of natural elements into the built environment, leading to a significant impact on human health, well-being, and productivity. On the other hand, scholars have explored Virtual Environment (VE) to create virtual nature and provide a complex experience of exposure to natural elements virtually. However, there is a lack of understanding about such studies in general, which use VE as a reliable tool to support biophilic design. Thus, the authors conducted a literature review on the applications, capabilities, and limitations of VE for biophilic design. The literature review shows that VE is capable of supporting critical features of biophilic design studies such as representing combinations of biophilic patterns, providing multimodal sensory inputs, simulating stress induction tasks, supporting required exposure time to observe biophilic patterns, and measuring human’s biological responses to natural environment. However, factors affecting user’s experience of a virtual biophilic environment exist, such as VE experience dimensions, user-related factors, cybersickness, navigational issues, and possible limitations of VE sensory input. Overall, biophilic design studies in VEs are still limited. Nevertheless, there are many opportunities for further research in this field.
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27
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MacNaughton P, Woo M, Tinianov B, Boubekri M, Satish U. Economic implications of access to daylight and views in office buildings from improved productivity. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/jasp.12764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Piers MacNaughton
- Department of Environmental Health Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston MA USA
- View Inc Milpitas CA USA
| | | | | | - Mohamed Boubekri
- School of Architecture University of Illinois Urbana‐Champaign Champaign IL USA
| | - Usha Satish
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences SUNY Upstate Medical School Syracuse NY USA
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28
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The Relationship between Nature Deprivation and Individual Wellbeing across Urban Gradients under COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041511. [PMID: 33562586 PMCID: PMC7915014 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Lockdown aiming at slowing COVID-19 transmission has altered nature accessibility patterns, creating quasi-experimental conditions to assess if retracted nature contact and perceived nature deprivation influence physical and emotional wellbeing. We measure through on-line survey methods (n = 529) how pandemic mandates limiting personal movement and outdoor nature access within the United States affect self-assessed nature exposure, perceived nature deprivation, and subsequent flourishing as measured by the Harvard Flourishing Index. Results indicate that perceived nature deprivation strongly associates with local nature contact, time in nature, and access to municipal nature during the pandemic, after controlling for lockdown mandates, job status, household composition, and sociodemographic variables. Our hypothesis is that individuals with strong perceived nature deprivation under COVID-19 leads to diminished wellbeing proved true. Interaction models of flourishing showed positive modification of nature affinity with age and qualitative modification of nature deprivation with race. Our results demonstrate the potential of local nature contact to support individual wellbeing in a background context of emotional distress and social isolation, important in guiding public health policies beyond pandemics.
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29
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Kim H, Kim YS, Mahmood M, Kwon S, Epps F, Rim YS, Yeo WH. Wireless, continuous monitoring of daily stress and management practice via soft bioelectronics. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 173:112764. [PMID: 33190046 PMCID: PMC8093317 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Stress has become a significant factor, directly affecting human health. Due to the numerous sources of stress that are inevitable in daily life, effective management of stress is essential to maintain a healthy life. Recent advancements in wearable devices allow monitoring stress levels via the detection of galvanic skin response on the skin. Some of these devices show the capability of assessing stress relief methods. However, prior works have been limited in a controlled laboratory setting with a short period assessment (<1 h) of stress intervention. The existing systems' main issues include motion artifacts and discomfort caused by rigid and bulky electronics and mandatory device connection on active fingers. Here, we introduce soft, wireless, skin-like electronics (SKINTRONICS) that offers continuous, portable daily stress and management practice monitoring. The ultrathin, lightweight, all-in-one device captures the change of a subject's stress over six continuous hours during everyday activities, including desk work, cleaning, and resting. At the same time, the SKINTRONICS proves that typical stress alleviation methods (mindfulness and meditation) can reduce stress levels, even in the middle of the day, which is supported by statistical analysis. The low-profile, wireless, gel-free device shows enhanced breathability and minimized motion artifacts compared to a commercial stress monitor. Collectively, this study shows the first demonstration of soft, nanomembrane bioelectronics for long-term, continuous assessment of stress and intervention effectiveness throughout daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hojoong Kim
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; Department of Intelligent Mechatronics Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Soung Kim
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Musa Mahmood
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Shinjae Kwon
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Fayron Epps
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - You Seung Rim
- Department of Intelligent Mechatronics Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea.
| | - Woon-Hong Yeo
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; Center for Human-Centric Interfaces and Engineering, Neural Engineering Center, Institute for Materials, Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
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30
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Putrino D, Ripp J, Herrera JE, Cortes M, Kellner C, Rizk D, Dams-O'Connor K. Multisensory, Nature-Inspired Recharge Rooms Yield Short-Term Reductions in Perceived Stress Among Frontline Healthcare Workers. Front Psychol 2020; 11:560833. [PMID: 33329188 PMCID: PMC7714047 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.560833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We are currently facing global healthcare crisis that has placed unprecedented stress on healthcare workers as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is imperative that we develop novel tools to assist healthcare workers in dealing with the significant additional stress and trauma that has arisen as a result of the pandemic. Based in research on the effects of immersive environments on mood, a neuroscience research laboratory was rapidly repurposed using commercially available technologies and materials to create a nature-inspired relaxation space. Frontline healthcare workers were invited to book 15-min experiences in the Recharge Room before, during or after their shifts, where they were exposed to the immersive, multisensory experience 496 Recharge Room users (out of a total of 562) completed a short survey about their experience during an unselected, consecutive 14-day period. Average self-reported stress levels prior to entering the Recharge Room were 4.58/6 (±1.1). After a single 15-min experience in the Recharge Room, the average user-reported stress level was significantly reduced 1.85/6 (±1.2; p < 0.001; paired t-test). Net Promoter Score for the experience was 99.3%. Recharge Rooms such as those described here produce significant short-term reductions in perceived stress, and users find them highly enjoyable. These rooms may be of general utility in high-stress healthcare environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Putrino
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jonathan Ripp
- Office of Well-Being and Resilience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Joseph E Herrera
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mar Cortes
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christopher Kellner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Dahlia Rizk
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kristen Dams-O'Connor
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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Roskams M, Haynes B. A randomised field experiment to test the restorative properties of purpose-built biophilic “regeneration pods”. JOURNAL OF CORPORATE REAL ESTATE 2020. [DOI: 10.1108/jcre-05-2020-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
There has been limited investigation into how “biophilic design” (i.e. the integration of nature within the built environment) can be effectively used within the workplace to facilitate the process of psychological restoration. The purpose of this study was to focus, in particular, on the effectiveness of biophilic “restoration pods” in promoting recovery from stress.
Design/methodology/approach
A randomised field experiment was conducted. A total of 32 employees from a participating organisation completed two tests replicating typical office work (proofreading and arithmetic) and subjective ratings of stress, anxiety and task-load both before and after a 10-minute micro-break, taken in either the regeneration pods (treatment group) or an ordinary meeting room (control group).
Findings
The results showed that participants who took their break in the regeneration pod reported lower post-break anxiety and perceived task-load, and higher post-break arithmetic task performance, than the control group.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that purpose-built spaces for restoration within office buildings will be effective for helping employees to proactively manage their stress levels while at work. Biophilic design principles will enhance the effectiveness of these spaces, and this does not necessarily need to involve direct exposure to plants or views of nature.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first randomised field experiment to test the effectiveness of a purpose-built space for restoration within offices. Additionally, this paper explores different forms of biophilic design than previous studies.
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Naylor M, Ridout B, Campbell A. A Scoping Review Identifying the Need for Quality Research on the Use of Virtual Reality in Workplace Settings for Stress Management. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2020; 23:506-518. [PMID: 32486836 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2019.0287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Workplace stress management is a growing problem that can have significant mental health and financial impact for workers and their employers. There is a growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of Virtual Reality (VR) treatments for stress and anxiety, however no reviews of VR to date have looked specifically into the use of VR for this purpose in the workplace. This scoping review aimed to identify available evidence in this environment (i.e., workplace) and investigate whether using VR might reduce workplace stress levels. The academic databases, CINAHL, Medline, Proquest, PsychINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched using terms focused on VR, stress or relaxation, and workplaces. Results from the articles reviewed demonstrate a wide variety of study designs and techniques, with a general indication that the interventions reduce stress. Commonalities, differences, and levels of workplace focus are examined. Areas for future studies are highlighted, and the importance of the unique contribution VR can make to stress management in the workplace is identified as a gap in the research to be filled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Naylor
- Cyberpsychology Research Group Faculty of Medicine & Health Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brad Ridout
- Cyberpsychology Research Group Faculty of Medicine & Health Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew Campbell
- Cyberpsychology Research Group Faculty of Medicine & Health Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Joseph A, Browning MHEM, Jiang S. Using Immersive Virtual Environments (IVEs) to Conduct Environmental Design Research: A Primer and Decision Framework. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2020; 13:11-25. [PMID: 32436436 DOI: 10.1177/1937586720924787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We propose a methodological framework to use immersive virtual environments (IVEs) in head-mounted displays for environmental design research. BACKGROUND IVEs offer researchers with experimental control and realistic representations of environments with high levels of ecological validity. IVEs are also increasingly being used to visualize proposed designs. Despite these tremendous benefits, IVEs are underutilized in environmental design research. We are unaware of preexisting frameworks that synthesize the methodological decisions related to the use of IVEs to conduct environmental design research. METHODS/RESULTS We define the concepts necessary to conduct IVE research (virtual reality [VR], IVEs, ecological validity, visual realism, behavioral realism, and contextual realism). We also summarize the available study designs (correlational studies, experimental studies, and performance evaluations) and software systems used to create IVEs. We conclude with a conceptual framework that describes how research questions and study designs inform IVE selection and ecological validity. This framework is accompanied by a workflow that operationalizes the creation and use of IVEs in research. CONCLUSIONS VR provides a robust and innovative research strategy for environmental design research because of its high degree of experimental control, rich data collection options, and opportunities for systematic evaluation of alternative design configurations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Joseph
- Center for Health Facilities Design and Testing, School of Architecture, Clemson University, SC, USA
| | | | - Shan Jiang
- School of Design and Community Development, Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
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The Impact of Optimized Daylight and Views on the Sleep Duration and Cognitive Performance of Office Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17093219. [PMID: 32384634 PMCID: PMC7246601 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17093219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A growing awareness has recently emerged on the health benefits of exposure to daylight and views. Daylight exposure is linked to circadian rhythm regulation, which can have significant impacts on sleep quality and cognitive function. Views of nature have also been shown to impact emotional affect and performance. This study explores the impact of optimized daylight and views on the sleep and cognitive performance of office workers. Thirty knowledge workers spent one week working in each of two office environments with identical layouts, furnishings, and orientations; however, one was outfitted with electrochromic glass and the other with traditional blinds, producing lighting conditions of 40.6 and 316 equivalent melanopic lux, respectively. Participants in the optimized daylight and views condition slept 37 min longer as measured by wrist-worn actigraphs and scored 42% higher on cognitive simulations designed to test their higher order decision-making performance. Both sleep and cognitive function were impacted after one day in the space, yet the impacts became more significant over the course of the week. The positive effect of optimized daylight and views on cognitive function was comparable for almost all participants, while increases in sleep duration were significantly greater for those with the lowest baseline sleep duration. This study stresses the significance of designing with daylight in order to optimize the sleep quality and performance of office workers.
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Yin J, Yuan J, Arfaei N, Catalano PJ, Allen JG, Spengler JD. Effects of biophilic indoor environment on stress and anxiety recovery: A between-subjects experiment in virtual reality. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 136:105427. [PMID: 31881421 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated the positive associations between outdoor nature contact and stress reduction. However, similar effects of incorporating natural elements into indoor environment (i.e. biophilic design) have been less well studied. We hypothesize that exposure to biophilic indoor environments help people recover from stress and anxiety and those effects differ among different types of biophilic elements. To test these hypotheses, we conducted a between-subjects experiment with 100 participants using virtual reality (VR). Participants were randomly assigned to experience one of four virtual offices (i.e. one non-biophilic base office and three similar offices enhanced with different biophilic design elements) after stressor tasks. Their physiological indicators of stress reaction, including heart rate variability, heart rate, skin conductance level and blood pressure, were measured by bio-monitoring sensors. Their anxiety level was measured by using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory test (short version). We found that participants in biophilic indoor environments had consistently better recovery responses after stressor compare to those in the non-biophilic environment, in terms of reduction on stress and anxiety. Effects on physiological responses are immediate after exposure to biophilic environments with the larger impacts in the first four minutes of the 6-minute recovery process. Additionally, these restorative effects differ among three different types of indoor biophilic environments. This research provides evidence that biophilic design elements that impact stress recovery and anxiety. It also demonstrated the potential that virtual reality may be a way to bring nature and its therapeutic benefits to patients in hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yin
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Population Health Sciences Program, Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Jing Yuan
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nastaran Arfaei
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paul J Catalano
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph G Allen
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John D Spengler
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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36
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Holder TRN, Gruen ME, Roberts DL, Somers T, Bozkurt A. A Systematic Literature Review of Animal-Assisted Interventions in Oncology (Part II): Theoretical Mechanisms and Frameworks. Integr Cancer Ther 2020; 19:1534735420943269. [PMID: 32698731 PMCID: PMC7378713 DOI: 10.1177/1534735420943269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) can improve patients' quality of life as complementary medical treatments. Part I of this 2-paper systematic review focused on the methods and results of cancer-related AAIs; Part II discusses the theories of the field's investigators. Researchers cite animal personality, physical touch, physical movement, distraction, and increased human interaction as sources of observed positive outcomes. These mechanisms then group under theoretical frameworks such as the social support hypothesis or the human-animal bond concept to fully explain AAI in oncology. The cognitive activation theory of stress, the science of unitary human beings, and the self-object hypothesis are additional frameworks mentioned by some researchers. We also discuss concepts of neurobiological transduction connecting mechanisms to AAI benefits. Future researchers should base study design on theories with testable hypotheses and use consistent terminology to report results. This review aids progress toward a unified theoretical framework and toward more holistic cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy R. N. Holder
- University of North Carolina, Chapel
Hill, NC, USA
- North Carolina State University,
Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Alper Bozkurt
- University of North Carolina, Chapel
Hill, NC, USA
- North Carolina State University,
Raleigh, NC, USA
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