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Bai Z, Zhang S. Effects of different natural soundscapes on human psychophysiology in national forest park. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17462. [PMID: 39075109 PMCID: PMC11286786 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67812-1] [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] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Most of the current soundscape research content is limited to the discussion of the restoration effect of single-element soundscapes, but it is the combination of sounds that is common in outdoor activities, and there is no evidence that the restoration of natural soundscapes is better with multi-element combinations. In this study, the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China was used as the research object, and the physiological indices of the subjects were collected through electroencephalogram signals, and the POMS short-form psychological scale was used to understand the subjective psychological responses of the subjects to the soundscape. The results showed that (1) The psychophysiological restorative ability of the natural soundscape of the National Forest Park was confirmed, and the subjects' psychological and physiological indices changed significantly and positively after listening to each section of the natural soundscape (p = 0.001). (2) The restorative effect of the multi-natural sound combination was ranked first in the overall ranking of the five natural soundscapes, and the multi-natural sound combination did indeed provide better restorative effects than the single-element sounds. (3) Gender does not usually have a significant effect on the restoration effect, and only Windy Sound among the four single-element nature sound landscapes and one multi-element combination of nature sound landscapes showed a significant gender difference, so in general, the effect of gender on the restoration effect of nature sound landscapes is not significant. In terms of research methodology, this study used cluster analysis to cluster the five types of natural soundscapes according to psychological and physiological recovery ability, and used ridge regression to construct mathematical models of the psychological and physiological recovery of each of the four natural soundscapes. The study of human physiological and psychological recovery from different types of natural soundscapes in China's national forest parks will provide a basis for soundscape planning, design, and policy formulation in national forest parks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengkang Bai
- National Park and Tourism College, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China
| | - Shuangquan Zhang
- National Park and Tourism College, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China.
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Ghanbari M, Dijst M, McCall R, Perchoux C. The use of Virtual Reality (VR) to assess the impact of geographical environments on walking and cycling: a systematic literature review. Int J Health Geogr 2024; 23:15. [PMID: 38851727 PMCID: PMC11162039 DOI: 10.1186/s12942-024-00375-6] [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] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Geographical environments influence people's active mobility behaviors, contributing to their physical and mental health. The use of Virtual Reality (VR) in experimental research can unveil new insights into the relationship between exposure to geographic environments and active mobility behaviors. This systematic review aims to (1) identify environmental attributes investigated in relation with walking and cycling, using VR, (2) assess their impacts on active mobility behaviors and attitudes, and (3) identify research gaps, strengths and limitations in VR-based experimental research. METHODS Articles published between January 2010 and February 2022 within five databases (PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, IEEE Xplore, and Cochrane Library) were explored using three keywords and their synonyms: Virtual Reality, Active mobility behavior, and Geographical environments. Studies focusing on indoor environments, driving simulation, disease-specific groups, non-relevant disciplines (e.g. military, emergency evacuation), VR methodology/software optimization, and those with static participants' involvement were excluded. The full protocol is available from PROSPERO (ID = CRD42022308366). RESULTS Out of 3255 articles, 18 peer-reviewed papers met the selection criteria, mostly focusing on walking (83%). Most studies used head-mounted displays (94%) and relied on convenience sampling (72% below 100 participants). Both static (33%) and dynamic (45%) environmental attributes have been investigated, with only 22% of them simultaneously in the same virtual environment. Greenness and crowd density were the most frequent attributes, rather consistently associated with emotional states and movement behaviors. Few studies have taken into account participant's previous VR experience (33%) and cybersickness (39%) while both are likely to affect an individual's perception and behavior. CONCLUSIONS Future research should explore a broader range of environmental attributes, including static and dynamic ones, as well as a more complex integration of these attributes within a single experiment to mimic the effect of realistic environments on people's active mobility behaviors and attitudes. Larger and more diverse population samples are deemed required to improve result generalizability. Despite methodological challenges, VR emerges as a promising tool to disentangle the effect of complex environments on active mobility behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Ghanbari
- Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER), Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
- University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
| | - Martin Dijst
- Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER), Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Roderick McCall
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Camille Perchoux
- Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER), Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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Taylor A, tom Dieck MC, Jung T, Cho J, Kwon O. XR and mental wellbeing: state of the art and future research directions for the Metaverse. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1360260. [PMID: 38524293 PMCID: PMC10959091 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1360260] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of extant research regarding XR technology and its effect on consumer wellbeing. With the hopes of informing marketing practitioners on XR consumer psychology, in preparation for the Metaverse. Methods To achieve the above aim, two types of analysis took place. Firstly, a bibliometric analysis was conducted which was then followed by a framework-based structured literature review. The latter entailed an analysis of 81 articles evaluated from a positive psychological approach. Findings Following the TCCM framework, the analysis revealed the most common psychological theories demonstrating potential avenues for XR to impact consumer wellbeing. Moreover, researchers found preliminary links between, theory, characteristics, and contexts. Giving a preliminary description of how theory manifests into reality. Finally, the overview of extant literature was used to propose new avenues for future research pertaining to marketing, the Metaverse, and consumer effects. Conclusion In conclusion, the paper provides stakeholder insights which can ensure minimal consumer risk and sustainable use of the XR technology and Metaverse. While addressing the need for more research that uncovers the psychological effects of emerging technologies, so to prepare for the Metaverse. This is especially important when considering the current upsurge of these technologies and the uncertainties associated with their novelty and the idea of an 'always on' consumer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Taylor
- AR and VR Hub, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Timothy Jung
- AR and VR Hub, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- School of Management, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Justin Cho
- AR and VR Hub, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ohbyung Kwon
- School of Management, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Davidov A, Razumnikova O, Bakaev M. Nature in the Heart and Mind of the Beholder: Psycho-Emotional and EEG Differences in Perception of Virtual Nature Due to Gender. Vision (Basel) 2023; 7:vision7020030. [PMID: 37092463 PMCID: PMC10123600 DOI: 10.3390/vision7020030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural environment experiences in virtual reality (VR) can be a feasible option for people unable to connect with real nature. Existing research mostly focuses on health and emotional advantages of the “virtual nature” therapy, but studies of its neuropsychological effects related to visual perception are rare. In our experiment, 20 subjects watched nature-related video content in VR headsets (3D condition) and on a computer screen (2D condition). In addition to the gender factor, we considered the individual Environmental Identity Index (EID) and collected the self-assessment of the emotional state per the components of Valence, Arousal, and Dominance in each experimental condition. Besides the psychometric data, we also registered brainwave activity (EEG) and analyzed it with the 7 frequency bands. For EID, which was considerably higher in women, we found significant positive correlation with Valence (i.e., beneficial effect of the natural stimuli on the psycho-emotional status). At the same time, the analysis of the EEG data suggests a considerable impact of the VR immersion itself, with higher relaxation alpha effect in 3D vs. 2D condition in men. The novel and most pronounced effect of the gender factor was found in the relation between the EID and the EEG powers in the high-frequency bands—that is, positive correlation of these variables in women (0.64 < Rs < 0.74) but negative correlation in men (−0.66 < Rs < −0.72). Our results imply individually different and gender-dependent effects of the natural stimulus in VR. Correspondingly, the video and VR content development should consider this and aim to provide a user characteristics-tailored experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Davidov
- Department of Data Collection and Processing Systems, Novosibirsk State Technical University, 630073 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Olga Razumnikova
- Department of Data Collection and Processing Systems, Novosibirsk State Technical University, 630073 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Maxim Bakaev
- Department of Data Collection and Processing Systems, Novosibirsk State Technical University, 630073 Novosibirsk, Russia
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Lau SSS, Leung SSK, Wong JWC, Lee TCP, Cartwright SR, Wong JTC, Man J, Cheung E, Choi RPW. Brief repeated virtual nature contact for three weeks boosts university students' nature connectedness and psychological and physiological health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A pilot study. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1057020. [PMID: 36711407 PMCID: PMC9878182 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1057020] [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: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated uncertainties and restrictions have adverse impacts on university students' mental wellbeing. Evidence shows that virtual nature contact has mental health benefits. However, little is known about the potential beneficial health impacts of virtual nature contact during times of social distancing, when access to the natural environment is restricted. This pilot study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a 3-week virtual nature contact in improving nature connectedness and reducing psychophysiological stress. A sample of 56 university students in Hong Kong was randomly assigned to control and nature interventions using 2-D video played for 15 min three times a week for 3 weeks. Nature connectedness, perceived restorativeness and psycho-physiological wellbeing were measured. Our findings show significant changes in psychological stress levels after nature interventions compared with the baseline, including increased happiness and stronger emotions of comfort and relaxation. When compared with the control group, the results show the nature intervention group has significantly higher levels of nature connectedness, happiness, and positive affect, but no significant effects on other psychological and physiological variables (e.g., cardiovascular responses). Our preliminary findings highlight the potential use of virtual nature contacts in bolstering university students' wellbeing at times of pandemic or when in-person visit to the natural environment is not feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam S. S. Lau
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,College of International Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Multidisciplinary Research Centre, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Institute of Bioresources and Agriculture, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,*Correspondence: Sam S. S. Lau ✉
| | - Sharron S. K. Leung
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Division of Nursing Education, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jonathan W. C. Wong
- Institute of Bioresources and Agriculture, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Terence C. P. Lee
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,College of International Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stephen R. Cartwright
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,College of International Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Janet T. C. Wong
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jackie Man
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Multidisciplinary Research Centre, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ethan Cheung
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Multidisciplinary Research Centre, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Regene P. W. Choi
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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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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Comparison of the Cardiovascular Effects of Extreme Psychological and Physical Stress Tests in Male Soccer Players. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020715. [PMID: 35055538 PMCID: PMC8775892 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background: The purpose of our study was to compare the physiological effects of extreme physical and psychological stress tests in male soccer players, since these two types of stress apply to athletes with high performance requirements. Methods: A total of 63 healthy male soccer players participated in this study, all of whom underwent both of the tests. A physical stress test was carried out in an exercise physiology laboratory, where subjects completed an incremental treadmill running test to full exhaustion, and a psychological test was performed in a military tactical room, where subjects met a street offence situation. Heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure (BP) were recorded directly before, immediately after, and 30 min after the stress tests. Results: The majority of HRV indices changed significantly in both stress protocols. Inverse, significant changes (positive for the physical test, negative for the psychological test, p < 0.001) were found when comparing the alterations of HRV indices between the tests. Significant differences were found in the changes in systolic (p = 0.003) and diastolic (p < 0.001) BP between the test protocols, and also between the baseline and post-test measurements (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Both HRV and BP are sensitive physiological parameters to measure the impact of extreme physical and/or psychological stress
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Jo SH, Park JS, Yeon PS. The Effect of Forest Video Using Virtual Reality on the Stress Reduction of University Students Focused on C University in Korea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12805. [PMID: 34886531 PMCID: PMC8657194 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to study the effect of forest videos using virtual reality (VR) on the stress of college students. The study subjects were 60 college students who watched two-dimensional (2D) and VR videos, and we compared their control heart rate variability (HRV) and electroencephalogram (EEG). As a result, it was found that the VR group had a positive effect on high frequency (HF), standard deviation of all NN intervals (SDNN), and root-mean-square of successive differences (RMSSD) compared with the control group, and the VR group had a positive effect on HF compared with the 2D group. Second, EEG, a physiological indicator, showed statistical differences in Relative Alpha Power (RA), Relative Beta Power (RB), and Ratio of SMR-Mid Beta to Theta (RSMT) in VR groups in intra-group analysis. Among them, it was investigated that watching forest videos on VR became a state of concentration and immersion due to the increase in RSMT. As a result of the above, it was investigated that forest videos using VR had a positive effect on the physiological stress on college students. Therefore, it is expected that a positive effect will occur if VR is used as an alternative to stress management for college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Hee Jo
- Forest Welfare Research Center, Korea Forest Welfare Institute, Youngju 36043, Korea;
| | - Jin-Seok Park
- Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea;
| | - Poung-Sik Yeon
- Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea;
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