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A Cloud-Based Virtual Reality App for a Novel Telemindfulness Service: Rationale, Design and Feasibility Evaluation.
Imre Cikajlo1, Ursa Cizman Staba1, Suzana Vrhovac1
1University Rehabilitation Institute, Republic of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
JMIR Research Protocols
|June 7, 2017
Summary
This study explored a virtual reality (VR) mindfulness program for stress and anxiety, finding it improved life satisfaction in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The telemindfulness approach showed promise for accessible mental health support.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Psychology
- Digital Health and Telemedicine
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Rising global stress and anxiety, particularly impacting individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Limited access to traditional psychology services due to inconvenience, embarrassment, and stigma.
- Growing interest in drug-free, complementary therapies like mindfulness programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a serious learning-meditation environment utilizing virtual reality (VR).
- To evaluate the feasibility of a cloud-based telemindfulness approach for stress and anxiety reduction.
- To assess the impact of VR mindfulness on patients with TBI and healthy employees.
Main Methods:
- Development of a cloud-based system with a web interface for instructors and VR headsets for remote clients.
- Implementation of an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course within virtual environments.
- Feasibility testing with four TBI patients and four employees, measuring outcomes via psychometric scales (MAAS, SWLS, MMSE) and motion tracking.
Main Results:
- TBI patients reported significantly higher life satisfaction (SWLS) and a slight increase in mindful attention (MAAS).
- Employees maintained high mindful attention (MAAS) and life satisfaction (SWLS), with reduced high-frequency head movements during VR sessions.
- Objective evaluation indicated reduced head motion in both groups during virtual mindfulness practices, especially with 360-degree videos.
Conclusions:
- The VR telemindfulness approach shows potential for accessible stress and anxiety management, particularly for TBI patients.
- Preliminary results suggest feasibility and positive impacts on well-being and mindful attention.
- Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm findings and explore innovative digital health solutions.
