Virtual reality relaxation for the general population: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences
• Psychology
• Technology Integration

Background:

• Modern lifestyles limit opportunities for relaxation, despite its restorative health benefits.
• Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive experiences in calming virtual environments via head-mounted displays (HMDs).
• VR shows potential as an accessible tool for stress reduction and promoting public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of VR interventions for promoting relaxation.
• To evaluate VR's application in enhancing relaxation for the general population.
• To synthesize evidence from studies utilizing HMD technology for relaxation.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase, and MEDLINE databases up to June 2020.
• Inclusion criteria: studies using HMDs to present virtual environments for relaxation or related variables.
• Methodological quality assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool.

Main Results:

• Nineteen studies (1278 participants, 2007-2020) met inclusion criteria; thirteen were controlled.
• Predominant use of natural audio-visual stimuli within VR environments.
• Findings suggest VR is feasible, acceptable, and effective for short-term relaxation and stress reduction.

Conclusions:

• VR presents a viable tool for promoting relaxation, particularly relevant during periods of heightened global stress like the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Current evidence indicates short-term benefits, but methodological limitations exist.
• Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish robust, long-term efficacy of VR for relaxation.