Nature videos for PTSD: protocol for a mixed-methods feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Psychology
• Virtual Reality Interventions
• Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders

Background:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prevalent in military personnel, necessitating novel treatment strategies.
• Virtual relaxation interventions, particularly 360-degree nature videos, show potential for reducing distress and hyperarousal in PTSD patients.
• Existing research indicates relaxation effects of nature videos in healthy individuals, prompting investigation in PTSD populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relaxation effects of 360-degree nature videos for patients diagnosed with PTSD.
• To compare the efficacy of head-mounted display (HMD) versus PC screen immersion levels for virtual relaxation.
• To explore the impact of intervention dose duration (5 vs. 10 minutes) on relaxation outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A counterbalanced, randomized, controlled, within-subject feasibility study with 36 participants (soldiers with PTSD).
• Participants experienced HMD, PC, and sound-only control conditions for 5 or 10 minutes.
• Collected self-reported relaxation, skin conductance, heart rate, and heart rate variability data; qualitative interviews were also conducted.

Main Results:

• Feasibility study to provide initial evidence on the relaxing effects of 360-degree nature videos for PTSD patients.
• Comparison of HMD and PC screen immersion levels against a control condition (natural sounds only).
• Validation of intervention dose duration (5 vs. 10 minutes) for future trials.

Conclusions:

• This study will offer preliminary data on the effectiveness of virtual nature videos as a relaxation tool for soldiers with PTSD.
• Findings will inform the design of subsequent confirmatory interventional trials.
• The research will guide the optimal use of immersive technologies in PTSD treatment.