JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Empirical evidence has shown that Virtual Reality (VR) scenarios can increase the effects of relaxation techniques, reducing anxiety by enabling people to experience emotional conditions in more vivid settings.

Objective:

This pilot randomized controlled study aims to investigate if the Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique (PMRT), associated with a personalized scenario in VR, promotes psychological well-being and facilitates the recall of relaxing images more than the standard complementary intervention that implies the integration of PMRT and Guided Imagery (GI).

Methods:

Based on a longitudinal, between-subject design, seventy-two university students were randomly exposed to one of two experimental conditions: 1) Standard complementary procedure: PMRT and GI exposure; 2) Experimental procedure: PMRT and personalized VR exposure. Individuals were assessed by a therapist before and after seven training sessions based on measures investigating anxiety, depression, quality of life, coping strategies, sense of presence, engagement, and side effects related to VR exposure. Heart rate data were also collected.

Results:

Differences in changes after the relaxation session at T1 between the two groups were statistically significant for state anxiety [F(1,67) = 30.56; P < .001], and heart rate frequency [F(1,67)=4.87; P = .01]. Individuals in the VR group obtained lower scores both before (t= -2.63; P = .01; d-Cohen = 0.91) and after (t= -7.23; P < .001; d-Cohen = 2.45) the relaxation session at T2. A significant reduction of the perceived state anxiety, at T1 and T2, was showed for both groups. After the VR experience, individuals reported feeling higher engagement in the experience than what was referred by participants in the GI group [F(1,67)=2.85; P= .03; Partial Eta Squared=0.15], and experienced the environment as more realistic [F(1,67)=4.38; P= .003; Partial Effect Size= .21]. No differences between groups regarding Sense of Presence were found [F(1,67)=1.99; P= .11; Partial Eta Squared= .11]. Individuals exposed before to the VR scenario (T1) referred to perceiving the scenario recalled in imagination at T2 as more realistic than what have experienced GI group’s individuals [F(1,67)=3.21; P= .02; Partial Eta Squared= .12]. The VR group had lower trait anxiety levels than the GI group after the relaxation session during Session 7 (T2) (t= -2.43; P = .02).

Conclusions:

Personalized relaxing virtual reality scenarios can contribute in improving relaxation and decreasing anxiety when integrated with PMRT as a complementary relaxing method. Clinical Trial: National Institute of Health (NIH) U.S. National Library of Medicine, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05478941.