Relaxation effects of VR-based audio-guided meditation app

Title of the project

Relaxation effects of VR-based audio-guided meditation app

Problem Statement

The conventional form of guided meditation lacks engagement and focus where the participant solely relies on the audio-guided message to perform meditation, preferably with closed eyes. The engagement can be increased by providing an immersive environment conducive to meditative relaxation. These environments include forests, natural scenery, rivers, mountains, or secluded natural places. The main problem is to understand how guided meditation within an immersive guided meditation environment would compare to a regular audio-guided meditation session in terms of the users' physiological measures like HR, HRV, etc., and their perceived relaxation levels, the perceived reduction in stress, and the experience of comfort during the session.

Project Brief

The audio-guided meditation is known to induce mental relaxation effects in users. The addition of the VR component further increases the immersion in meditation. In the market, several VR-based audio-guided meditation apps are available. This study aims to find the relaxation effects of a VR-based audio-guided meditation app. Specifically, the HR/HRV parameters, self-reported perceived relaxation, stress, and comfort will be studied in a Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) experiment design. The study's results will help in future research on developing our VR-based simulations for mental relaxation.

Current status

A pilot trial is completed, with significant results in some measures. The full clinical trials are in progress.

Technologies involved

  • Oculus Rift S – Virtual reality headset for VR app testing
  • Workstation – For running a VR-based guided meditation app
  • emWave Pro Plus – For the data acquisition
  • Kubios HRV Premium – For the HRV analysis
  • VR Guided Meditation app – Different PC-based VR meditation apps for the intervention

Solution is relevant to which industry

  • Personal mental healthcare – Persons can use the VR-based guided meditation system at home and in office settings for training in self-regulation of stress and anxiety.
  • Therapist – The therapist and psychiatrist can use the developed intervention in their clinical settings for the treatment of anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms among their patients.
  • Yoga instructors – In addition to the conventional form of yogic meditative practices, the new immersive interventions can be blended with the existing techniques for an enhanced form of mindfulness and relaxation training.

Photographs