Abstract
Various relaxation techniques could benefit from merging with virtual reality (VR) technologies, as these technologies are easily applicable, involving, and user-friendly. To date, it is unclear which relaxation technique using biofeedback combined with VR technology is the most effective. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of brief VR-based biofeedback-assisted relaxation techniques including electroencephalographic biofeedback, mindfulness-based biofeedback, galvanic skin response biofeedback, and respiratory biofeedback. Forty-three healthy volunteers (age 34.7 ± 7.2 years), comprising 28 (65%) women and 15 (35%) men, were enrolled in the study. All the participants were exposed to four distinct relaxation sessions according to a computer-generated random sequence. The efficacy of relaxation methods was evaluated by examining psychological, physiological, and biochemical stress indicators. All VR-based relaxation techniques reduced salivary steroid hormone (i.e., cortisol, cortisone, and total glucocorticoid) levels and increased galvanic skin response values. Similarly, all interventions led to a significantly reduced subjectively perceived psychological strain level. Three out of the four interventions (i.e., electroencephalographic, respiratory, and galvanic skin response-based biofeedback relaxation sessions) resulted in a decreased self-reported fatigue level. We suggest that newly developed VR-based relaxations techniques are potential tools for stress reduction and might be particularly suitable for individuals who are not capable of adhering to a strict and time-consuming stress management intervention schedule.
Highlights
Various relaxation techniques that include practices such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness meditation are used to relax and reduce a person’s stress and anxiety
Our results showed that all interventions led to significantly reduced subjectively perceived psychological strain level and diminished secretion of salivary glucocorticoids
Single application of four tested virtual reality-based brief relaxation approaches induced a relaxation state manifested by diminished secretion of salivary glucocorticoids and decreased electrodermal activity, as well as reduced subjective evaluation of strain
Summary
Various relaxation techniques that include practices such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness meditation are used to relax and reduce a person’s stress and anxiety. The short-term physiological relaxation response is regulated by two branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The parasympathetic branch of the ANS is more active while resting and its activation reduces physiological arousal. The sympathetic branch of ANS is more active during emergency reactions and promotes physiological arousal [1]. Relaxation is the ability of the human body to reduce the physiological arousal that manifests itself in the human body through a less activated sympathetic branch, decreased muscle tension, diminished heart rate, lowered respiration rate, increased skin temperature, and decreased sweating [2]. A deep breathing exercise procedure is based on breathing
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