VR Mindfulness Meditation for Stress Reduction

(VR-MOM Trial)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Penn State University

Disqualifiers: Visual, hearing impairments, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new method to reduce stress using virtual reality (VR) and an AI coach. Participants will engage in a VR mindfulness meditation program to determine its effectiveness in lowering stress compared to simple relaxation. The study will assess stress levels, heart rate, and participant satisfaction with the experience. It suits adults who frequently feel stressed and are open to VR-based relaxation techniques. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to explore innovative stress-reduction techniques using advanced technology.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to check with the trial organizers for more details.

What prior data suggests that this VR mindfulness meditation program is safe for stress reduction?

Research has shown that VR mindfulness programs are generally safe for participants. One study found that the side effects of using virtual reality for mindfulness were minor, indicating that while some small side effects might occur, they are not serious. Other studies have demonstrated that these programs are easy to use and well-liked, particularly by college students. Overall, the evidence suggests that VR mindfulness is a safe method to help reduce stress and anxiety. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the VR Mindfulness Meditation Program for stress reduction because it offers a unique, immersive approach that differs from traditional methods like medication or in-person therapy. Unlike standard treatments, this program uses virtual reality to create a controlled environment where participants can engage in guided meditation led by a virtual coach. This method not only makes mindfulness more accessible and engaging but also allows for consistent and structured sessions that can be tailored to individual needs. Additionally, the use of VR technology may enhance focus and relaxation, potentially leading to quicker and more effective stress relief.

What evidence suggests that this VR mindfulness meditation program is effective for stress reduction?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) mindfulness programs can help reduce stress and anxiety. One study found that both VR and tablet-based mindfulness exercises significantly lowered stress levels. Another study found that short VR mindfulness sessions eased symptoms of depression and anxiety. These programs have been especially helpful for students, reducing their anxiety and promoting calmness. This trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a VR mindfulness meditation program, which could be a promising way to relieve stress. Participants in this trial will undergo a 15-minute VR-based mindfulness observational meditation session guided by a virtual coach. ^{4 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 who feel stressed, anxious, or depressed. It's not suitable for those with visual or hearing impairments that would stop them from using VR.

Exclusion Criteria

Those with visual or hearing impairments that prevent interaction with VR content.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Pre-intervention Assessment

Collection of baseline data including self-reported stress levels and heart rate

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Intervention

Participants undergo a 15-minute VR-based mindfulness observational meditation session guided by a virtual coach

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Post-intervention Assessment

Post-intervention measurements to evaluate changes in stress levels, physiological responses, and satisfaction with the VR program

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for any lasting effects of the intervention

2-4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• VR Mindfulness Meditation Program

Trial Overview The study tests a VR mindfulness meditation program with AI coaching against standard relaxation techniques to see which reduces stress better, using self-reports and physical signs like heart rate.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Mindfulness Meditation Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this arm will undergo a 15-minute VR-based mindfulness observational meditation session guided by a virtual coach. The intervention focuses on promoting mindfulness and reducing stress through structured guidance in a controlled virtual environment.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Penn State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

380

Recruited

131,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12260462/

The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality–Based Mindfulness ... Primary outcomes include stress, anxiety, and depression; secondary outcomes encompass mindfulness levels, well-being, and user experience. Two ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550830722001227

The effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (VR) based ... The aim of this study is to investigate whether VR-based mindfulness training can improve mental health outcomes, and notably mindfulness levels amongst adults.

3. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41599-025-04584-7

A brief virtual reality-based mindfulness intervention can ... This study provides preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of brief VR-based mindfulness interventions in alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms among ...

4. news.cuanschutz.edu news.cuanschutz.edu/dental/finding-calm-in-a-stressful-reality

Finding Calm in a Stressful Reality Research studies have shown that VR mindfulness programs are effective for students, with reports of reduced feelings of anxiety and increased feelings of ...

5. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12671-024-02438-y

The Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Mindfulness Exercises ... Results. Both VR- and tablet-based mindfulness programs reduced stress, as reflected by improvements in both anxiety (a 7.06-point reduction in ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11949912/

Effectiveness of a mindfulness-based program with virtual ... Data analysis showed evidence of a significant improvement in the index of safe behavior thanks to the proposed mindfulness program, compared to ...

7. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41537-023-00391-8

Effects and safety of virtual reality-based mindfulness in ... These results suggest that VBM was not more effective in reducing decentering and psychiatric symptoms than VR control but its adversity was modest.

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949761223000664

Feasibility and Acceptability of Virtual Reality Mindfulness ... Overall findings support evidence of the feasibility and acceptability of VR mindfulness for college students on a medical campus.

9. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2414-4088/8/10/89

Virtual Reality as an Interactive Tool for the Implementation ... Virtual meditation is a very effective tool because it reduces stress and anxiety levels; it also facilitates a greater number of students to ...