VR Mindfulness for Mental Wellness

Overseen By Steven Bird, MD

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Massachusetts, Worcester

Disqualifiers: Not willing to receive texts

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 explores whether a virtual reality (VR) mindfulness program can reduce stress among medical professionals. The researchers aim to determine if VR mindfulness can serve as a practical and effective tool for managing burnout symptoms, which resemble anxiety and depression. Participants will either use a VR headset with mindfulness exercises or join a control group that receives the VR program after the study. Eligible participants include physicians or advanced practice providers employed by the Medical Group who are open to receiving two texts per week. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could lead to new stress-reduction tools for healthcare professionals.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this VR mindfulness program is safe for clinicians?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) mindfulness programs are generally safe and can improve mental health. Studies have found that VR for mindfulness reduces anxiety and stress, indicating that most people find the program easy to use.

No reports of serious side effects from these programs exist. Instead, users often notice positive changes, such as improved mental well-being and reduced stress. By using VR to support mindfulness, this treatment offers a convenient and safe way to manage stress and anxiety. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the VR Mindfulness Program because it offers a novel and immersive approach to mental wellness. Unlike traditional therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy or medication, this treatment uses virtual reality to create calming environments that help users engage in mindfulness practices. The VR headset provides access to 20 different virtual locations, allowing for a personalized experience that can be tailored to individual preferences and needs. This innovative delivery method is not only engaging but also easy to use, which could improve adherence and effectiveness in managing mental health.

What evidence suggests that the VR Mindfulness Program is effective for reducing clinician stress?

Research has shown that using Virtual Reality (VR) for mindfulness can help people feel more present and focused, reducing feelings of sadness, anger, and anxiety. Studies indicate that VR mindfulness training can improve mental health, especially in adults. One study found that short VR-based mindfulness sessions effectively eased symptoms of depression and anxiety. Another review supports the idea that VR mindfulness activities can significantly enhance mental well-being. In this trial, participants in the intervention arm will use a VR Mindfulness Program, which could be a promising way to reduce stress and improve mood. ^{2 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Steven Bird, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Massachusetts, Worcester

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for clinicians experiencing increased burnout, stress, anxiety, or depression. It's aimed at those interested in mindfulness but haven't practiced it much. Participants should be willing to use a VR tool for mindfulness training.

Inclusion Criteria

Physician or APP employed by the Medical Group

Exclusion Criteria

I am not willing to receive 2 texts per week.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete baseline questionnaires for anxiety, depression, stress, and resilience

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

VR Mindfulness Intervention

Participants in the intervention group use the VR mindfulness program for 12 weeks with twice-weekly reminders

12 weeks

Self-administered

Midpoint Assessment

Participants retake questionnaires to assess changes in anxiety, depression, stress, and resilience

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Control Group Intervention

Control group receives VR headsets and begins 12-week mindfulness program

12 weeks

Self-administered

Final Assessment

Participants complete final questionnaires to assess usability and changes in anxiety, depression, stress, and resilience

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for any long-term effects after the intervention

12 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• VR Mindfulness Program

Trial Overview

The study tests if a virtual reality-based mindfulness program can reduce clinician stress and burnout. Clinicians will use a take-home VR system to engage in interactive mindfulness exercises at their convenience.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention - VR Mindfulness Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The intervention group will be given the VR headset for their unrestricted use over the 12 week intervention period. The VR headset is exceptionally easy and intuitive to use. Each participant will have the choice of 20 "locations" in which to use the mindfulness-based program. Each of the 20 locations/programs are different. They range in length from 5 minutes (introductory) to 20 minutes.

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

The control arm will not have any intervention. However, at the conclusion of the study, all participants from the Control group will be given the VR intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Massachusetts, Worcester

Lead Sponsor

Trials

372

Recruited

998,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a pilot study with 47 healthy participants, both immersive virtual reality (VR) mindfulness and computer-based mindfulness meditation effectively reduced negative emotions, but there were no significant differences in mood improvement between the two methods.

The study found that using VR did not cause simulator sickness, indicating that it is a safe and viable method for delivering mindfulness interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Immersive virtual reality or computerised mindfulness meditation for improving mood? Preliminary efficacy from a pilot randomised trial. Poetar, CR., Bradley, N., Voinescu, A.[2023]

In a pilot study involving 64 patients with psychosis, virtual reality-based mindfulness (VBM) showed some positive effects, such as increased decentering and reduced preoccupation with delusions, although it did not significantly outperform a VR control group.

While VBM was generally safe with mild VR sickness reported, it did not demonstrate a clear advantage in reducing psychiatric symptoms compared to the control, indicating that further research is needed to explore its efficacy in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects and safety of virtual reality-based mindfulness in patients with psychosis: a randomized controlled pilot study. Lee, BM., Kim, SW., Lee, BJ., et al.[2023]

Virtual reality (VR) has been effectively used over the past 20 years to enhance mental health across various clinical conditions, including chronic pain, neurological disorders, and psychological issues.

Recent studies indicate that VR can help correct perceptual distortions of self and environment, which are crucial for mental well-being, by creating virtual body ownership illusions, suggesting a promising avenue for future clinical applications.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual Body Ownership Illusions for Mental Health: A Narrative Review. Matamala-Gomez, M., Maselli, A., Malighetti, C., et al.[2021]

A pilot study with 44 mindfulness experts using Virtual Reality (VR) for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT®) mindfulness training showed significant improvements in state of mindfulness and reductions in negative emotions like sadness, anger, and anxiety.

Participants experienced a strong sense of presence in the VR environment and accepted it as a useful tool for mindfulness practice, suggesting that VR could enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of mindfulness training for those who struggle with traditional methods.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Meditation experts try Virtual Reality Mindfulness: A pilot study evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of Virtual Reality to facilitate mindfulness practice in people attending a Mindfulness conference. Navarro-Haro, MV., López-Del-Hoyo, Y., Campos, D., et al.[2023]

In a study of 96 young adults, those who practiced virtual reality (VR)-guided meditation reported higher positive affect and greater satisfaction compared to non-VR meditation, especially when VR was done first.

Participants with higher PTSD symptoms experienced more distress during both types of meditation, suggesting that while VR may enhance meditation experiences, individuals with PTSD may need additional support.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Meditating in virtual reality: Proof-of-concept intervention for posttraumatic stress. Mistry, D., Zhu, J., Tremblay, P., et al.[2021]

Citations

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pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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

The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality–Based Mindfulness ...

The review will provide definitive evidence regarding VR-based mindfulness interventions' effectiveness for mental health outcomes.

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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.

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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 ...

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withpower.com

withpower.com/trial/phase-wellness-psychological-3-2024-65449

VR Mindfulness for Mental Wellness · Info for Participants

Research shows that using Virtual Reality (VR) for mindfulness can help people feel more present and focused, leading to less sadness, anger, and anxiety. VR ...

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mental.jmir.org

mental.jmir.org/2024/1/e52186/

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality–Based Well-Being ...

This systematic review questions the effectiveness of VR interventions in reducing stress and promoting well-being in students and young adults.

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pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11526413/

Psychological and physiological health outcomes of virtual ...

Psychological benefits include improved anxiety, mindfulness, emotions, disease patterns, affect, stress, (presleep) arousal, meditation and others.

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frontiersin.org

frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1429334/full

Effectiveness of a mindfulness-based program with virtual ...

This study proposes a program aimed at increasing safe behavior through a mindfulness program supported by virtual reality techniques.

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sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0260691724000947

A virtual reality environment for supporting mental ...

This project aimed to evaluate a novel 3D immersive virtual reality environment that supports mental wellbeing for NAHP students on clinical placement.