VR-Based Mantra Meditation for Mental Wellness
Ankita Garg, Ajoy Kumar, Shubham Garg, Laxmidhar Behera, Varun Dutt
IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics October 6, 2024 DOI: 10.1109/smc54092.2024.10831844 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 41 |
| Population | Individuals |
| Duration | Ten-minute intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | A ten-minute VR-based audible mantra repetition session significantly decreased self-reported stress, anxiety, and depression and altered EEG and HRV measures compared to a control condition. |
Abstract
Emotional stability, awareness, and attention may likely be enhanced by meditation and related techniques. Since meditation practitioners may need focus and engagement, virtual reality (VR) may be helpful. Even though there has been some research on the usefulness of VR for meditation, very few studies have looked at the effectiveness of VR on audible mantra repetition (AuMR). Our research addresses this limitation by investigating the efficacy of AuMR, which is assigned to promote better cognitive health and overall brain well-being in VR. Fortyone individuals were randomly divided into two groups, test and control. The test group was engaged in a ten-minute VR-based AuMR session, while the control group did nothing in the same virtual reality setting for ten minutes. Both groups completed self-reported questionnaires before and after the intervention and electroencephalography (EEG) and heart rate variability (HRV) measurements. We evaluated EEG band power ratios such as alpha-to-beta (AB) ratio and frontal-alpha-to-temporal-theta (FATT) ratio to find the effects of VR-aided meditation. The findings of the ANOVA test demonstrated a substantial decrease in the self-reported stress, anxiety, and depression parameters. Furthermore, comparing the test group to the control group revealed a significant increase in the FATT ratio and a significant decrease in the AB ratio. We also observed significant changes in the HRV values of the test group. The study offers sufficient evidence to suggest the feasibility of AuMR in VR for cognitive wellness.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 11
- EEG Derived Neuronal Dynamics during Meditation: Progress and Challenges Advances in Preventive Medicine 2015
- Large effects of brief meditation intervention on EEG spectra in meditation novices IBRO Reports October 27, 2020
- Assessment of Chanting Effects Using EEG Signals 2022 24th International Conference on Digital Signal Processing and its Applications March 30, 2022
- Effectiveness of Mantra-Based Meditation on Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health March 13, 2022
- The Effect of Juingong Meditation on the Theta to Alpha Ratio in the Temporoparietal and Anterior Frontal EEG Recordings. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health February 2, 2022
and 6 more in the library