Virtual reality based mindfulness applications: a commercial health app review

Abstract Introduction Mindfulness can positively impact physical and mental health, but face-to-face programmes are limited by poor accessibility, availability, and cost. Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive audio-visual environments that could improve mindfulness practice.

Aim: To evaluate commercially available VR apps related to mindfulness.

Methods: App stores and relevant online platforms were searched for VR apps related to mindfulness. Results were screened against eligibility criteria and relevant data extracted. Six raters used the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) to assess the quality of VR apps.

Results: Five VR apps related to mindfulness were included i.e., Headspace XR, Hoame, Innerworld, Maloka and TRIPP. These provided access to meditative and mindfulness sessions, guided by virtual instructors in some cases, and situated in a range of virtual landscapes accompanied by sound or music. TRIPP received the highest average MARS score (4.1), followed by Hoame (3.8), Maloka (3.6), Headspace XR (3.4) and Innerworld (3.3). Most VR apps scored the highest on functionality (3.4 to 4.2), while the information category scored the lowest (3.1 to 3.7). The intra-class correlation was moderate.

Conclusion: This review provides important insights into VR apps related to mindfulness such as their availability and quality. Only five VR apps were identified related to mindfulness practice with an overall moderate MARS quality score (3.62/5.00). These may provide a convenient and immersive way to access and engage in regular mindfulness practice, particularly for novices. Rigorous scientific research should assess the effectiveness of these VR apps in improving physical and mental health through immersive mindfulness practice.