Brief Interactive Virtual Reality Mindfulness Training with Real-Time Biofeedback for Anxiety Reduction: A Pilot Study.
Qiuxia Xu, Yingqi Gu, Xizhe Hu
Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback June 4, 2025 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-025-09718-w (opens in new tab)
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Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 75 |
| Population | University students with recent anxiety symptoms |
| Intervention | Traditional audio-based mindfulness |
| Duration | Single five-minute session |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Biofeedback Brief mindfulness intervention Heart rate variability Virtual reality Vr Immersive technology Digital environment Simulated reality Mental well-being Inner peace Calmness Stress management Anxiety reduction Stress relief Emotional regulation Mental health improvement Well-being enhancement Physiological monitoring Biometric feedback Real-time data |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | A five-minute interactive VR mindfulness session significantly improved anxiety, mindfulness states, and heart rate variability compared to traditional mindfulness and a control condition. |
Abstract
Recent advancements in virtual reality (VR)-enhanced mindfulness training have demonstrated efficacy in reducing anxiety, particularly among novice practitioners and university students. However, existing VR mindfulness interventions predominantly rely on static natural environments without incorporating interactive elements, limiting their capacity to engage users dynamically. To address this gap, this study introduces an innovative interactive VR mindfulness system, where real-time heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback dynamically modulates the virtual environment (e.g., fog dissipation, auditory cues, and visual transformations), creating a responsive and immersive experience. We investigated the effects of a single five-minute interactive VR mindfulness session on anxiety, mindfulness states, and HRV, compared to traditional audio-based mindfulness and an non-intervention control. Seventy-five university students with recent anxiety symptoms were randomized into three groups: interactive VR mindfulness (VR-MG), traditional mindfulness (MG), and control (CG). Prior to and following the five-minute intervention, anxiety, mindfulness levels, and physiological data (HRV) were measured for all three groups, with repeated measures analysis of variance performed. The results showed that the five-minute VR mindfulness interactive training significantly improved participants' anxiety levels, enhanced their mindfulness states, and effectively increased HRV, whereas traditional mindfulness and control conditions showed no significant HRV changes. Overall, this study indicates that brief VR mindfulness interactive training has significant effects on improving anxiety and mindfulness states, as well as enhancing HRV, highlighting its potential for psychological health interventions.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Enhancing Mindfulness Effects on Well-Being Using Immersive Virtual Reality in Non-Clinical Populations: Where Are We Going? Mindfulness November 10, 2025
- Effects of virtual reality mindfulness interventions on depression and anxiety: a meta-analysis European Journal of Psychotraumatology May 26, 2026
Cites 18
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- Effects of the Transcendental Meditation Technique on Trait Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine October 9, 2013
and 13 more in the library