3355 - BREEZETERRAVR: A VIRTUAL REALITY RELAXATION TOOL WITH RESPIRATORY BIOFEEDBACK FOR ANXIETY AND STRESS RELIEF IN ADULT POPULATION

Session: 3344 - VIRTUAL REALITY INTERVENTIONS FOR ANXIETY ACROSS THE LIFESPAN: CLINICAL APPLICATIONS IN PEDIATRIC, ADULT, AND GERIATRIC POPULATIONS
AUTHORS:
Jablonská Markéta (Center for Virtual Reality Research in Mental Health and Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health ~ Klezany ~ Czech Republic) , Zuzánková Karolína (Center for Virtual Reality Research in Mental Health and Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health ~ Klezany ~ Czech Republic) , Langová Tereza (Center for Virtual Reality Research in Mental Health and Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health ~ Klezany ~ Czech Republic) , Darmová Barbora (Center for Virtual Reality Research in Mental Health and Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health ~ Klezany ~ Czech Republic) , Fajnerová Iveta (Center for Virtual Reality Research in Mental Health and Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health ~ Klezany ~ Czech Republic)
Abstract text:
Introduction:
Virtual Reality (VR) technologies provide immersive environments that may enhance conventional interventions used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. BreezeTerraVR is a relaxation-based VR application combining guided breathing with optional respiratory biofeedback aimed to reduce anxiety symptoms.


Purpose:
This study evaluated the effectiveness and tolerability of BreezeTerraVR in 25 patients with anxiety disorders.


Method:
A randomized crossover design was conducted with patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Each participant completed four sessions: two with integrated biofeedback and two without, in randomly assigned order. Primary outcomes included reductions in anxiety and respiratory rate, and increased subjective relaxation. Tolerability was monitored through cybersickness ratings and dropout rates.


Results:
BreezeTerraVR was well tolerated, with low levels of cybersickness and minimal dropout. Both conditions—sessions with and without biofeedback—were associated with significant reductions in anxiety and respiratory rate, alongside improved subjective relaxation. Although no statistically significant main effect of biofeedback was found, exploratory analyses suggested greater benefits when biofeedback was introduced after initial non-biofeedback sessions, possibly due to reduced cognitive load or increased task familiarity. Importantly, biofeedback significantly improved participants' ability to synchronize breathing with the guided rhythm, highlighting its value for promoting consistent breathing patterns.


Conclusions:
BreezeTerraVR demonstrates promise as a non-pharmacological intervention for individuals with anxiety disorders. Its ability to reduce anxiety and support relaxation, while enhancing breathing synchronization, suggests clinical applicability. Larger studies with extended follow-up are needed to confirm these preliminary findings and optimize intervention design.


Funding: The study was supported by the project DigiWELL CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004583, co-financed by the European Union.