RESEARCH

Effects of Virtual Reality v. Biophilic Environments on Pain and Distress in Oncology Patients: A Case-Crossover Pilot Study

The study found that patients in the Green Therapy and VR rooms experienced reductions in heart rate (up to 4 beats per minute) and distress scores (up to 1.3 points) after treatment, although these changes were not statistically significant. Notably, 44% of participants reported spending more time in nature after the intervention, with 71% spending over an hour outdoors. These findings highlight the potential of biophilic environments to support emotional well-being and encourage nature engagement during cancer treatment.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, Chronic/Acute Health Conditions

Setting or Context: Healthcare Centre

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management

Allied Profession Intersections: Behavioral Therapy

Type of Activity: Mindfulness/Visualizations, AI/Digital Tools in Therapeutic Horticulture

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Anecdotal Evidence/Testimonials

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools, Efficacy of AI/Digital Interventions

Access: Free

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Summary

This study investigated whether nature-based experiences could ease pain and distress in cancer patients during chemotherapy. Thirty-three participants with various cancers received treatment in three types of rooms: a standard control room, a Green Therapy room with views of a garden, and a Virtual Reality (VR) room where they could explore natural landscapes using a headset. Each patient experienced all three environments during different treatment cycles. The researchers measured pain, distress, heart rate, blood pressure, and saliva cortisol levels before and after each session to assess the effects of the different environments.

Paragraph 2 (Findings and Patient Feedback):
Although the study did not find statistically significant differences in pain, distress, or biological markers across room types, patients overwhelmingly preferred the nature-based environments. Over 90% of participants expressed increased interest in the health effects of nature, and nearly half reported spending more time outdoors since the study. Patients described the VR and Green Therapy experiences as enjoyable and calming, and many shared that it helped them feel more relaxed during chemotherapy.

Link

Verzwyvelt, LA., McNamara, A., Xu, X., & Stubbins, R. (2021). Effects of virtual reality v. biophilic environments on pain and distress in oncology patients: A case-crossover pilot study. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 1-7.

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