Enhanced Brain-Heart Connectivity as a Precursor of Reduced State Anxiety After Therapeutic Virtual Reality Immersion

bioRxiv – November 28, 2024

Source: medRxiv/bioRxiv/arXiv

Summary

Therapeutic virtual reality can significantly enhance brain-heart connectivity, leading to reduced state anxiety. In a recent study, participants experienced immersive VR sessions that improved their emotional regulation and lowered anxiety levels. This innovative approach offers promising insights into effective anxiety treatment strategies.

Abstract

State anxiety involves transient feelings of tension and nervousness in response to threats, which can escalate into anxiety disorders if persistent. Despite treatments, 30%-50% of individuals show limited improvement, and neurophysiological mechanisms of treatment responsiveness remain unclear, requiring the development of objective biomarkers.