Study: New VR Sensory Room Reduces Anxiety in People with Intellectual Disabilities

A new virtual reality program with interactive sight, sound and touch has helped improve outcomes for adults with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and mental retardation.

This is based on the latest study, touted as the first of its kind, by researchers at the University of Western Sydney and the University of Wollongong, The Disability Trust and tech company Devika.

FINDINGS

A five-month pilot study assessed the viability and benefits of using Devika Evenness virtual reality sensory space technology as an intervention tool among 31 adults with various neurodevelopmental disabilities and caregivers. His The findings were published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports.

Based on pre- and post-user evaluations, the technology helped to reduce their anxiety and, specifically, reduce depressive symptoms in participants with depression.

There were also improvements in their sensory processing that occurred with frequent use.

The study noted that the majority of participants preferred a sensory virtual room with a “superior” visual and audio experience, while those who preferred a tactile sensory experience still preferred a physical sensory room.

According to interviews, users praised the VR software for its portability and ease of use during the pandemic. They also found the technology to be advantageous as it is cheaper than traditional physical sensory space.

Moreover, participants suggested modifying or removing the headset and adopting a wireless version of the VR system; built-in measure of user anxiety; and technology that adapts to the interests of the user.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT

In a research report, WSU highlighted the potential of virtual reality to advance the adoption of sensory rooms as an effective intervention tool for people with neurodevelopmental disorders. As virtual reality becomes an enabling tool for a range of health and wellness activities, researchers have highlighted the importance of evaluating its use and benefits, which have largely not been explored in previous studies.

“Our results show that VR technology can offer a promising avenue for providing sensory interventions and an effective calming tool, with the most notable benefit reported by users being anxiety reduction,” said Dr. Caroline Mills of the WSU School of Health Sciences and the Institute for Translational Health Research.

“Given the preliminary nature of this study, we are developing more robust plans for future research to better understand the benefits and ensure that the program can be used in real-world settings to support people who need it.” — Daniel Tracey, professor and co-author. added lead author from WSU.

MARKET REVIEW

Two Japanese firms have signed multi-million dollar deals in recent years to develop virtual reality-based digital therapies to treat mental disorders. VR company Jolly Good and partner Otsuka Pharmaceutical are working to expand the use of virtual reality for social skills training in the treatment of mental disorders in Japan. Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma and American company BehaVR are jointly developing prescription DTx for the treatment of major psychiatric disorders.

Meanwhile, another recent study in New Zealand found a new virtual reality program using The oVRcome app effectively alleviates the symptoms of common phobias.