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Psychological and Physiological Responses in Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder: The Use of Acute Exercise and Virtual Reality Environment

Author

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  • Tsai-Chiao Wang

    (Institute of Physical Education, Health & Leisure Studies, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan)

  • Cindy Hui-Ping Sit

    (Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)

  • Ta-Wei Tang

    (Department of Leisure and Recreation Management, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan
    Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 413, Taiwan
    Institute of Innovation and Circular Economy, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan)

  • Chia-Liang Tsai

    (Institute of Physical Education, Health & Leisure Studies, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan)

Abstract

Virtual exercise therapy is considered a useful method by which to encourage patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to engage in aerobic exercise in order to reduce stress. This study was intended to explore the psychological and physiological responses of patients with GAD after cycling in a virtual environment containing natural images. Seventy-seven participants with GAD were recruited in the present study and randomly assigned to a virtual nature (VN) or a virtual abstract painting (VAP) group. Their electroencephalogram alpha activity, perceived stress, and levels of restorative quality and satisfaction were assessed at baseline and after an acute bout of 20 min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. The results showed that both the VN and VAP groups showed significantly higher alpha activity post-exercise as compared to pre-exercise. The VN group relative to the VAP group exhibited higher levels of stress-relief, restorative quality, and personal satisfaction. These findings imply that a virtual exercise environment is an effective way to induce a relaxing effect in patients with GAD. However, they exhibited more positive psychological responses when exercising in such an environment with natural landscapes.

Suggested Citation

  • Tsai-Chiao Wang & Cindy Hui-Ping Sit & Ta-Wei Tang & Chia-Liang Tsai, 2020. "Psychological and Physiological Responses in Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder: The Use of Acute Exercise and Virtual Reality Environment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-15, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:13:p:4855-:d:380781
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hudson, Sarah & Matson-Barkat, Sheila & Pallamin, Nico & Jegou, Guillaume, 2019. "With or without you? Interaction and immersion in a virtual reality experience," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 459-468.
    2. Sarah Hudson & Sheila Matson-Barkat & Nico Pallamin & Guillaume Jégou, 2019. "With or without you? Interaction and immersion in a virtual reality experience," Post-Print hal-02159315, HAL.
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    Cited by:

    1. Marta Linares-Chamorro & Neus Domènech-Oller & Javier Jerez-Roig & Joel Piqué-Buisan, 2022. "Immersive Therapy for Improving Anxiety in Health Professionals of a Regional Hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Quasi-Experimental Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-10, August.
    2. Tsai-Chiao Wang & Ta-Wei Tang & Chia-Liang Tsai, 2022. "The Visual Attention and Psychological Responses from Older Customers to Wellness Service Pictures of Hotels," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-12, January.
    3. Audrey Seiz & Byoung-Suk Kweon & Christopher D. Ellis & Hyuk Oh & Kyle Pietro, 2023. "Exploring the Psychophysiological Effects of Viewing Urban Nature through Virtual Reality Using Electroencephalography and Perceived Restorativeness Scale Measures," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-16, August.
    4. Rebecca Reece & Anna Bornioli & Isabelle Bray & Nigel Newbutt & David Satenstein & Chris Alford, 2022. "Exposure to Green, Blue and Historic Environments and Mental Well-Being: A Comparison between Virtual Reality Head-Mounted Display and Flat Screen Exposure," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-21, August.

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