Usefulness of the Mobile Virtual Reality Self-Training for Overcoming a Fear of Heights

Abstract

A mobile virtual reality system, equipped with built-in variables such as heart rate (HR), gaze-down data, and subjective fear rating, can allow individuals with a fear of heights to overcome it by self-training. This study aimed to verify the efficacy and safety of the training program. Forty-eight volunteers completed the four-session self-training program over 2 weeks. They were allocated into either low- or high-fear group by the Acrophobia Questionnaire (AQ)-anxiety scores, and then the changes of the built-in variables and AQ-anxiety scores were analyzed between the groups. The safety was assessed using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ). The AQ-anxiety scores were significantly decreased after self-training in both groups, and the degree of decrease was significantly greater in the high-fear group than in the low-fear group. Gaze-down percentage and subjective fear rating showed a significant group difference, but HR did not. The SSQ scores were within the acceptable level. These results suggest that the training effect was greater in the high-fear group than in the low-fear group. This mobile program may be safely applicable to self-training for individuals with high scores on the fear of heights by repeated exposure to virtual environments with the embedded feedback system.

Analysis of Usage Data from a Self-Guided App-Based Virtual Reality Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Acrophobia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…This would suggest that those with higher acrophobia symptoms could derive more benefit from the VR exposure. This is also in line with previous research findings [ 11 ]. It could however also be a floor effect, where participants with already relatively low acrophobia symptoms have relatively little to gain from the intervention.…”

“…However, less is known about how user adherence and engagement relates to effectiveness of these interventions, especially with regard to VR and mobile app-based interventions. One exception is the study of Hong et al [ 11 ] in which the effectiveness and usage of a mobile-based self-training VR program for acrophobia was investigated. Interestingly, heart rate (HR) and gaze down percentage were also included in this study.…”

Virtual Reality Exercise as a Coping Strategy for Health and Wellness Promotion in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…VR technology is currently used in a variety of health field areas, such as psychotherapy and stroke rehabilitation [14], and has been shown to be effective in improving balance and overall health and promoting weight loss in older adults [9,14,16,29]. For instance, VR has been implemented within therapeutic programs for phobias related to height and public speaking, in which patients were immersed into an environment where they progressively worked on their fears [30,31]. Furthermore, VR exercise has been successfully used within rehabilitation settings for motor learning following a stroke, which led to patients' increased brain plasticity [17,32].…”

A Literature Overview of Virtual Reality (VR) in Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders: Recent Advances and Limitations

“…Initially, VR graded exposure therapy was found to be successful in reducing fear of spiders (51, 52), social phobia (53), and flight phobia (3, 54) after applying it to a small number of subjects. A self-training program with mobile VR individuals with acrophobia has been safely and successfully applied to reduce fear of heights (55). It can be safely applied at home and at the hospital.…”