Exposure to virtual nature enhances heart rate variability: A
randomized controlled trial

J 2026

Exposure to virtual nature enhances heart rate variability: A randomized controlled trial

SZITÁS, Dagmar a Julia HALAMOVA

Základní údaje

Originální název

Exposure to virtual nature enhances heart rate variability: A randomized controlled trial

Autoři

SZITÁS, Dagmar a Julia HALAMOVA

Vydání

COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR REPORTS, AMSTERDAM, ELSEVIER, 2026, 2451-9588

Další údaje

Typ výsledku

Článek v odborném periodiku

Impakt faktor

Impact factor: 5.800 v roce 2024

Označené pro přenos do RIV

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2026.100957

UT WoS

001684917000001

Klíčová slova anglicky

HRV; Virtual reality; Forest bathing; Emotion regulation; Resilience; Stress; Stress regulation

Změněno: 25. 3. 2026 12:38, Mgr. Dagmar Szitás, PhD.

Anotace

V originále

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a key physiological marker of autonomic nervous system regulation, closely linked to stress regulation, resilience and emotional regulation. This study examined the impact of virtual environments on Heart Rate Variability (HRV) by comparing physiological responses in a virtual forest and a virtual urban setting. Using a between-subjects experimental design, 34 participants were randomly assigned to either the virtual Forest Group or the virtual City Group. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) data were collected using a Polar H10 heart rate monitor and analysed using time-domain indices from 5-min segments. Results showed that participants in the virtual forest condition exhibited a significant increase in Standard Deviation of NN Intervals (SDNN), indicating enhanced parasympathetic activity and relaxation. Conversely, participants in the virtual city condition showed a significant reduction in Standard Deviation of NN Intervals (SDNN), reflecting heightened stress responses. These findings align with prior research suggesting that exposure to natural environments, even in virtual reality, can foster parasympathetic activation and stress resilience. Building on the established connection between HRV and emotional regulation, our findings provide preliminary evidence that virtual nature exposure may foster beneficial regulatory processes and support well-being. Future studies should combine physiological and psychological assessments, examine long-term effects, and explore individual differences in responses to virtual reality environments.

Citovat

SZITÁS, Dagmar a Julia HALAMOVA. Exposure to virtual nature enhances heart rate variability: A randomized controlled trial. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR REPORTS. AMSTERDAM: ELSEVIER, 2026, roč. 21, s. 1-5. ISSN 2451-9588. Dostupné z: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2026.100957.

@article{2562841,
   author = {Szitás, Dagmar and Halamova, Julia},
   article_location = {AMSTERDAM},
   doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2026.100957},
   keywords = {HRV; Virtual reality; Forest bathing; Emotion regulation; Resilience; Stress; Stress regulation},
   issn = {2451-9588},
   journal = {COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR REPORTS},
   title = {Exposure to virtual nature enhances heart rate variability: A randomized controlled trial},
   volume = {21},
   year = {2026}
}

TY  - JOUR
ID  - 2562841
AU  - Szitás, Dagmar - Halamova, Julia
PY  - 2026
TI  - Exposure to virtual nature enhances heart rate variability: A randomized controlled trial
JF  - COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR REPORTS
VL  - 21
SP  - 1-5
EP  - 1-5
PB  - ELSEVIER
SN  - 24519588
KW  - HRV
KW  - Virtual reality
KW  - Forest bathing
KW  - Emotion regulation
KW  - Resilience
KW  - Stress
KW  - Stress regulation
N2  - Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a key physiological marker of autonomic nervous system regulation, closely linked to stress regulation, resilience and emotional regulation. This study examined the impact of virtual environments on Heart Rate Variability (HRV) by comparing physiological responses in a virtual forest and a virtual urban setting. Using a between-subjects experimental design, 34 participants were randomly assigned to either the virtual Forest Group or the virtual City Group. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) data were collected using a Polar H10 heart rate monitor and analysed using time-domain indices from 5-min segments. Results showed that participants in the virtual forest condition exhibited a significant increase in Standard Deviation of NN Intervals (SDNN), indicating enhanced parasympathetic activity and relaxation. Conversely, participants in the virtual city condition showed a significant reduction in Standard Deviation of NN Intervals (SDNN), reflecting heightened stress responses. These findings align with prior research suggesting that exposure to natural environments, even in virtual reality, can foster parasympathetic activation and stress resilience. Building on the established connection between HRV and emotional regulation, our findings provide preliminary evidence that virtual nature exposure may foster beneficial regulatory processes and support well-being. Future studies should combine physiological and psychological assessments, examine long-term effects, and explore individual differences in responses to virtual reality environments.
ER  -

SZITÁS, Dagmar a Julia HALAMOVA. Exposure to virtual nature enhances heart rate variability: A randomized controlled trial. \textit{COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR REPORTS}. AMSTERDAM: ELSEVIER, 2026, roč.~21, s.~1-5. ISSN~2451-9588. Dostupné z: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2026.100957.

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