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

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-minute 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.