Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Oct 31, 2024
Date Accepted: May 31, 2025
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
Comparative Efficacy of Virtual Reality Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy Versus Yoga-Based Interventions for Reducing Performance Anxiety in Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol
ABSTRACT
Background:
Performance anxiety represents a significant challenge for students, manifesting as a fear of failure and difficulties managing exam-related concerns and academic pressures. According to recent statistics, anxiety affects over 4% of the global population, underscoring the need for effective management methods. Studies indicate that yoga and virtual reality (VR) training can alleviate symptoms of performance anxiety.
Objective:
Students are significantly affected by performance anxiety. In this trial, virtual reality (VR)-based CBT is compared with yoga interventions to find effective treatments.
Methods:
A single-blinded randomized controlled trial will measure whether the interventions lower students’ performance anxiety. The stratified randomization will be employed to ensure equal distribution regarding baseline anxiety and gender in both groups. Measures: The main outcome is anxiety reduction as measured by STAI-Y1 and STAI-Y2 scales. Other second-order effects are emotional regulation (ER) and quality of life (QoL).
Results:
VR-CBT is expected to reduce anxiety very quickly, whereas yoga is predicted to have long-term benefits
Conclusions:
Ultimately, the research could offer a comparative perspective on these therapies' efficacy, providing insights into tailored, accessible mental health support for students. Clinical Trial: This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT06639841, registered on 2024-10-15, ensuring transparency and adherence to international standards for clinical trial protocols. OSF Registry: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WGT2C
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Copyright
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