Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Oct 31, 2024
Date Accepted: May 29, 2025
The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Mindfulness Interventions for Managing Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
ABSTRACT
Background:
Mindfulness interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in improving mental health outcomes, but traditional delivery methods face accessibility and engagement challenges. Virtual reality (VR) technology offers an innovative, immersive approach to mindfulness training, yet the evidence regarding VR-based mindfulness interventions has not been systematically evaluated.
Objective:
This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VR-based mindfulness interventions compared to traditional mindfulness practices, other active interventions, or no intervention in improving mental health outcomes among adults.
Methods:
We will search multiple electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Scopus) for randomized controlled trials published in English that evaluate VR-based mindfulness interventions in adult populations. Primary outcomes will include stress, anxiety, and depression, while secondary outcomes will encompass mindfulness levels, well-being, and user experience. Two independent reviewers will screen studies, extract data, and assess risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. If appropriate, a random-effects meta-analysis will be conducted, with heterogeneity assessed using the I² statistic. Subgroup analyses will explore potential moderators of intervention effectiveness. The GRADE approach will be used to evaluate the certainty of evidence.
Results:
The protocol has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024585899). The comprehensive search strategy has been developed, and the systematic review is expected to be completed by end of 2024. Findings will be presented through forest plots, summary of findings tables, and narrative synthesis.
Conclusions:
This systematic review will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of VR-based mindfulness interventions for improving mental health outcomes. The findings will inform clinical practice regarding the potential of VR technology as a complementary or alternative approach to traditional mindfulness practices and guide future research in this emerging field. Clinical Trial: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) CRD42024585899; https://tinyurl.com/288evyku
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