Can virtual reality make mindfulness training more engaging and effective?
Mindfulness-based programs are widely used to improve mental health and emotional well-being. They have proven benefits for reducing stress, anxiety, and psychological distress in non-clinical populations. However, one major challenge remains: many participants drop out before completing the program, especially in digital or remote formats.
Recent advances in immersive technology have opened new doors. By creating multisensory and engaging environments, Virtual Reality may help both adherence and results in mindfulness training. A new study explores this potential.
A pilot study combining mindfulness and immersive VR
A recent pilot randomized controlled trial explored the acceptability and effectiveness of adding VR to a mindfulness-based program. The study involved 51 adults without clinical mental health conditions, who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a mindfulness-based program (MBP), the same program combined with VR (MBP + VR), or a relaxation program used as a control condition.
The intervention lasted six weeks and included multiple group sessions. Participants in the MBP + VR group also took part in six short immersive experiences using the MK360 projection system, which provides auditory and visual stimuli to enable participants to navigate within a virtual world, without the need for head-mounted displays.
A pilot study combining mindfulness and immersive VR
A recent pilot randomized controlled trial explored the acceptability and effectiveness of adding VR to a mindfulness-based program. The study involved 51 adults without clinical mental health conditions, who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a mindfulness-based program (MBP), the same program combined with VR (MBP + VR), or a relaxation program used as a control condition.
The intervention lasted six weeks and included multiple group sessions. Participants in the MBP + VR group also took part in six short immersive experiences using the MK360 projection system, which provides auditory and visual stimuli to enable participants to navigate within a virtual world, without the need for head-mounted displays.
Research collaboration and program development
The study was conducted through a formal research collaboration coordinated by Marta Modrego-Alarcón, Yolanda López-Del-Hoyo, María Beltrán-Ruiz, Javier García-Campayo, and Jesús Montero-Marín, who led the design, guidance, and execution of the trial at the University of Zaragoza.
The trial consisted of 16 sessions, with pre- and post-treatment assessments conducted one week before and one week after the 6-week program.
Broomx played an active role in shaping the immersive mindfulness sessions, contributing both to the design of the VR-based sessions and to the development of the virtual environments using its MK360 technology.
Research collaboration and program development
The study was conducted through a formal research collaboration coordinated by Marta Modrego-Alarcón, Yolanda López-Del-Hoyo, María Beltrán-Ruiz, Javier García-Campayo, and Jesús Montero-Marín, who led the design, guidance, and execution of the trial at the University of Zaragoza.
The trial consisted of 16 sessions, with pre- and post-treatment assessments conducted one week before and one week after the 6-week program.
Broomx played an active role in shaping the immersive mindfulness sessions, contributing both to the design of the VR-based sessions and to the development of the virtual environments using its MK360 technology.
Mindfulness practices in virtual environments
The VR sessions were created as a natural extension of the mindfulness program and were introduced gradually. Each immersive experience focused on a core mindfulness practice, including; breathing awareness, body scans, mindful movement, walking meditation, and more.
All exercises took place in calm virtual worlds, such as; maritime scenes, deserts, and natural landscapes. The sessions were supported by audio instructions and soothing sounds. The goal was to help participants ground themselves, connect with the moment, and discover mindfulness through an immersive lens.
Mindfulness practices in virtual environments
The VR sessions were created as a natural extension of the mindfulness program and were introduced gradually. Each immersive experience focused on a core mindfulness practice, including; breathing awareness, body scans, mindful movement, walking meditation, and more.
All exercises took place in calm virtual worlds, such as; maritime scenes, deserts, and natural landscapes. The sessions were supported by audio instructions and soothing sounds. The goal was to help participants ground themselves, connect with the moment, and discover mindfulness through an immersive lens.
Key results for mental health and engagement
All three research groups showed reductions in psychological distress after the intervention. However, the mindfulness program combined with VR achieved significantly greater reductions compared to the relaxation group.
Both mindfulness groups also showed improvements in mindfulness skills compared to the relaxation (control) group. During the VR sessions specifically, participants experienced increased relaxation, along with reductions in anxiety, and sadness in some sessions. Levels of presence in virtual environments were reported as moderate, indicating a consistent sense of immersion.
Participants reported high satisfaction with the mindfulness programs, and the VR-supported sessions were generally perceived as useful and comfortable.
Why this matters
The findings suggest that immersive VR can be a valuable addition to mindfulness programs, enhancing engagement and supporting mental health outcomes without replacing traditional practice. While further research with larger sample sizes is needed, this pilot study highlights the potential of immersive technology as a tool for mental well-being promotion.