Virtual reality (VR) is a term that applies to computer-simulated environments that can simulate physical presence in places in the real world, as well as in imaginary worlds.
Further to my last post , in a study from last year, Virtual Reality was integrated with Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback training (HRV BFB) and the combination positively impacted on the psychological, physiological and sport performance of a collegiate golfer after 10 weeks of training…
…This study sought to identify whether HRV BFB procedure impacted psychological, physiological, and sport performance of a collegiate golfer. This individual volunteered to participate in 10 weeks of HRV BFB training … During the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth weeks of the study, the golfer and lead author met at a virtual reality golf center to practice skills for breathing at resonance frequency during golf performance. Golf performance and HR were recorded during nine holes of virtual reality golf before and after 10 weeks of HRV BFB training. Self-report questionnaires were administered also before and after HRV BFB training to measure symptoms of anxiety, stress, and sensation seeking. Physiological measures, including HRV and respiration rate, were recorded in the lab during the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth weeks of the study. Reduction in symptoms of anxiety, stress, and sensation seeking and increases in total HRV, low-frequency HRV, and amplitude of oscillation at .1 Hz and improved sport performance were observed. This effect became stronger across 10 weeks of HRV BFB training. A larger-scale study was conducted and is in the process of analysis to confirm these findings.
Virtual Reality combined with Biofeedback (in the quote below specifically Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) Biofeedback) is also being used to treat various phobias…
In Autism Spectrum Disorders, Virtual Reality technology may offer a particularly useful role in aiding in social skills training (this could well be enhanced by HRV Biofeedback )…
…Overall, there seems to be an encouraging basis from which to develop a new approach to social skills training for people with autism. Virtual reality technology is an exciting tool that can accommodate the strengths of previous social skills intervention strategies, and also extend the possibilities for learning by allowing flexible responding to be practised in a safe and supportive environment. In addition, [Virtual Environments] may facilitate the transfer of knowledge between the virtual and the real world, a crucial consideration in any attempt to teach social skills.
Concerns that the use of computer-based technology might collude with the social disability of autism, rather than improve social understanding, are assuaged somewhat by the adoption of collaborative working practices (i.e. a teacher/parent/carer sitting alongside the person using the program) and built-in flexibility that ensures that programs remain unpredictable. In other words, [Virtual Environments] should be used to augment teaching practices rather than replace them.
The proliferation of new technologies is exciting because of the opportunities which they offer to different clinical groups in need of very specific kinds of help. Whilst the use of VR is not promoted as a panacea for these problems it does, nevertheless, provide a novel approach to social skills training for people with autism. Over and above the appeal of novelty, [Virtual Reality Technology] allows us to target the specific realm of cognitive flexibility–an area of functioning which may not be amenable to investigation by more traditional approaches, such as story-telling and the presentation of pictures or photographs. Virtual reality technology might also offer a valuable opportunity to practise role-playing skills, which could have both practical and cognitive benefits. Only by exploring new ways of tackling the problem of social skills training for people with autism can we hope to gain further insights into what might be possible for intervention and training purposes. Virtual reality technology provides a unique viewpoint on this issue and should be welcomed, albeit with careful consideration…
(sources: An Error Occurred Setting Your User Cookie ; www.cim.mcgill.ca/~jer/courses/hci/lectures/myers.pdf; Aptos, CA psychologist: Can virtual reality technology assist young adults with autistic spectrum issues to learn social skills? Maybe… | Monterey Bay Forum )