Research overview
Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging digital therapeutic with many different applications for both acute and chronic pain states. These range from home-based cognitive behavioural therapy to the use of interactive distraction based virtual environments. Simulated natural environments have been demonstrated to have strong restorative effects on physical and mental health in relatively healthy populations, however, the therapeutic potential of using simulated natural environments for this particular population is yet to be explored.
Environments rich in fascinating stimuli are known to engage attentional mechanisms that can shift focus away from salient pain related symptoms. It has been demonstrated that being in nature can improve focus, enhance cognitive control and can break the link between pain catastrophizing and pain intensity.