The Impact of Modifying 3D Environments: The Role of Presence in VR Breathing Exercises

This research project investigates the impact of virtual reality (VR) on rehabilitation through a comparative analysis of three distinct 3D environments. Developed as serious games on the Oculus Quest 2 VR platform, these environments aim to enhance breathing techniques for individuals with conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and post-COVID symptoms, while also addressing anxiety management. The games focus on teaching and practicing specific techniques including Box Breathing, 4-7-8 Breathing, and Bhramari pranayama, known for their relaxation and stress-reduction benefits. Preliminary findings indicate that VR environments and traditional settings for guided breathing techniques without external stimuli are equally effective in reducing anxiety and inducing physiological changes. In a comprehensive study, we observed that the happy environment consistently led to the greatest reduction in STAI-S scores compared to neutral and dark environments. These results underscore VR's potential, particularly in environments fostering positive emotional responses, to augment stress reduction in therapeutic settings.