Effects of a Virtual Reality Intervention on Mental Health Outcomes and Academic Success in Physical Therapy Students

The Effects of a Virtual Reality Intervention on Mental Health Outcomes and Academic Success in First Year Physical Therapy Students

Exploring the impact of a virtual reality program, First Resort on graduate physical therapy student wellness and academic success.

This study is exploring the impact of an 8-week virtual reality intervention among graduate physical therapy students. Self-report measures of anxiety, depression and stress will be collected pre/post to assess the impact of the virtual reality intervention.

Purpose:

1. Determine if there is an impact of a virtual reality intervention on symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress levels in first year physical therapy doctoral students
2. Explore correlations between performance, anxiety, depression, stress and First Resort use in first year physical therapy doctoral students
3. Explore the feasibility of use of First Resort app in first year physical therapy doctoral students

Inclusion Criteria:

Physical Therapy students enrolled at a single university in the southern United States during the fall 2024 semester

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Exclusion Criteria:

Patient Health Questionnaire-8 score of 15 or more General Anxiety Disorder-7 score of 15 or more History of seizures History of motion sickness History of epilepsy History of balance impairment History of significant visual History of auditory impairment

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