Not provided
| ID | Type | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty Development Grant | Other Grant/Funding Number | University of Alabama at Birmingham |
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
The purpose of this project is to examine the effects of virtual reality greenspace exposure on physiological and affective acute stress responses among adults with mobility impairments.
Exposure to greenspace is known to yield numerous mental and physical health benefits such as improved mood, decreased stress, and increased levels of physical activity. Regular access to greenspace however is difficult for various segments of the population including individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions. Numerous factors contribute to this difficulty including architectural barriers, shortage of accessible trails, and limited transportation options. These challenges have led to a growing interest in exploring the use of virtual reality (VR) greenspace environments. Studies have demonstrated that VR greenspace exposure can reduce stress and improve mood and mental well-being in various populations but has not been tested among individuals with mobility impairments who experience high levels of stress. During a single lab visit, participants will be randomized to VR greenspace activity or control, undergo the Trier Social Stress Test. The VR group will then engage in a series of nature-based VR activities. The Control group will sit quietly. Assessments will be collected at 4 timepoints. Physiological stress responses will be measured via changes in BP, HR, and two saliva measures (salivary alpha-amylase, salivary cortisol). Affective response (stress, affect, anxiety) will be assessed using self-report surveys. This study will provide insight into the influence of VR greenspace exposure on stress recovery (physiological and affective responses), among individuals with mobility impairments.
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual reality | Experimental | Participants will be outfitted with a virtual reality headset. While seated in a recliner chair, participants will engage in a pre-specified VR nature experience called Nature Treks VR for 5 minutes. |
|
| Control | Placebo Comparator | Participants will be seated in a recliner chair and asked to sit quietly for 5 minutes. |
|
| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Reality (VR) | Behavioral | Participants will engage in a virtual reality greenspace activity for a period of 5 minutes |
|
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) | The survey consists of 10 questions that assess the frequency of feelings and thoughts related to stress on a 5-point Likert scale (Never = 0, Almost never = 1, Sometimes = 2, Fairly often = 3; Very often = 4). To calculate a total PSS score, responses to the four positively stated items (items 4, 5, 7 and 8) first need to be reversed (i.e. 0 => 4; 1 => 3; 2 => 2; 3 => 1; 4 => 0). The PSS score is then obtained by summing across all items. Higher scores indicate higher levels of perceived stress. | The survey will be completed at 4 timepoints: 1) Baseline (Stage 1) 2) Immediately after the Trier Social Stress Test (Stage 2); 3) Immediately following the VR or control activity; 4) 20 minutes after completion of the activity (VR or control). |
| State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) short form | The 5-item short form of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) is designed to quickly assess anxiety levels. The questions measure state (temporary feelings of anxiety) and trait anxiety (general tendency to experience anxiety).The STAI short form is scored by summing the responses to each of the five items, which are rated on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (not at all) to 4 (very much so). The total score can range from 5 to 20, with higher scores indicating higher levels of anxiety. | The survey will be completed at 4 timepoints: 1) Baseline (Stage 1); 2) Immediately after the Trier Social Stress Test (Stage 2); 3) Immediately following the VR or control activity; 4) 20 minutes after completion of the activity (VR or control). |
| Positive and Negative Affect Schedule | The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) is designed to measure positive and negative affect. It consists of 20 items, with 10 items each for positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA). Respondents rate each item on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (very slightly or not at all) to 5 (extremely). Positive Affect Score: Sum the scores of items 1, 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, and 19. Scores can range from 10 to 50, with higher scores indicating higher levels of positive affect. Negative Affect Score: Sum the scores of items 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, and 20. Scores can range from 10 to 50, with higher scores indicating higher levels of negative affect. |
Not provided
Not provided
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham | Alabama | 35294 | United States |
This is a pilot study so IPD will not be shared.
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
Not provided
| Control | Behavioral | Participants will sit quietly for a period of 5 minutes |
|
| The survey will be completed at 4 timepoints: 1) Baseline (Stage 1); 2) Immediately after the Trier Social Stress Test (Stage 2); 3) Immediately following the VR or control activity; 4) 20 minutes after completion of the activity (VR or control). |
| Saliva stress biomarkers | Saliva samples will be collected to measure stress biomarkers. The process is simple and non-invasive: Preparation: Participants should avoid eating, drinking (except water), brushing teeth, or using mouthwash for at least 30 minutes before sample collection. Collection: Participants will be provided with a sterile saliva collection device. They will be asked to spit into the device until it reaches the indicated fill line. Storage: The collected saliva samples will be stored in a cooler bag and then later transported to the UAB lab for storage and analyses. | The saliva will be collected at 4 timepoints: 1) Baseline (Stage 1); 2) Immediately after the Trier Social Stress Test (Stage 2); 3) Immediately following the VR or control activity; 4) 20 minutes after completion of the activity (VR or control). |