Virtual reality (VR) has been found to have a profound effect on reducing pain sensitivity, especially for those who feel fully present during the experience. A recent study led by the University of Exeter, published in the journal Pain, compared the effects of immersive 360-degree nature films delivered through VR with 2D video images in alleviating pain. The results showed that VR was nearly twice as effective in reducing pain symptoms.
Chronic pain, which lasts for more than three months, is challenging to treat. The researchers simulated this type of pain in healthy participants and found that VR nature scenes had a similar pain-relieving effect to that of painkillers, lasting for at least five minutes after the VR experience ended. Dr. Sam Hughes, Senior Lecturer in Pain Neuroscience at the University of Exeter, explained that exposure to nature can help reduce everyday pain, but there was limited research on its impact on chronic pain.
The study involved 29 healthy participants who experienced pain from electric shocks on their forearm. After watching VR nature scenes, the participants reported a significant reduction in pain sensitivity to pricking stimuli. The more present they felt during the VR experience, the stronger the pain-relieving effect. Brain scans also revealed that individuals with stronger connectivity in pain-modulating brain regions experienced less pain.
Dr. Sonia Medina, one of the authors of the study, highlighted the immersive nature of VR as a key factor in reducing pain. The study suggests that nature scenes delivered through VR can alter how pain signals are processed in the brain and spinal cord, offering a potential non-pharmacological approach to managing pain. The researchers hope that this study will lead to further research on the use of nature scenes in pain management, especially in healthcare settings like care homes and hospitals.
The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the therapeutic benefits of VR nature experiences for individuals living with chronic pain. By creating a sense of presence in nature, VR technology has the potential to transform pain management strategies and improve the quality of life for those suffering from long-term pain conditions.
