Introduction
Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies are increasingly being integrated into healthcare, offering novel approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and overall well-being. These technologies have shown promise in various domains, including mental health, cognitive and motor function, and surgical procedures. This synthesis explores the health implications of VR and AR based on recent research findings.
Key Insights
-
Mental Health Treatment and Assessment:
- VR exposure-based treatments can effectively reduce anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, substance-related disorders, and eating disorders .
- VR and AR technologies are emerging as valuable tools for diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, including depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, with potential for remote treatment applications .
- These technologies can enhance the quality of life and psychological well-being of people living with dementia and mild cognitive impairment by providing mental stimulation and facilitating social interaction.
-
Cognitive and Motor Function:
- VR-based cognitive and motor exercises have shown beneficial effects on brain health, improving cognitive and motor functions, and serving as effective tools for assessment and diagnosis in clinical neuroscience.
- The use of VR in training and exercise can lead to significant improvements in cognitive and motor skills, highlighting its potential in both research and medical practice.
-
Surgical Applications:
- VR and AR are transforming surgical practices by providing immersive, three-dimensional digital environments that enhance spatial awareness, cognition, and procedural planning, leading to better patient outcomes.
- These technologies offer powerful methods for exploring and interacting with digital medical data, improving learning environments and perioperative contexts.
-
Health and Safety Concerns:
- Despite the benefits, VR use can lead to VR-induced symptoms and effects (VRISE), such as VR-induced sickness, which are generally mild and subside quickly but still require consideration in future research.
- Recommendations for future research include ensuring empirical trials reflect actual VR use contexts and exploring ways to manage VR-induced effects.
-
General Health and Well-being:
- VR and AR have significant potential to impact overall health and well-being by influencing psychological, physical, and cognitive aspects of health, promoting a holistic approach to health psychology.
- These technologies are seen as tools that can speed up the process of achieving a complete state of well-being, as defined by the World Health Organization.
Conclusion
VR and AR technologies hold substantial promise in the healthcare sector, particularly in mental health treatment, cognitive and motor function improvement, and surgical applications. While they offer numerous benefits, including enhanced treatment outcomes and improved quality of life, there are also health and safety concerns that need to be addressed. Future research should focus on optimizing these technologies for practical use, managing potential adverse effects, and exploring their full potential in promoting overall health and well-being.