The multi -sensitive VR forests re -use your mind and raised mood – Study confirms

For the project, a 360 -degree high -quality video clip was produced in the largest Douglas Forest in Europe, Sonneenberg Nature Reserve near Parshem – with original sounds and aroma of essential oils from Douglas Weber. Participants faced the virtual forest scene either as a complete sensory experience (with pictures, sound and smell) or in a reduced form where forest stimuli were used that attract just one feeling – visual, auditory or sham – used. In the variables in which hearing or smell was activated only, participants were placed in a neutral virtual environment to reduce visual stimuli and the effect of VR technology.

Significantly better effect with sensory combination

More than 130 participants were placed for the first time in the case of acute stress using images that stimulate stress. After that, VR glasses are equipped, suffering from one of the four -forest stimulation variables/ bathing. The results showed that the combination of the three sensory stimuli led to a much greater improvement in the mood and a stronger feeling of nature compared to the time of providing individual sensory stimuli. In addition to the positive effects on the mood, there were also limited improvements in the working memory – the cognitive function that enables us to store information and recover it in the short term.

However, the researchers note that the effects of the region and cannot be considered internationally valid. More studies with larger samples are needed to confirm the results and provide a better understanding of mechanisms behind the restorative effects of virtual nature experiences.

“We can already say that digital nature experiences can absolutely produce an emotional effect – even if it does not replace the actual nature,” said Leoni Asun, the author of the study and researcher in the nerve pillar working group at the University Medical Center Hamburg -IPendorf (UK).

The possibility for clinics, waiting rooms and urban spaces

“Especially in places with limited access to nature – such as clinics, waiting areas or internal complexes in urban areas, multi -sensitive VR applications may lead to the lack of increased applications in the introduction. Kühn is conducting extensive research in the effects of the environment on the human brain, and with His colleagues from universities in Vienna, Exter and Birmingham, recently, were able to prove that only to watch nature videos, patients see a less density physical pain (Steininger et al., 2025).

short:

• The forest bathroom improves the virtual reality of emotional well -being and increases the link to nature, especially when several senses are involved (sight, hearing, smell) at the same time
• The study used VR 360 -degree forest video with original sounds and the scent of Douglas Oils, the basic spruce
• There is a possibility for application, especially in clinical, urban environments and other environments with limited access