Contato com a natureza em realidade virtual: efeitos psicofisiológicos em universitários

Abstract

The fast-paced nature of urban life, combined with increasing disconnection from natural environments, has been associated with elevated stress symptoms and negative impacts on mental health. A growing body of evidence suggests that contact with nature promotes significant restorative effects, both psychological and physiological. However, in urban settings, access to natural environments can be limited, prompting the exploration of alternatives such as virtual reality (VR). This experimental study, using a crossover design, aimed to investigate the immediate effects of a brief exposure to virtual nature—via the game Nature Treks VR—on heart rate variability (HRV) in university students following a cognitive stressor. A total of 39 participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Continuous physiological data were collected using the Polar H10 chest strap, and psychological scales were administered at baseline. Results indicated that both VR and passive rest facilitated autonomic recovery. Although no significant differences were observed between conditions for most HRV indices, a significant reduction in heart rate was found in the group exposed to VR. Furthermore, symptoms of depression, stress, mindfulness levels, and life satisfaction showed meaningful associations with physiological indices, suggesting that individual characteristics influence autonomic recovery responses. These findings support the potential of virtual nature as a complementary tool for well-being promotion, particularly in academic environments, and underscore the need for future studies with larger samples and longitudinal designs.