Virtual RealityFeasibility of an Immersive Virtual Reality Based Biofeedback Intervention for Outpatients in Rheumatology

These participants would express either interest or a lack of interest in trying biofeedback/virtual reality therapy. They will be instructed on how to use the virtual reality equipment and program. Then, they will have the option to participate in the biofeedback/virtual reality experience, if they choose to do so, before sharing their feedback.

The intervention uses a smart phone with a virtual reality app; a headset that connects to the phone and has goggles that contribute to the 3 dimensional, interactive, and surrounding aspects of the experience; headphones through which subjects hear calming sounds and guiding voices from the experience; an attached microphone that allows subjects to monitor their breathing and interact with their environment through their breath; and a heart rate monitor whose realtime data on variability has an affect on the virtual environment. The virtual reality experience guides subjects through deep breathing exercises. Subjects will attempt to match a certain slow breathing rate, and pulse and breathing rate will cause non-stressful changes to the environment.