Physiological Responsiveness to VR and non-VR Environments

Researchers have delved into the advantages and potential applications of virtual reality (VR) in a variety of scenarios, which has recently generated notable interest in research circles. However, there remains a lack of substantial quantitative evidence supporting the extent of physiological immersion in virtual reality experiences. This study seeks to compare and analyze the physiological responses of participants engaged in gaming using a VR headset versus a non- VR device. Key physiological parameters including Electrodermal Activity (EDA), Heart Rate (HR), Blood Volume Pulse (BVP), Temperature, and Blood Pressure were meticulously monitored using the E4 Empatica Sensor and Omron device. In addition, a qualitative survey was conducted to assess secondary outcomes, encompassing factors such as Calmness, Energy Level, and Ease of Use. The findings suggest that significant alterations in EDA, BVP, and HR occurred within the VR environment when compared to baseline measurements, whereas no notable changes were observed in the non-VR setting. Furthermore, feedback from user surveys indicates that individuals experienced a greater sense of calmness and increased energy levels when using a VR headset. In summary, this study underscores that users tend to undergo pronounced physiological responses within a VR environment, signaling a heightened sense of immersion compared to traditional non- VR settings.