Mindfulness in Technology: Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of VR-Assisted Meditation Among Veterans With Disabilities.

A randomized controlled trial with 40 US veterans (average age 42) tested whether weekly virtual-reality-assisted meditation sessions improved psychological well-being and mindfulness compared with a no-intervention control group. The VR group scored higher on well-being and perceived system usability right after the program; scores declined slightly at follow-up but remained above the control group's. Benefits were similar regardless of participants' baseline anxiety level. The authors describe VR-assisted meditation as feasible and acceptable for veterans with disabilities but caution that the results are preliminary and do not prove clinical effectiveness or lasting change.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Veterans with physical disabilities may experience substantial psychological burden (e.g., PTSD symptoms) and practical barriers to accessing conventional mental health services. VR-assisted meditation could offer a low-threshold alternative, but evidence in this population remains limited. The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a VR-assisted meditation programme for veterans with disabilities. In a randomized controlled trial, 40 US veterans (mean age = 42 years) were assigned to either (a) weekly VR-assisted meditation sessions or (b) a no-intervention control condition. Psychological well-being (WHO-5), mindfulness (SMS), system usability (SUS) and user satisfaction (QUEST 2.0) were measured at baseline, post-intervention and follow-up. Compared with controls, the VR group showed higher post-intervention scores, with the clearest gains observed for psychological well-being and perceived system usability. Scores decreased slightly at follow-up but remained above the control condition. The pattern of benefits did not appear to differ by baseline anxiety level. VR-assisted meditation may be a feasible and acceptable approach for supporting well-being in veterans with disabilities. High perceived usability may support short-term engagement; however, the present findings are preliminary and do not establish clinical effectiveness or durability.