360° Videos In Scientific Research Studies

A scoping review of 10 studies with 524 older adults found that immersive 360° videos improved emotions and reduced apathy in community settings and residential aged care. Side effects were rare and mild, including among participants with cognitive impairment. Natural scenes and familiar places proved the most effective content.

A pilot study in palliative care combined personalised music playlists with 360° VR nature videos. Patients reported feeling calmer, more relaxed, and more connected to pleasant memories. The approach proved feasible even in intensive care, with high usability and strong patient acceptance.

The study assessed how Expedition-APPP and VR nature experiences influenced astronauts' mental well-being in long space missions, demonstrating VR's ability to reduce stress and enhance mood.

A study conducted at the Bundeswehr Hospital in Hamburg found that viewing a 360° nature video in a Virtual Reality (VR) headset has a relaxing effect on stressed individuals. The effect is significantly better than when the video is watched on a PC screen, showing that the use of 360° nature videos in VR is very effective in reducing stress and more so than watching a nature video on a regular screen.

360° VR nature videos significantly reduce stress and improve mood of individuals in isolation, thus supporting mental health of individuals with limited access to nature.