Virtual reality-based sensory stimulation preferences at Amundsen-Scott South Pole station in Antarctica
Abstract Virtual Reality (VR)-based sensory stimulation can provide relaxation and psychological restoration in isolated, confined and extreme conditions such as long-duration spaceflight, but it remains unclear which aspects of VR would be most beneficial. To investigate individual preferences for...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nature Portfolio
2025-05-01
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| Series: | npj Microgravity |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-025-00471-2 |
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| author | Stijn J. J. Thoolen John-Michael Watson Abigail M. Fellows Pooja P. Bovard Gary E. Strangman Jay C. Buckey Aleksandra S. Stankovic |
| author_facet | Stijn J. J. Thoolen John-Michael Watson Abigail M. Fellows Pooja P. Bovard Gary E. Strangman Jay C. Buckey Aleksandra S. Stankovic |
| author_sort | Stijn J. J. Thoolen |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Virtual Reality (VR)-based sensory stimulation can provide relaxation and psychological restoration in isolated, confined and extreme conditions such as long-duration spaceflight, but it remains unclear which aspects of VR would be most beneficial. To investigate individual preferences for various VR attributes, 25 overwintering crew members at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica underwent 16 variations of VR stimulation at the end of their mission, with manipulations in delivery mode (VR vs. laptop), content (nature vs. city environments), duration (4 vs. 10 min), and sensory augmentation (with or without temperature cues). Data collection included pre- and post-intervention surveys on perceived quality (value, immersiveness, restorativeness) and mood, as well open-ended qualitative feedback. We found that VR was viable and restorative in a high-fidelity spaceflight analog. Although longer-lasting nature scenes were preferred overall, interindividual variation in preferences for sensory stimulation emphasizes the need for a personalized approach. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-558e2f13fc244723961da52a08db7d71 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2373-8065 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | npj Microgravity |
| spelling | doaj-art-558e2f13fc244723961da52a08db7d712025-08-20T03:53:58ZengNature Portfolionpj Microgravity2373-80652025-05-0111111210.1038/s41526-025-00471-2Virtual reality-based sensory stimulation preferences at Amundsen-Scott South Pole station in AntarcticaStijn J. J. Thoolen0John-Michael Watson1Abigail M. Fellows2Pooja P. Bovard3Gary E. Strangman4Jay C. Buckey5Aleksandra S. Stankovic6Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolUnited States Antarctic ProgramGeisel School of Medicine at DartmouthDraperDepartment of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolGeisel School of Medicine at DartmouthDepartment of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolAbstract Virtual Reality (VR)-based sensory stimulation can provide relaxation and psychological restoration in isolated, confined and extreme conditions such as long-duration spaceflight, but it remains unclear which aspects of VR would be most beneficial. To investigate individual preferences for various VR attributes, 25 overwintering crew members at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica underwent 16 variations of VR stimulation at the end of their mission, with manipulations in delivery mode (VR vs. laptop), content (nature vs. city environments), duration (4 vs. 10 min), and sensory augmentation (with or without temperature cues). Data collection included pre- and post-intervention surveys on perceived quality (value, immersiveness, restorativeness) and mood, as well open-ended qualitative feedback. We found that VR was viable and restorative in a high-fidelity spaceflight analog. Although longer-lasting nature scenes were preferred overall, interindividual variation in preferences for sensory stimulation emphasizes the need for a personalized approach.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-025-00471-2 |
| spellingShingle | Stijn J. J. Thoolen John-Michael Watson Abigail M. Fellows Pooja P. Bovard Gary E. Strangman Jay C. Buckey Aleksandra S. Stankovic Virtual reality-based sensory stimulation preferences at Amundsen-Scott South Pole station in Antarctica npj Microgravity |
| title | Virtual reality-based sensory stimulation preferences at Amundsen-Scott South Pole station in Antarctica |
| title_full | Virtual reality-based sensory stimulation preferences at Amundsen-Scott South Pole station in Antarctica |
| title_fullStr | Virtual reality-based sensory stimulation preferences at Amundsen-Scott South Pole station in Antarctica |
| title_full_unstemmed | Virtual reality-based sensory stimulation preferences at Amundsen-Scott South Pole station in Antarctica |
| title_short | Virtual reality-based sensory stimulation preferences at Amundsen-Scott South Pole station in Antarctica |
| title_sort | virtual reality based sensory stimulation preferences at amundsen scott south pole station in antarctica |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-025-00471-2 |
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