Issue 25-3, 2026

Original article

https://doi.org/10.38025/2078-1962-2026-25-3-67-76

Psychophysiological Patterns of Adaptation to VR Stress: A Quasi-Experimental Study with Typological Analysis

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ORCIDAnna N. Golikova1,*, Varvara V. Timashkova2, ORCIDLarisa A. Marchenkova1

1 National Medical Research Center for Rehabilitation and Balneology, Moscow, Russia
2 Moscow City University, Moscow, Russia


ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION.The rapid digitalization of society and the widespread adoption of virtual reality (VR) technologies are opening new prospects for rehabilitation. Despite the proven potential of immersive environments, their practical application is hindered by a lack of research into individual physiological responses to physical exertion under conditions of artificial sensory stimulation.

AIM.To identify the features of physical load tolerance in an immersive environment depending on the type of higher nervous activity (HNA) and the type of autonomic regulation of heart rate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS.10 practically healthy volunteers participated in the study. Between October and December 2024, sessions using an experimental methodology involving VR headsets were conducted twice a week for 45 minutes each at the Institute of Natural Sciences and Sports Technologies of Moscow City University. The intensity of the exercise was progressively increased every two weeks by making the game scenario more complicated. Before and after the intervention, the functional state was measured: assessment of the mobility and strength of neural processes and analysis of autonomic heart rate regulation. Statistical data processing was performed using the Wilcoxon-W-test.

RESULTS.It was found that regular VR sessions significantly improve simple visual-motor reaction times (decreases in average reaction time and standard deviation, p < 0.05), while simultaneously increasing the stress index (SI by 154 %, p < 0.05), the proportion of VLF and LF waves, and a decrease in parasympathetic activity (HF by 24.7 %, p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION.Analysis of individual-typological features revealed the multidirectional nature of adaptive responses. In individuals with an inert type of HNA and a sympathetic (central) type of autonomic regulation, an improvement in accuracy (a 22.5 % reduction in errors) and normalization of the stress index (a 26 % reduction) were observed. In individuals with a mobile type of HNA, against a background of high learning ability (error reduction by 37.5 %), a critical increase in the stress index (by 549 %) and an increase in delayed reactions were recorded, indicating psycho-emotional overstrain and sensory conflict.

CONCLUSION.VR technologies have varying effects on participants. Immersive environments are most effective for individuals with an inert type of higher nervous activity and a central type of regulation. For individuals with a mobile type of higher nervous activity, programs must be strictly tailored to prevent stress reactions and overexertion. A personalized approach, based on preliminary diagnosis of typological characteristics, is a key prerequisite for the successful implementation of VR in medical rehabilitation practice.


KEYWORDS: virtual reality, autonomic regulation types, higher nervous activity, immersive environment, psychophysiological adaptation, physical еxercise

FOR CITATION: Golikova A.N., Timashkova V.V., Marchenkova L.A. Psychophysiological Patterns of Adaptation to VR Stress: A Quasi-Experimental Study with Typological Analysis. Bulletin of Rehabilitation Medicine. 2026; 25(3):67–76. https://doi.org/10.38025/2078-1962-2026-25-3-67-76 (In Russ.).] (In Russ.).

FOR CORRESPONDENCE:

Anna N. Golikova, Е-mail: golikovaan@nmicrk.ru


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This is an open article under the CC BY 4.0 license. Published by the National Medical Research Center for Rehabilitation and Balneology.