A 2018 research study, authored by School of Kinesiology associate professor and director of the Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory (PAEL), Zan Gao, PhD, was recently referenced in an article from VR Fitness Insider titled “Happy Body Happy Brain – Mental Health Benefits of Virtual Reality.”

The VR Fitness article cites the study “Virtual Reality Exercise for Anxiety and Depression: A Preliminary Review of Current Research in an Emerging Field” which was coauthored by former School of Kinesiology doctoral students, Nan Zeng, PhD, Zachary Pope, PhD, and Jung Eun Lee, PhD. The study synthesized literature concerning the effect of virtual reality (VR) exercise on anxiety and depression among various populations. The study concluded that existing evidence is insufficient to support the advantages of VR exercise as a stand-alone treatment over traditional therapy in the alleviation of anxiety and depression, and that more research is needed.