Virtual Height Stress and Heart Rate Variability

Abstract

Heart rate variability analysis provides an objective evaluation of autonomic nervous system responses to acute stressors. This study investigated the impact of virtual reality-induced height stress on neurovegetative parameters. Sample: The study sample comprised 30 healthy students aged 18 to 25 years. Methods: Utilizing immersive head-mounted displays and a height- simulation application, the protocol involved baseline resting, acute height exposure, and recovery phases. Continuous electrocardiogram recording was performed using a telemetric chest strap sensor and analyzed via specialized heart rate variability analysis software, while psychometric variations were quantified using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Spatial Presence Experience Scale, and Virtual Reality Sickness Questionnaire. Results: Immersive exposure elicited a profound elevation in heart rate concurrently with a statistically significant reduction in parasympathetic time-domain indices. Conclusion: Immersive virtual environments serve as an effective proxy for provoking acute physiological responses, and ultra-short-term heart rate variability analysis represents a sensitive tool for real-time monitoring.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24040/sjss.2026.11.1.36-52