Comparing the Stress Reduction Effects of Mindfulness: Apple Vision Pro, Apple Watch, and Balance App

open_access
Open Access
Author:
Wallace, Cassady
Area of Honors:
Kinesiology
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Praveen Veerabhadrappa, Thesis Supervisor
Bryan Wang, Thesis Honors Advisor
Matthew Brandon Rhudy, Thesis Supervisor
Keywords:
Augmented Reality
Meditation
Stress
Abstract:
Augmented reality (AR) has begun to emerge as an innovative technology of the modern era that adds digital elements into the real-world view. AR has reshaped how humans interact with digital information, ranging from education, medicine, and personal wellbeing. This study analyzed health biometric measures of participants to determine the effects of AR meditation on stress reduction compared to traditional meditation methods. Emerging technologies may enhance the efficacy of mindfulness practices by facilitating physiological stress reduction. The present randomized cohort study examined the impact of three technology-assisted meditation modalities—AR with visual and auditory components (Apple Vision Pro), wearable technology with visual components (Apple Watch), and a mobile application with auditory components (Balance meditation app)—on biometric indicators of health in young adults. Participants were assigned to one of the three intervention groups using a computer-generated randomization sequence to ensure allocation concealment and reduce selection bias. Each participant completed one introductory visit followed by three study visits, with one day between sessions. During each visit, biometric data—including heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2)—were collected pre- and post-meditation. The primary aim was to assess statistically significant differences in biometric responses across the three conditions. Secondary analyses explored correlations between biometric variability and the type of meditation technology used. Findings may contribute to the development of technology-enhanced mindfulness interventions for physiological stress management.