HRV-results from Eskoo

Our sub-study focused on residents of the Eskoo care facility in Finland and examined physiological responses to dome-based virtual nature sessions among adults with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. Across multiple sessions, heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured to explore how participants physiologically responded to the immersive nature experiences.

The results showed measurable physiological changes during dome sessions, although responses were not uniform across participants. Two main response patterns emerged: residents who were typically calm and bedbound showed signs of increased cognitive engagement, while more restless participants displayed physiological patterns consistent with calming and regulation.

These findings suggest that dome-based virtual nature experiences may support well-being through different regulatory pathways depending on participants’ baseline arousal and behavioral profiles.

Manuscript

Gorr, N, Ochi, A., Niemi, M.,  Huotilainen, M. An Accessible Path to Nature: Piloting Virtual Nature Interventions Among Adults with Disabilities by Examining Heart Rate Variability. Manuscript prepared for submission 2026.