Title: The Potential of Olfactory Stimuli in Stress Reduction through Virtual Reality Show Chinese title

Title: 嗅觉刺激在通过虚拟现实减轻压力中的潜力

Abstract: Immersive virtual reality (VR) is a promising tool for stress reduction and relaxation, traditionally relying on visual and auditory stimuli. This study examines the role of olfactory stimuli in enhancing these effects, using a randomized within-subject design. Thirty participants aged 18-60 experienced VR scenarios simulating a calming seaside environment, with sessions lasting 45 minutes, in two conditions: with and without a "Beach" essential oil scent (Yankee Candle) administered via diffuser. Stress and relaxation were assessed through self-reported surveys and physiological measures, specifically ECG-based heart rate variability (HRV). Results showed no significant difference in self-reported relaxation scores (p=0.371) between conditions, but HRV analysis revealed a significant stress reduction (p=0.002) with olfactory input, with HF increasing 108% from the Math Stress Test to the scented relaxation condition, compared to 44% without scent. Additionally, 71.4% of participants expressed willingness to use olfactory-enhanced VR for relaxation, suggesting practical appeal. These findings indicate that olfactory stimuli may enhance relaxation subconsciously, underscoring the importance of multisensory integration in VR. Future work could explore personalized scents and long-term effects to optimize VR- based interventions for emotional and physical well-being. Show Chinese abstract

Abstract: 沉浸式虚拟现实（VR）是一种有前景的减压和放松工具，传统上依赖视觉和听觉刺激。 本研究考察了嗅觉刺激在增强这些效果中的作用，采用随机的被试内设计。 30名年龄在18至60岁之间的参与者经历了模拟宁静海滨环境的VR场景，每次会话持续45分钟，在两种条件下进行：一种是使用“海滩”精油气味（Yankee Candle），通过扩散器释放；另一种则没有气味。 通过自我报告的问卷和生理指标来评估压力和放松程度，具体为基于心电图的心率变异性（HRV）。 结果显示，两种条件下的自我报告放松评分无显著差异（p=0.371），但HRV分析显示嗅觉输入显著降低了压力（p=0.002），与无气味相比，HF值从数学压力测试到有气味的放松条件增加了108%，而无气味情况下仅增加了44%。 此外，71.4%的参与者表示愿意使用嗅觉增强的VR进行放松，表明其具有实际吸引力。 这些发现表明，嗅觉刺激可能在无意识中增强放松效果，强调了VR中多感官整合的重要性。 未来的研究可以探索个性化的气味和长期影响，以优化基于VR的情绪和身体健康干预措施。