Viscereality: Empirical Validation of a Bioresponsive Virtual-Reality Breathing Environment with Dynamic Particle-Driven Aesthetics to Improve Box Breathing and Modulate Altered States of Consciousness.

The article focuses on a study investigating "Viscereality," a virtual reality (VR) system that maps lung volume onto a surrounding particle-based environment to enhance breath-based interactions. In a preregistered within-subjects study with 39 participants, brief VR-guided breathing sessions improved breathing synchronization and altered subjective experiences compared to a black-screen control, producing perceptual and positive effects similar to longer non-VR breathwork sessions but with fewer negative effects. The study found no impact from manipulating the visual symmetry of the particle field, and results suggest that bioresponsive VR breathing may complement traditional breathwork practices. This research is based on a preprint that has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]