Paykan: Virtual reality gaming as a therapeutic tool for target panic disorder

Abstract

The detrimental effects of stress and anxiety on mental and physical health are well-documented. In the context of professional athletics, high levels of pressure and anxiety can lead to a decline in performance and a regression in well-honed skills, a phenomenon known as performance blocks. While traditional methods have been employed to mitigate these blocks, recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of digital approaches, especially virtual reality and serious games, in addressing mental and physical disorders. The application of digital treatments to target panic, a specific type of performance block which is a prevalent issue among professional archers, remains understudied. Furthermore, the relationship between personality traits and treatment efficacy remains unclear. This study reports on the findings of a formal user study involving 30 archers over a four-week period. A comprehensive system was designed and developed, integrating a virtual reality game as the software component alongside the necessary hardware, serving as the medium for treatment. Additionally, a tailored questionnaire addressing target panic was formulated to facilitate data collection. The results reveal a statistically significant difference between the proposed method and traditional approaches, as well as a strong positive correlation between achievements in the digital environment and real-world performance. The findings suggest that digital treatment can be a viable tool for archers experiencing target panic disorder, and that certain personality traits, such as conscientiousness, are closely tied to treatment effectiveness.