Tech hub NUDZ
Opatruj.se:
Are you looking for ways to strengthen your mental health and improve your overall wellbeing? As part of the DigiWELL project, we present Opatruj.se – a platform offering scientifically validated tools for mental health care.
Opatruj.se provides practical guidance on managing stress, enhancing psychological resilience, and improving wellbeing. Mental wellbeing is a key pillar of overall health, and the platform offers high-quality information both for the general public and for mental health professionals.
VR for anxiety disorders:
Imagine being able to overcome anxiety or process traumatic experiences in a safe and controlled virtual environment. Exposure therapy is designed to help individuals overcome excessive fear or anxiety triggered by specific situations, and virtual reality serves as a highly effective tool in this process.
The virtual reality technologies used within the DigiWELL project bring an innovative approach to therapy and mental-health research. In our research center, VR is used as an effective tool for treating anxiety disorders. We combine exposure therapy with relaxation techniques.
Our application BreezeTerraVR is designed to train deep rhythmic breathing that promotes relaxation. Through VR technologies, we can directly influence both the psychological and physical wellbeing of patients — which is one of the core goals of our project: advancing wellbeing through digital innovation.
References:
Francová, A., Šouláková, B., Procházková, L., & Fajnerová, I. (2019). Dechový trénink ve virtuální realitě na podporu relaxace—Pilotní studie [Relaxation-supporting breathing exercise in virtual reality—Pilot study]. Česká a Slovenská Psychiatrie, 115(1), 20–26.
Francová A, Jablonská M, Fajnerová I (2023). Design and Evaluation of Virtual Reality Environments for Claustrophobia. PRESENCE: Virtual and Augmented Reality, 32, 23–34. doi: https://doi.org/10.1162/pres_a_00385
Fajnerová I, Francová A, Taranzová K et al. (2023). Virtual reality environment for exposure therapy in obsessive– compulsive disorder: a validation study. Virtual Reality 27, 2691–2701 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-023-00837-5
Fincham, G.W., Strauss, C., Montero-Marin, J. et al. (2023). Effect of breathwork on stress and mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials. Sci Rep 13, 432. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-27247-y
Trekog – cognitive training for older adults
Do you feel that your memory is not what it used to be as you age? Trekog is a computer-based game designed to train memory and other cognitive functions, specifically adapted for older adults and intended for home-based training.
The game is built around a narrative in which the player moves into a new apartment and gradually becomes acquainted with new neighbors. The currently tested prototype, developed in collaboration with the ILA agency within an innovation project, focuses mainly on memory training.
Within the DigiWELL project, the game system is being continuously extended with a range of engaging tasks that train not only memory but also attention, planning skills, and navigation abilities. The main aim is to improve overall wellbeing among older adults by strengthening their cognitive abilities.
References:
Plechatá, A., Nekovářová, T., & Fajnerová, I. (2021). Antispamová ochrana – kolik je? the future for immersive virtual reality in memory rehabilitation? A systematic review. NeuroRehabilitation, 48(4), 389–412. https://doi.org/10.3233/NRE-201534
Faria, A. L., Andrade, A., Soares, L., and Badia, S. B. (2016). Benefits of virtual reality based cognitive rehabilitation through simulated activities of daily living: a randomized controlled trial with stroke patients. J. Neuroeng. Rehabil. 13:96. doi: 10.1186/s12984-016-0204-z
Gamito, P., Oliveira, J., Morais, D., Coelho, C., Santos, N., Alves, C., et al. (2018). Cognitive stimulation of elderly individuals with instrumental virtual reality-based activities of daily life: pre-post treatment study. Cyberpsychol. Behav. Soc. Netw. 22, 69–75. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2017.0679
ATMOTUBE:
Did you know that 9 in 10 people live in areas with dangerously high levels of air pollution? Have you ever considered how the air you breathe affects your health and wellbeing?
Thanks to modern technologies, you can now access real-time information. Within the DigiWELL project, we use the portable Atmotube device, which detects harmful airborne substances and instantly provides information via a mobile app about the environmental quality around you.
These data help us design effective behavioural changes, enabling people to make better decisions and reduce health risks. Clean air directly influences physical and mental health, productivity, and overall mood — all of which contribute to wellbeing.
Atmotube is a portable air-quality monitor detecting a wide range of volatile organic compounds.
References:
Lu JG. Air pollution: A systematic review of its psychological, economic, and social effects. Curr Opin Psychol. 2020;32:52-65. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2019.06.024
Abed Al Ahad, M. Air Pollution Reduces the Individuals’ Life Satisfaction Through Health Impairment. Applied Research Quality Life 19, 1049–1073 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-024-10273-5
Rentschler, J., Leonova, N. Global air pollution exposure and poverty. Nat Commun 14, 4432 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-39797-4
WHO (2024) https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health
DXA:
DXA concerns you directly — it is a key tool not only for assessing bone health and body composition, but also for understanding and supporting your overall health and wellbeing.
It helps identify risk factors that inform personalised interventions and later assess their effectiveness. Regular use of DXA is therefore essential in both clinical practice and research.
Integrating DXA into research projects also enables deeper insights into how physical activity affects body composition, bone density, and mental health. This provides a comprehensive picture of wellbeing with direct relevance to individual health.
References:
RAPP, Kilian et al. Effect of an osteoporotic fracture prevention program on fracture incidence in routine care: a cluster-randomized trial. BMC Medicine [online]. 2022, vol. 20, s. 1-9.
Gonera-Furman A, Bolanowski M, Jędrzejuk D. Osteosarcopenia—The Role of Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) in Diagnostics. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2022; 11(9):2522. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11092522
Edmonds SW, Cram P, Lou Y, Jones MP, Roblin DW, Saag KG, Wright NC, Wolinsky FD; PAADRN Investigators. Effects of a DXA result letter on satisfaction, quality of life, and osteoporosis knowledge: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2016 Aug 26;17(1):369. doi: 10.1186/s12891-016-1227-0. PMID: 27562713; PMCID: PMC5000520.
Messina C, Albano D, Gitto S, Tofanelli L, Bazzocchi A, Ulivieri FM, Guglielmi G, Sconfienza LM. Body composition with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry: from basics to new tools. Quant Imaging Med Surg. 2020 Aug;10(8):1687-1698. doi: 10.21037/qims.2020.03.02. PMID: 32742961; PMCID: PMC7378094.