Narrative review proposes a framework linking virtual nature, metaverse and NAD⁺
This narrative review reports that virtual nature reduces stress markers, while metaverse use may support positive affect but is linked to sedentary behavior. Immersive VR exercise may affect NAD⁺ metabolism, but no human study has yet measured VR and blood NAD⁺ together. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
The review aimed to synthesize evidence and construct a conceptual framework linking digital experiences, stress, physical activity and NAD⁺. [1]
About 50 key publications were purposively selected from database searches to represent major evidence domains and mechanisms. [1]
No human study has yet simultaneously assessed VR interventions and blood NAD⁺ levels. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Scoping narrative review with a proposed conceptual framework
- Population / context
- Adults addressed in the reviewed literature on digital experiences, stress, physical activity and NAD⁺; no single study population is specified in the abstract.
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- July 6, 2026
Review question on digital experiences and cellular ageing
The authors note that digital experiences such as virtual reality, the metaverse and exergaming shape stress, mental health and physical activity. Nature-related and urban digital experiences may influence health behaviors through different pathways. How these relate to NAD⁺, described as a key mediator of cellular ageing, remained unclear. The review aimed to synthesize evidence and build a conceptual framework linking these domains.
Supporting source [1]
Scoping narrative review of about 50 publications
This was a scoping narrative review synthesizing systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized trials and observational studies. About 50 key publications were identified through database searches and purposively selected to represent major evidence domains and mechanisms linking VR, stress, physical activity and NAD⁺ metabolism. Because selection was purposive rather than exhaustive, the review does not provide a systematic pooled estimate.
Supporting source [1]
Reported findings and the unmeasured NAD⁺ gap
According to the review, VR nature and digital nature reduce stress, anxiety and physiological stress markers such as cortisol. Metaverse environments may enhance positive affect and social connectedness but are also associated with sedentary behavior and potential social fatigue. Immersive VR exercise generates moderate-to-vigorous physical activity comparable to traditional exercise and may enhance NAD⁺ metabolism via NAMPT activation. However, no human study has yet simultaneously assessed VR interventions and blood NAD⁺ levels. The authors propose a conceptual model linking digital experiences to NAD⁺ metabolism via stress, physical activity and sleep; this is a proposed framework, not a validated one.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
Abstract only; the full text was not reviewed. This is a scoping narrative review with purposive selection of about 50 publications, so it offers no systematic pooled estimate. The proposed framework is conceptual and not validated. The NAD⁺ link to VR exercise is described as possible and has not been measured in humans together with VR.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Nakajima T, Koibuchi Y. · europepmc.org · July 6, 2026