Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40636599›Full record

ArticleCureus2025

Health and Behavioral Characteristics of Metaverse Users in Japan: Metaverse Health Survey 2025.

Ryo Momosaki, Kazuma Tora, Yuka Shirai, Yoko Hasegawa, Kenta Ushida, Ryota Sakamoto, Hiroki Funao

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Cureus, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Ryo MomosakiDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu, JPN.
Kazuma ToraDepartment of Rehabilitation, Akiyama Clinic, Takamatsu, JPN.
Yuka ShiraiClinical Nutrition Unit, Hamamatsu University Hospital, Hamamatsu, JPN.
Yoko HasegawaDepartment of Rehabilitation, Mie University Hospital, Tsu, JPN.
Kenta UshidaDepartment of Rehabilitation, Mie University Hospital, Tsu, JPN.
Ryota SakamotoDepartment of Medical Informatics, Mie University Hospital, Tsu, JPN.
Hiroki FunaoDepartment of Practical Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu, JPN.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background The metaverse has rapidly evolved into a significant virtual ecosystem, attracting millions of users worldwide. While it offers opportunities for social connectivity and enhanced mental well-being, prolonged metaverse engagement raises concerns regarding physical inactivity, unbalanced dietary habits, and sleep health. This study aimed to clarify the health status of metaverse users. Methodology An anonymous online survey was conducted from April to May 2025, targeting metaverse users aged ≥16 years, primarily residing in Japan. The survey covered domains such as physical activity, dietary habits, mental health, sleep quality, and health literacy, using standardized scales and questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize user health profiles and behaviors. Results Among the 417 participants, the majority were males and in their 20s and 30s. Over half reported sedentary behavior of ≥8 hours per day. Dietary diversity was limited, with 177 (55.1%) of participants scoring ≤2 out of 10 on the dietary variety score. Short sleep duration (<6 hours/night) was observed in 110 (26.4%) of participants, and 75 (18.0%) reported worsened sleep quality since starting metaverse use. In contrast, 158 (37.9%) experienced improvements in mental health. Physical activity was also reported: 97 (23.3%) engaged in metaverse-based exercise routines, and 81 (19.4%) regularly chose a standing posture during use. Most participants were in the contemplation stage regarding changes to diet and exercise behaviors. Additionally, 283 (67.9%) expressed interest in accessing medical consultations within the metaverse. Conclusions While various health issues, such as insufficient physical activity, unbalanced diets, and poor sleep, were observed, the presence of users who stand, exercise, and report mental health benefits within the metaverse was also evident. The integration of health promotion strategies into the metaverse presents a promising opportunity to support behavioral change. Future efforts should focus on developing and implementing frameworks that facilitate health through enjoyable and immersive experiences in the metaverse.

Indexed as

cybersicknessdietexercisehealth literacymental healthmetaversenutritional statusphysical activitysleepvirtual reality

Identifiers

PMID40636599
PMCPMC12239050

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.