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Attention to Breathing in Response to Vibrational and Verbal Cues in Mindfulness Meditation Mediated by Wearable Devices

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Human-Computer Interaction. Interaction Techniques and Novel Applications (HCII 2021)

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNISA,volume 12763))

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Abstract

As mental healthcare services such as digital mindfulness meditation spread, research to improve user experience is expected to become increasingly important. Thus, this study investigated user perception when a guide for breathing awareness during digital mindfulness meditation is provided through a vibration cue. Focusing on the breath during mindfulness meditation is important, but beginner and intermediate meditators find it difficult due to inner and outer distractions. For this reason, we propose a design guideline for an intervention method that allows the user to concentrate on breathing without disturbing the surrounding environment. In particular, vibration cues can be effective for breathing awareness, because they induce positive neurophysiological changes in the brain, allowing for improved focus and attention. In addition, we measured EEG and HRV to compare changes in user perception. The experiment was designed as within-subjects, and 12 beginner meditators participated. Results of EEG and HRV analysis showed that when verbal and vibration cues were provided at the same time, positive neurological changes were induced and that the user could focus on breathing most effectively. This study’s results provide insights on the design of mindfulness wearable-vibration applications in practical terms, along with expanded knowledge of digital mental healthcare and HCI research.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Kiseong Kim, Ph.D., and Daeyong Shin, Mr. (BioBrain Inc., Daejeon, Korea) for the analysis of the electroencephalograms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kookmin University, Seoul, South Korea

    Eunseong Kim, Jeongyun Heo & Jeongmin Han

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  1. Eunseong Kim
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Correspondence to Jeongyun Heo .

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  1. The Open University of Japan, Chiba, Japan

    Masaaki Kurosu

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Kim, E., Heo, J., Han, J. (2021). Attention to Breathing in Response to Vibrational and Verbal Cues in Mindfulness Meditation Mediated by Wearable Devices. In: Kurosu, M. (eds) Human-Computer Interaction. Interaction Techniques and Novel Applications. HCII 2021. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 12763. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78465-2_31

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78465-2_31

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