Challenge
Physical and mental tension are intricately connected through the body’s stress response system, where psychological stress manifests as muscle tension and vice versa. Trapezius muscle activity, often elevated during stress, is directly correlated with emotional states like anxiety, forming a feedback loop that perpetuates stress and tension.
Approach
In this project, we use EMG sensors to identify when an individual’s trapezius muscle is activated, and provide a VR-delivered Progressive Muscle Relaxation exercise to encourage both physical and mental relaxation. In the VR environment, we also visualise users changing bodily states, in order to encourage reflexive self-awareness of the symptoms of stress.
Expected Results
We expect that VR-environments that incorporate EMG sensors and visualise participants bodily states outperform VR-environments that do not incorporate such biofeedback.
Project Status
Ongoing
Lead Researchers
Melanie Baumgartner
