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18 pages, 4992 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison between Full Body Motion Recognition Camera Interaction and Hand Controllers Interaction used in Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Acrophobia

by Jacob Kritikos, Chara Zoitaki, Giannis Tzannetos, Anxhelino Mehmeti, Marilina Douloudi, George Nikolaou, Giorgos Alevizopoulos and Dimitris Koutsouris

Sensors 2020, 20(5), 1244; https://doi.org/10.3390/s20051244 - 25 Feb 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5403

Abstract

Virtual Reality has already been proven as a useful supplementary treatment tool for anxiety disorders. However, no specific technological importance has been given so far on how to apply Virtual Reality with a way that properly stimulates the phobic stimulus and provide the [...] Read more.

Virtual Reality has already been proven as a useful supplementary treatment tool for anxiety disorders. However, no specific technological importance has been given so far on how to apply Virtual Reality with a way that properly stimulates the phobic stimulus and provide the necessary means for lifelike experience. Thanks to technological advancements, there is now a variety of hardware that can help enhance stronger emotions generated by Virtual Reality systems. This study aims to evaluate the feeling of presence during different hardware setups of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy, and, particularly how the user’s interaction with those setups can affects their sense of presence during the virtual simulation. An acrophobic virtual scenario is used as a case study by 20 phobic individuals and the Witmer–Singer presence questionnaire was used for presence evaluation by the users of the system. Statistical analysis on their answers revealed that the proposed full body Motion Recognition Cameras system generates a better feeling of presence compared to the Hand Controllers system. This is thanks to the Motion Recognition Cameras, which track and allow display of the user’s entire body within the virtual environment. Thus, the users are enabled to interact and confront the anxiety-provoking stimulus as in real world. Further studies are recommended, in which the proposed system could be used in Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy trials with acrophobic patients and other anxiety disorders as well, since the proposed system can provide natural interaction in various simulated environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Psychophysiology and Mental Health)

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24 pages, 17877 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of Wireless Sensors for Psychophysiological Studies

by Pedro Silva Moreira, Pedro Chaves, Ruben Dias, Nuno Dias and Pedro R Almeida

Sensors 2019, 19(22), 4824; https://doi.org/10.3390/s19224824 - 06 Nov 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3547

Abstract

James One (MindProber Labs) is a wireless psychophysiological device comprising two sensors: one measuring electrodermal activity (EDA), the other photoplethysmography (PPG). This paper reports the validation of James One’s EDA sensor by comparing its signal against a research grade polygraph. Twenty participants were [...] Read more.

James One (MindProber Labs) is a wireless psychophysiological device comprising two sensors: one measuring electrodermal activity (EDA), the other photoplethysmography (PPG). This paper reports the validation of James One’s EDA sensor by comparing its signal against a research grade polygraph. Twenty participants were instructed to perform breathing exercises to elicit the modulation of EDA and heart rate, while the physiological signal was captured simultaneously on James One and a Biopac MP36. The resulting EDA and PPG records collected from both systems were comprehensively compared. Results suggest that James One captures EDA signal with a quality comparable to a research grade equipment, this constituting a reliable means of capturing data while minimizing setup time and intrusiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Psychophysiology and Mental Health)

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18 pages, 2671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Computational Psychometrics Using Psychophysiological Measures for the Assessment of Acute Mental Stress

by Pietro Cipresso, Desirée Colombo and Giuseppe Riva

Sensors 2019, 19(4), 781; https://doi.org/10.3390/s19040781 - 14 Feb 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4601

Abstract

The goal of this study was to provide reliable quantitative analyses of psycho-physiological measures during acute mental stress. Acute, time-limited stressors are used extensively as experimental stimuli in psychophysiological research. In particular, the Stroop Color Word Task and the Arithmetical Task have been [...] Read more.

The goal of this study was to provide reliable quantitative analyses of psycho-physiological measures during acute mental stress. Acute, time-limited stressors are used extensively as experimental stimuli in psychophysiological research. In particular, the Stroop Color Word Task and the Arithmetical Task have been widely used in several settings as effective mental stressors. We collected psychophysiological data on blood volume pulse, thoracic respiration, and skin conductance from 60 participants at rest and during stressful situations. Subsequently, we used statistical univariate tests and multivariate computational approaches to conduct comprehensive studies on the discriminative properties of each condition in relation to psychophysiological correlates. The results showed evidence of a greater discrimination capability of the Arithmetical Task compared to the Stroop test. The best predictors were the short time Heart Rate Variability (HRV) indices, in particular, the Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia index, which in turn could be predicted by other HRV and respiratory indices in a hierarchical, multi-level regression analysis. Thus, computational psychometrics analyses proved to be an effective tool for studying such complex variables. They could represent the first step in developing complex platforms for the automatic detection of mental stress, which could improve the treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Psychophysiology and Mental Health)

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15 pages, 2781 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Portable System for Real-Time Detection of Stress Level

by Jesus Minguillon, Eduardo Perez, Miguel Angel Lopez-Gordo, Francisco Pelayo and Maria Jose Sanchez-Carrion

Sensors 2018, 18(8), 2504; https://doi.org/10.3390/s18082504 - 01 Aug 2018

Cited by 64 | Viewed by 6182

Abstract

Currently, mental stress is a major problem in our society. It is related to a wide variety of diseases and is mainly caused by daily-life factors. The use of mobile technology for healthcare purposes has dramatically increased during the last few years. In [...] Read more.

Currently, mental stress is a major problem in our society. It is related to a wide variety of diseases and is mainly caused by daily-life factors. The use of mobile technology for healthcare purposes has dramatically increased during the last few years. In particular, for out-of-lab stress detection, a considerable number of biosignal-based methods and systems have been proposed. However, these approaches have not matured yet into applications that are reliable and useful enough to significantly improve people’s quality of life. Further research is needed. In this paper, we propose a portable system for real-time detection of stress based on multiple biosignals such as electroencephalography, electrocardiography, electromyography, and galvanic skin response. In order to validate our system, we conducted a study using a previously published and well-established methodology. In our study, ten subjects were stressed and then relaxed while their biosignals were simultaneously recorded with the portable system. The results show that our system can classify three levels of stress (stress, relax, and neutral) with a resolution of a few seconds and 86% accuracy. This suggests that the proposed system could have a relevant impact on people’s lives. It can be used to prevent stress episodes in many situations of everyday life such as work, school, and home. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Psychophysiology and Mental Health)

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13 pages, 799 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toward an Embodied Medicine: A Portable Device with Programmable Interoceptive Stimulation for Heart Rate Variability Enhancement

by Daniele Di Lernia, Pietro Cipresso, Elisa Pedroli and Giuseppe Riva

Sensors 2018, 18(8), 2469; https://doi.org/10.3390/s18082469 - 30 Jul 2018

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 5194

Abstract

In this paper, we describe and test a new portable device that is able to deliver tactile interoceptive stimulation. The device works by delivering precise interoceptive parasympathetic stimuli to C-tactile afferents connected to the lamina I spinothalamocortical system. In humans, interoceptive stimulation can [...] Read more.

In this paper, we describe and test a new portable device that is able to deliver tactile interoceptive stimulation. The device works by delivering precise interoceptive parasympathetic stimuli to C-tactile afferents connected to the lamina I spinothalamocortical system. In humans, interoceptive stimulation can be used to enhance heart rate variability (HRV). To test the effectiveness of the device in enhancing HRV, 13 subjects were randomly assigned in a single-blind between-subjects design either to the experimental condition or to the control condition. In the experimental condition, subjects received stimulation with the developed device; in the control condition subjects received stimulation with static non-interoceptive pressure. Subjects’ electrocardiograms (ECG) were recorded, with sampling at 1000 Hz for 5 min as a baseline, and then during the stimulations (11 min). Time domain analyses were performed to estimate the short-term vagally mediated component (rMSSD) of HRV. Results indicated that the experimental group showed enhanced rMSSD, compared to the control group. Moreover, frequency domain analyses indicated that high frequency band power, which reflects parasympathetic activity in humans, also appeared to be enhanced in the experimental group compared to control subjects. Conclusions and future challenges for an embodied perspective of rehabilitative medicine are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Psychophysiology and Mental Health)

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16 pages, 1106 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics, Usability, and Users Experience of a System Combining Cognitive and Physical Therapy in a Virtual Environment: Positive Bike

by Elisa Pedroli, Luca Greci, Desirèe Colombo, Silvia Serino, Pietro Cipresso, Sara Arlati, Marta Mondellini, Lorenzo Boilini, Valentina Giussani, Karine Goulene, Monica Agostoni, Marco Sacco, Marco Stramba-Badiale, Giuseppe Riva and Andrea Gaggioli

Sensors 2018, 18(7), 2343; https://doi.org/10.3390/s18072343 - 19 Jul 2018

Cited by 75 | Viewed by 7180

Abstract

We present the architecture and usability evaluation of virtual reality system—“Positive Bike”—designed for improving cognitive and motor conditions in frail elderly patients. The system consists of a cycle-ergometer integrated in an immersive virtual reality system (CAVE) which allows combining motor and cognitive exercises [...] Read more.

We present the architecture and usability evaluation of virtual reality system—“Positive Bike”—designed for improving cognitive and motor conditions in frail elderly patients. The system consists of a cycle-ergometer integrated in an immersive virtual reality system (CAVE) which allows combining motor and cognitive exercises according to a “dual-task” paradigm. We tested the usability and user’s experience of the prototype in a pilot evaluation study that involved five elderly patients. The prototype was tested in one-session training to understand the limitations and areas for improvement of our system. The evaluation consisted in (i) usability assessment using the system usability scale; (ii) evaluation of user’s engagement using the flow state scale; and (iii) expert evaluation involving interviews with domain experts. Results showed a good usability, both for system usability scale and the semi-structured interview. The level of flow (i.e., enjoyment with the task at hand) measured using the short flow state scale, was also high. Analysis of semi-structured interview carried out with domain experts provided further indications to improve the system. Overall, these findings show that, despite some limitations, the system is usable and provides an enjoyable user’s experience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Psychophysiology and Mental Health)

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11 pages, 464 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Disentangling the Contribution of Spatial Reference Frames to Executive Functioning in Healthy and Pathological Aging: An Experimental Study with Virtual Reality

by Silvia Serino, Francesca Morganti, Desirée Colombo, Elisa Pedroli, Pietro Cipresso and Giuseppe Riva

Sensors 2018, 18(6), 1783; https://doi.org/10.3390/s18061783 - 01 Jun 2018

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4256

Abstract

A growing body of evidence pointed out that a decline in effectively using spatial reference frames for categorizing information occurs both in normal and pathological aging. Moreover, it is also known that executive deficits primarily characterize the cognitive profile of older individuals. Acknowledging [...] Read more.

A growing body of evidence pointed out that a decline in effectively using spatial reference frames for categorizing information occurs both in normal and pathological aging. Moreover, it is also known that executive deficits primarily characterize the cognitive profile of older individuals. Acknowledging this literature, the current study was aimed to specifically disentangle the contribution of the cognitive abilities related to the use of spatial reference frames to executive functioning in both healthy and pathological aging. 48 healthy elderly individuals and 52 elderly suffering from probable Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) took part in the study. We exploited the potentiality of Virtual Reality to specifically measure the abilities in retrieving and syncing between different spatial reference frames, and then we administrated different neuropsychological tests for evaluating executive functions. Our results indicated that allocentric functions contributed significantly to the planning abilities, while syncing abilities influenced the attentional ones. The findings were discussed in terms of previous literature exploring relationships between cognitive deficits in the first phase of AD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Psychophysiology and Mental Health)

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41 pages, 8087 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Emotion Recognition Using Physiological Signals

by Lin Shu, Jinyan Xie, Mingyue Yang, Ziyi Li, Zhenqi Li, Dan Liao, Xiangmin Xu and Xinyi Yang

Sensors 2018, 18(7), 2074; https://doi.org/10.3390/s18072074 - 28 Jun 2018

Cited by 529 | Viewed by 30357

Abstract

Emotion recognition based on physiological signals has been a hot topic and applied in many areas such as safe driving, health care and social security. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review on physiological signal-based emotion recognition, including emotion models, emotion elicitation [...] Read more.

Emotion recognition based on physiological signals has been a hot topic and applied in many areas such as safe driving, health care and social security. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review on physiological signal-based emotion recognition, including emotion models, emotion elicitation methods, the published emotional physiological datasets, features, classifiers, and the whole framework for emotion recognition based on the physiological signals. A summary and comparation among the recent studies has been conducted, which reveals the current existing problems and the future work has been discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Psychophysiology and Mental Health)

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