A Short Virtual Reality Mindfulness Meditation Training For Regaining Sustained Attention
arXiv Preprint Archive – July 10, 2019
Source: arXiv
Summary
Just 10 minutes of VR mindfulness meditation can dramatically boost attention and calmness. In a breakthrough human-computer interaction (cs.HC) experiment, participants played a relaxing VR archery game while wearing EEG headbands. Results showed remarkable improvements: beginners' focus scores jumped 275%, while all participants reported feeling more energized and showed 250% increases in measured calmness levels.
Abstract
The ability to focus one's attention underlies success in many everyday tasks, but voluntary attention cannot be sustained for a long period of time. Several studies indicate that attention training using computer-based exercises can lead to improved attention in children and adults. a major goal of recent research is to create a short (10 minutes) and effective VR Mindfulness meditation particularly designed for regaining or improving sustained attention. In this study, we have created a custom virtually relaxing environment including an archery game with multiple targets. In the experiment, the attention span of 12 adults are tested before and after the virtual reality session by a non-action video game ([19]) score and Muse headband EEG-signals. After the 10-minute virtual reality session participants' game scores increased (according to game experience): for the beginner by 275%, for intermediate by 107%, and for an expert by 17%. For Muse headband data, calm points increased by 250% irrespective of the participants gaming experiences. After the experiment, all participants reported feeling recharged to continue their daily activities.