Combining frontal gamma asymmetry neurofeedback with virtual reality: A proof of concept case study

Tarrant, Jeff; Cope, Hannah

doi:10.15540/nr.5.2.57

Cited by 15 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…Here, our results confirmed our hypothesis as there was a significantly higher left than right frontal activity in the gamma frequency band during unplanned conditions, relative to planned choices. As some recent studies suggested ( Ramsøy et al, 2018 ; Tarrant and Cope, 2018 ), we found a greater gamma asymmetry score for unplanned choices compared to planned choices. These findings provide new insights into the role of gamma frequency band activity in decision making particularly in consumer neuroscience.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 83%

Motivation in the metaverse: A dual-process approach to consumer choices in a virtual reality supermarket

et al. 2023

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IntroductionConsumer decision-making processes involve a complex interrelation between perception, emotion, and cognition. Despite a vast and diverse literature, little effort has been invested in investigating the neural mechanism behind such processes.MethodsIn the present work, our interest was to investigate whether asymmetrical activation of the frontal lobe of the brain could help to characterize consumer’s choices. To obtain stronger experimental control, we devised an experiment in a virtual reality retail store, while simultaneously recording participant brain responses using electroencephalogram (EEG). During the virtual store test, participants completed two tasks; first, to choose items from a predefined shopping list, a phase we termed as “planned purchase”. Second, subjects were instructed that they could also choose products that were not on the list, which we labeled as “unplanned purchase.” We assumed that the planned purchases were associated with a stronger cognitive engagement, and the second task was more reliant on immediate emotional responses.ResultsBy analyzing the EEG data based on frontal asymmetry measures, we find that frontal asymmetry in the gamma band reflected the distinction between planned and unplanned decisions, where unplanned purchases were accompanied by stronger asymmetry deflections (relative frontal left activity was higher). In addition, frontal asymmetry in the alpha, beta, and gamma ranges illustrate clear differences between choices and no-choices periods during the shopping tasks.DiscussionThese results are discussed in light of the distinction between planned and unplanned purchase in consumer situations, how this is reflected in the relative cognitive and emotional brain responses, and more generally how this can influence research in the emerging area of virtual and augmented shopping.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 83%

Motivation in the metaverse: A dual-process approach to consumer choices in a virtual reality supermarket

et al. 2023

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“…Past studies have shown that meditation practice could induce a greater proportion of activity in the left frontal region, particularly in the alpha band, which was associated with positive, approach-oriented emotional states [4,19,20]. Similarly, neurofeedback interventions that shift the frontal hemispheric asymmetry toward left activation have been shown to induce improvements in mood and alleviation of anxiety and depression symptoms [21,22].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Robot-Assisted Mindfulness Practice: Analysis of Neurophysiological Responses and Affective State Change

Alimardani

Kemmeren

Okumura

et al. 2020

2020 29th IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN)

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Mindfulness is the state of paying attention to the present moment on purpose and meditation is the technique to obtain this state. This study aims to develop a robot assistant that facilitates mindfulness training by means of a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) system. To achieve this goal, we collected EEG signals from two groups of subjects engaging in a meditative vs. non-meditative human-robot interaction (HRI) and evaluated cerebral hemispheric asymmetry, which is recognized as a well-defined indicator of emotional states. Moreover, using self-reported affective states, we strived to explain asymmetry changes based on pre-and post-experiment mood alterations. We found that unlike earlier meditation studies, the fronto-central activations in alpha and theta frequency bands were not influenced by robot-guided mindfulness practice, however there was a significantly greater right-sided activity in the occipital gamma band of Meditation group, which is attributed to increased sensory awareness and open monitoring. In addition, there was a significant main effect of Time on participant's self-reported affect, indicating an improved mood after interaction with the robot regardless of the interaction type. Our results suggest that EEG responses during robot-guided meditation hold promise in real-time detection and neurofeedback of mindful state to the user, however the experienced neurophysiological changes may differ based on the meditation practice and recruited tools. This study is the first to report EEG changes during mindfulness practice with a robot. We believe that our findings driven from an ecologically valid setting, can be used in development of future BCI systems that are integrated with social robots for health applications.

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“…In this study we used Healium TM , the world’s first evidence-based 23,24 virtual reality experience powered solely by brainwaves. 25 This study delivered the Healium TM software using an Oculus Go virtual reality headset.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Virtual Reality and Neurofeedback for Management of Cancer Symptoms: A Feasibility Pilot

Rolbiecki

Craig

Polniak

et al. 2022

Am J Hosp Palliat Care

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Background: Evidence suggests the usefulness of complementary and alternative medicine approaches, like neurofeedback and virtual reality, for the management of cancer-related pain and mood. It is not well-understood whether neurofeedback delivered through virtual reality is feasible and acceptable to patients actively undergoing cancer treatment. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility and acceptability of a nature-based virtual reality combined with neurofeedback as a non-pharmacologic strategy for managing cancer-related pain and anxiety. Methods: This study utilized a mixed-methods approach. Participants included 15 cancer patients undergoing treatment. Patients engaged in a 22-minute nature-based virtual reality experience, wearing a virtual reality headset with a Brainlink headband measuring EEG activity. Participants were asked to complete the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System revised version (ESAS-r) before (T1) and after (T3) the experience to measure pain and anxiety. They were asked their level of pain midway through the experience (T2) and completed a follow-up interview afterward. Results: This study revealed feasible delivery of a virtual reality intervention combined with neurofeedback for patients seeking cancer treatment. All participants (100%) completed the intervention experience. Patients report this is an acceptable approach to managing cancer-related pain and anxiety. Comparisons between patients’ pain scores at T1, T2, and T3 reveal statistically significant reductions in pain (p .001). Patients also report decreased depression and anxiety. Conclusion: This is the first study examining virtual reality combined with neurofeedback as a non-pharmacologic intervention for managing cancer symptoms during treatment. The study reveals it is a promising for managing cancer-symptoms.

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Combining frontal gamma asymmetry neurofeedback with virtual reality: A proof of concept case study

Cited by 15 publications

References 26 publications

Motivation in the metaverse: A dual-process approach to consumer choices in a virtual reality supermarket

Motivation in the metaverse: A dual-process approach to consumer choices in a virtual reality supermarket

Robot-Assisted Mindfulness Practice: Analysis of Neurophysiological Responses and Affective State Change

Virtual Reality and Neurofeedback for Management of Cancer Symptoms: A Feasibility Pilot

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