Researchers discover that audiovisual breathing improves body awareness

A new study conducted at Reichman University’s Baruch Ivcher Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Technology, led by Prof. Amir Amedi, shows how the external representation of physiological signals (interoception) can influence our perception of them and teach us how to improve them to balance the body in stressful situations, for example. The study was recently published published in the diary Scientific reports.

For this study, the researchers focused on breathing, creating an audiovisual representation of the user’s breathing pattern in the form of a spherical object that appears on three screens surrounding the user. The object’s movement mirrors the user’s breathing, expanding in sync with each inhalation and shrinking with each exhalation, creating a sensory connection through the use of many layers that respond to pauses in breathing.

The user is also surrounded by a spatial audio system that produces ambient sounds, while an additional sound from the core of the spherical object mimics the rise and fall of ocean waves, both of which also respond to the user’s breathing. This sensory experience was designed in collaboration with video artist and director Yoav Cohen.

The research team used several tests to assess mind wandering, interoceptive sensitivity, and flow. They found that the experience led to significant improvements in interoceptive sensitivity and flow in users, with a strong correlation between the two results.

Founder and Director of the Baruch Ivcher Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Technology at Reichman University, Prof. Amir Amed says: “These findings tell us that there is a fairly strong bidirectional relationship between the external representation of our breathing signals and our awareness of our internal body signals. The external stimuli help redirect the user’s attention back to their internal sensations, thereby improving body awareness.

“The findings support the idea that sensory substitution can be used to integrate and harness internal and external attentional systems to improve mental health. They also highlight the relationship between the brain and the body, which – for example in the case of breathing – is intertwined with the function of our immune system via the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the nervous system.”

Amedi explains: “The user’s breathing signals are translated into dynamic visual and auditory stimuli in real time. This creates a fully immersive multi-sensory environment, which takes internal body signals and externalizes them to increase your awareness of these internal processes. The experience also includes elements that encourage a more desirable breathing pattern.

“For example, a light from the center of the sphere expands as the user exhales, encouraging longer exhalations, which is known to have a relaxing effect. Together, the auditory and visual cues create an experience that engulfs and immerses the user. This level of engagement increases the user’s awareness of internal bodily sensations through external cues.”

“What we’re doing is trying to improve interoception,” explains Oran Goral, co-first author of the paper. “Interoception, your ability to perceive and interpret your own internal body signals and sensations, is often impaired in numerous psychological conditions and even neurodegenerative diseases (diseases that damage the brain’s neurons, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s). Improving interoception is associated with improvements in mental health, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.”

Provided by Reichman University