Investigating the Relationship Between Eye Movement and Brain Wave Activity Using Video Games: Pilot Study.

Chaoguang Wang,Gino Yu

doi:10.2196/games.8908

Abstract

BackgroundAll eye movements are related in one way or another to our mental processes with lateral eye movements being associated with the different hemispheres of the brain. Eye movement techniques form the basis of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, wherein forced eye movements activate neurological pathways to treat the subject.ObjectiveThe objective of our study was to examine the relationship between players' eye movements and their brain wave activities using a video game.MethodsWe used similar eye movement techniques in the form of a video game called Lifeguard that could potentially stimulate different eye movement mode and create a more engaging experience for the user. By designing an experiment, we further explored the differences in electroencephalogram spectral power activity for the alpha, beta, theta, delta, and gamma frequency bands in Lifeguard and Tetris.ResultsThe game based on eye movement technologies resulted in decreased delta power and increased beta power, but significant difference between 2 games was not found.ConclusionsThe applied uses of this research could mean that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing can be conducted in a more fun and engaging way through the use of gaming technology.

Highlights

BackgroundVideo games have been creating engaging experiences for entertainment purposes since 1970s
As computing power has continued to advance over the years, the sound, graphics, and complexity of video games have improved to create more stimulating experiences, and the application of games has expanded beyond entertainment to areas, such as education and health
Eye movement is involved in memory recall and disruption of normal eye movement patterns that form the basis of eye movement desensitization http://games.jmir.org/2018/3/e16/

Summary

Introduction

BackgroundVideo games have been creating engaging experiences for entertainment purposes since 1970s. As computing power has continued to advance over the years, the sound, graphics, and complexity of video games have improved to create more stimulating experiences, and the application of games has expanded beyond entertainment to areas, such as education and health. The use of biofeedback plays a key role in the form of video game treatment because it provides a quantitative measure of physiological state. The use of real-time biofeedback provides a method that monitors changes in the effect of an individual during game play. By analyzing these changes and using the analysis results to influence the game, it is possible to regulate a person’s physiological metrics toward a specific state or to modify their behavior [1]. Eye movement techniques form the basis of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, wherein forced eye movements activate neurological pathways to treat the subject

Methods

Results

Conclusion